Upon heating, hard water produces ‘scale’ and so hot water systems, kettles, electric irons and domestic appliances are particularly prone to ‘scaling up’.
Hard water can also leave ‘tide marks’ on basins, sinks, baths and toilets and a scum on the surface of hot drinks, especially tea brewed in the cup with a teabag (due to the air and oil in the tea). Scale and scum is not harmful, but we appreciate you may find it aesthetically unpleasing.
To reduce the build up of scale
- In kettles – don’t re-boil any water left in a kettle that has previously been boiled, refill with fresh water from the tap or from a jug kept in the fridge. Only using the amount of water that you need.
- In hot water and heating systems – adjust the temperature that the water is heated to 60oC. This will not only save you money, but also reduce the risk of scalding from the water being too hot.
We are unable to advise on the use of de-scaling products. However, if you do decide to use a de-scaling product, please take care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be aware that in the short term there might actually appear be an increase in the amount of scale you notice in the water after it has been heated. This is because the scale that comes out of the water has no available scale layer to adhere to.