In daily life, scale problems are always a headache. Whether it is a kettle for boiling water, a commonly used water dispenser, or a shower in the bathroom, after a long time, it will always be covered with a thick layer of scale. These scales not only affect the appearance, but also may reduce the service life of the equipment and even pose a potential threat to our health. There is a substance that can easily solve these scale problems, and it is citric acid.
The principle of citric acid descaling
Citric acid is an organic acid extracted from grains through microbial fermentation and is a safe food-grade raw material. The reason why it can effectively descale is mainly based on two major characteristics.
(I) Acid dissolution characteristics
The main components of most scales are carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Citric acid, as an acidic substance, can react chemically with these carbonates. Taking the reaction of citric acid and calcium carbonate as an example, they will generate soluble calcium citrate, carbon dioxide and water. The reaction equation is: (2C_6H_8O_7 + 3CaCO_3 = Ca_3(C_6H_5O_7)_2 + 3CO_2↑ + 3H_2O). Through such a reaction, the hard scale is dissolved into a substance that can be washed away by water, thereby achieving the purpose of descaling.
(II) Complexing properties
Citric acid also has a chelating effect and can form a stable complex with metal ions. For scale containing metal ions such as iron and copper, citric acid can combine with these metal ions to separate them from the scale, further enhancing the descaling effect.
Wide range of applicable scenarios
The scope of application of citric acid descaling agent is extremely wide, covering almost all places in our lives where scale is easily generated.
(I) Kitchen appliances
Electric kettles, thermoses, water dispensers, egg steamers and other kitchen appliances that are often in contact with water and heated are the “hardest hit areas” of scale. Using citric acid descaling agents can quickly decompose the scale attached to the inner wall of the heat tank and the heating tube, allowing these appliances to restore normal performance and extend their service life. Baby bottle sterilizers will also have residual scale after being used for a period of time. Citric acid descaling agents can safely and effectively remove them to ensure the baby’s healthy diet. For tea lovers, teapots will have a layer of stains mixed with tea scale and scale after being used for a long time. Citric acid descaling agents can gently remove them and make the teapot look brand new.
(II) Bathroom equipment
The bathroom glass door, shower rack, faucet and other places in the bathroom are also prone to scale due to long-term contact with water. Citric acid descaling agents can easily remove these scales, keeping the bathroom equipment as bright and clean as new and restoring their original beauty.
(III) Other scenarios
In addition to the common scenarios mentioned above, citric acid descaling agents can also be used to clean scale in solar water heaters, coffee machines, glassware, etc. However, when cleaning equipment with a more complex structure such as solar water heaters, it is recommended to consult professionals or manufacturers before operating.
Simple and convenient usage method
(I) Mixing ratio
The general mixing ratio of citric acid descaling agent to water is 1:20. However, if the scale is more serious, the amount of citric acid descaling agent can be appropriately increased to increase the concentration to enhance the descaling effect.
(II) Operation steps
First, pour an appropriate amount of citric acid descaling agent into the container that needs to be descaled, and then add an appropriate amount of water. If boiling water can be injected into the container, the effect will be better; you can also use the product that needs to be descaled to heat and boil it yourself. The descaling effect is best when the temperature is kept at 40-60℃.
Let the solution fully soak the scale area. For mild scale, you don’t need to wait too long, just wipe it with a cloth dipped in non-scalding water; for large kettles and appliances with particularly severe scale, you need to extend the soaking time appropriately, or use cloth or paper towels to assist in cleaning.
After soaking, rinse the container repeatedly with plenty of clean water to ensure that the descaling agent solution and dissolved scale are thoroughly rinsed without leaving any residue.
Precautions for use
Food-grade citric acid descaling agent is basically harmless to the human body within the normal use range, but it should be used in the correct proportion according to the instructions, and rinsed thoroughly after use to avoid direct contact with the skin and eyes. If accidentally contacted, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water, and seek medical attention in time if you feel uncomfortable.
It is not recommended to mix citric acid descaling agent with other detergents. Chemical reactions may occur between different detergents, reducing the cleaning effect and even producing harmful substances.
Although citric acid has little corrosion to metal, for some special materials of equipment, it is best to conduct a small-scale test in an inconspicuous place before use to confirm that it will not cause damage to the equipment before comprehensive cleaning.
Citric acid descaling agents should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from high temperature and humidity, and should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
It is generally not recommended to reuse citric acid descaling agents, because the effective ingredients of the used descaling agents are reduced, and the descaling effect will be greatly reduced.
Citric acid descaling agents have become a powerful assistant for cleaning scale in our daily lives due to their safety, environmental protection, convenience, and significant descaling effect. Understanding its principles, applicable scenarios, and correct usage methods can enable us to better use it to solve scale problems and keep the living environment clean and healthy.