If you have an espresso machine, ice maker, combi oven, or other small appliance that requires water to do its thing, you’re likely familiar with descaling. And if you aren’t it means the insides of those small appliances probably look pretty gross. The process uses an acidic solution to remove mineral buildup in order to stop buildup and keep everything running smoothly. But there are a few less obvious spots in your kitchen that would also benefit from regular descaling—and you don’t need to buy a pricey descaling solution to do it.
What is descaling solution and how does it work?
Descaling solution is an acidic liquid that reacts with—and therefore breaks down—alkaline mineral build ups that happen over time wherever tap water sits or flows. Beyond the inside of tubes and pipes, chalky, crusty alkaline deposits often form around the base of faucets, the outer rims of refrigerator water dispensers, and on the bottom of tea kettles. This kind of buildup is especially prevalent where the municipal water source has a high mineral content (a.k.a hard water), especially if you don’t have a whole-house water filtration system. If you aren’t sure about the status of your water, you can start with this map from the U.S. Geological Survey and get a water test from your local big box store.
Can you make a DIY descaling solution?
You sure can. Now, making your own cleaning products can sometimes be risky business, but descaling solution isn’t really a product you have to worry about. In fact, if you’re buying a bottled version of descaler, you’re wasting your money. You only need two things: acid and water.
For the acid, you can choose either distilled white vinegar or crystallized citric acid. I much prefer citric acid for this because it’s a dry, food-safe powder (takes up less space when bought in bulk) and the comparably faint smell is far more pleasant than vinegar. And while it’s not a true sanitizer or disinfectant, it does have some antibacterial properties.
Spiceology
Citric Acid Powder
Bulk Citric Acid
Tap water is totally fine to use in your DIY descaling solution (I do it in a pinch), but distilled water is an even better option because it doesn’t contain any minerals.
Pure Life
Distilled Bottled Water
The ratio of acid to water depends on what acid you choose, but since I’m recommending you use citric acid here, I’ll give you that recipe:
- 2 tablespoons citric acid
- 1 liter water
If you accidentally add a little more, it’s no big deal, it will just be a more powerful solution. Then, just stir until the crystals are dissolved and voila!: cheap, homemade descaling solution you can use in your small appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Where to descale in the kitchen
In addition to using your DIY descaling solution for small appliance maintenance, you can use it to remove the chalky film from the bottom of your tea kettle and water bottles.
And remember that white buildup around the base of your faucet? You can descale that away, too. For fairly fresh mineral deposits, simply pour a little of your homemade solution directly onto the problem area (or soak a paper towel with it and lay it on top), let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a microfiber towel. If you’re dealing with more of a stalagmite situation, you might need to use more solution, more time, and more elbow grease, but I promise I will budge eventually. Just be sure to wear dish gloves, because while citric acid is food safe, it can irritate sensitive skin, especially when mixed with water.
If the base of your faucet has buildup, there’s a very good chance the other end does too. If it’s easy to remove the sprayer head or aerator, you can soak them in your DIY solution. Mine doesn’t detach easily, so I soak the sprayer head of my pull-down faucet by clamping the hose when it’s fully extended, then submerging it in a bowl of descaling solution in the sink. If none of those options work for you, fill a sandwich bag about halfway with the solution and affix it to the sink with a rubber band or twist ties and let it soak for a few hours or overnight; you’ll be amazed at what ends up in the bottom of that bag! You can use this same technique to descale the spout of a refrigerator water dispenser.
If you find descaling as satisfying as I do (and it is so satisfying), you’ll soon be seeking out new spots to clean. Next stop: the dishwasher.