Limescale is a problem in many places throughout the world. Even if you are unsure what limescale is the odds are that you have seen it. If you have ever opened up your kettle and seen a white crust stuck on to the pipes or base of the kettle then you have seen limescale.
It is this deposit, this residue, that is called limescale – and the more of it that builds up the more of a problem that you have. It can force products like kettles and dishwashers to work less efficiently, using more energy, taking longer and not working as well.
Limescale is the residue left from hard water. Hard water is called hard because it has (by comparison) a large amount of minerals in it. This is obtained by water running over rocks and river beds. Whilst this isn’t harmful to people (and often it can be beneficial) to machines it is far more of a problem.
Limescale
When limescale is heated past 55 degrees the water evaporates, as it evaporates the minerals are no longer container within the solution and so start to sink, and to bind to surfaces. It should be noted heating isn’t the only way – simply letting the water to stand for awhile can be the same, which is why limescale can also form on many taps.
The problem is that whilst limescale on taps is easy to spot and clean it is far more difficult inside many machines that rely on water – such as washing machines and dishwashers. Here limescale can build up pretty easily (both require hot water) and without detection.
Similarly limescale can start to coat the inside of your hot water pipes, reducing the heat (because of an insulating layer) and the amount of hot water that moves around the house – as well as the water pressure.
Limescale is a major issue in the home, and it is important that you are aware of it so you can beat it.