Review of the 7 best descalers. Rating based on user reviews

Scale is a pressing problem that everyone has encountered. If once it could only be seen in kettles and saucepans, now this unpleasant issue has affected all electrical appliances with water heaters. These are electric kettles, irons, coffee makers and coffee machines, washing and dishwashers, steamers. All of them require regular care. After all, the lack of timely descaling can lead to burnout of the heating element, and therefore the device as a whole. Fortunately, manufacturers of household chemicals did not leave us alone with this problem and offered a huge number of products for removing scale and limescale. Let's try to understand all this diversity and highlight the best means in the fight against scale.

Which brand of anti-scale agent is better to choose?

The TOP includes products from 9 manufacturers with an optimal price-quality ratio. They have been working in the market for quite a long time and have a good reputation. The list of customer favorites includes the following companies:

• Bosch is a German manufacturer of household appliances and large home appliances. It also produces products for their care; The company's assortment includes products to combat limescale, rust, etc. Most of them are intended for decalcification of coffee machines. Reviews note the high effectiveness of Bosch tablets, liquids and powders, fast action and reliable prevention against the recurrence of such problems.
• Filtero is a brand that produces affordable products for the care of metal, glass and ceramic surfaces. The brand's assortment includes liquids for the care of coffee machines, electric kettles, thermopots and other water heating devices. They are characterized by high speed of action, safety and ease of use.
• Selena – this brand produces a wide range of effective products for the care of household appliances, tiles, and plumbing fixtures . They easily penetrate hard-to-reach places, quickly dissolve deposits and are washed out with water without any problems. After using the product, no traces remain on the surface, and the product looks like new. The main form of release of this brand is microcrystalline and granular powder. The most popular of them is “Antinakipin”.
• Melitta - the offers of this company are interesting because its household chemicals are produced taking into account the specifics of heating devices, which it itself produces. Its products provide gentle and gentle care for products, which helps prevent their early failure. They do not spoil the taste of finished drinks and protect devices from exposure to hard water in the future. The brand's collection contains very effective powders that are fine-grained and quickly dissolve in water. Melitta anti-scale cleaners ensure good heat transfer and help save energy.
• Philips is a popular manufacturer of household appliances, which also produces special products for their care. Thanks to them, the devices remain in working order and look good for a long time. Its liquids, powders and tablets eliminate plaque in 1-2 treatment cycles. They are safe for people, products and the environment, as they do not contain dangerous surfactants. Basically, the options available here are for cleaning coffee machines and washing clothes, although there are also universal offers.
• Electrolux , a manufacturer, cares about its reputation and, along with household appliances, often offers care products for removing lime deposits as a gift. Such company products are mainly produced in liquid form, which makes them highly effective and convenient to use. It is economical in consumption and has a safe formula, which eliminates the risk of damage to equipment and harm to humans.
• Topperr is a manufacturer of inexpensive and at the same time effective household chemicals for caring for various appliances in the home. He has good cleaners for irons, electric kettles, coffee machines, boilers and many other products. Available in powder, liquid and tablet forms. All this copes with both fresh and old deposits.
• De'Longhi is one of the leaders in the production of goods for a comfortable life, including climate control, kitchen and other appliances. They also produce special chemicals for removing lime deposits, grease and many other contaminants. It provides delicate care for products and returns working parts to their original appearance.
• Duden is a Russian brand owned by, which began operating in 2002. Under it, liquid household chemicals are supplied to the market, including for the care of heating appliances. Its characteristics include a mild effect on products, rapid reaction of deposits, ease of rinsing and economical consumption.

The best pipe cleaners

What is scale and why is it scary?

Before we fight scale, let’s figure out what it is and how it forms.

As you know, tap water contains a certain amount of salts dissolved in it. Most often these are carbonate salts of calcium and magnesium. The hardness of the water depends on their quantity. Accordingly, the more of these salts dissolved in water, the harder it is. The rate of scale formation in water heating devices depends on the hardness of the water. When water is heated, salts are broken down into carbon dioxide and solid sediment, which settles on the surface of the electric heater (or on the walls of a regular kettle). This sediment is scale.

At first glance, the harm caused by scale is only aesthetic. But this is far from true. A layer of solid sediment reduces the ability of the metal from which the heater is made to conduct heat. Consequently, due to the resulting thermal insulation, the heating element is forced to increase its temperature in order to heat the water. Based on the laws of physics, the resistance of a conductor increases as the temperature increases, and the power decreases. Reducing power leads to increased time for heating water. In simple words, a kettle with scale will heat water longer than without it. In addition, a layer of scale can cause significant overheating of the heating device, which leads to its burnout and failure (typical of washing machines and dishwashers).

Rating of the best descalers

Our TOP descaling products are based on the results of an analysis of the characteristics of more than 20 products for decalcification of contaminated surfaces. Each product was considered taking into account the following parameters:

• Type – liquid, tablet, powder;
• Volume;
• Composition and its safety for humans, the environment, and the device itself;
• Versatility, the ability to be used for caring for various types of equipment;
• Method of use;
• Speed ​​of dissolution and action;
• Reliability of prevention against repeated deposits;
• The degree of impact, whether the drug removes old stains;
• Easy to apply;
• Consistency;
• Dwelling time on the treated surface;
• Easy to rinse off;
• No smell.

Among other parameters for selecting anti-scale products, there was also the ratio of their price and quality. The decision to add a particular product to the rating was made taking into account the results of testing by experts and customer reviews.

Removing scale from a humidifier

Over time, any appliances become dirty, so they need to be cleaned regularly. This fate also affected the humidifier. Bacteria appear inside the housing, negatively affecting the cleanliness of the air and human condition.

If the device is not very dirty, you can only rinse the tank with cold water and clean the filter. If there is a lot of dirt, then pour 9% vinegar into the tank and leave to steep for an hour. Pour out the liquid and rinse thoroughly. Dry all parts and assemble the humidifier.

The best anti-scale tablets

This product is an oval or round tablet with a diameter of about 5 cm, although this depends on the manufacturer. They are placed inside the household appliance as a whole and are already split there, but sometimes it is necessary to prepare the solution in advance. The two drugs presented in our rating do an excellent job of decalcification.

Bosch Descaling

These tablets are primarily intended for descaling washing machines and coffee machines. They can be loaded directly into household appliances thanks to their safe formula. The substances in the composition are active, and therefore deposits are eliminated in just a few treatments. On average, they are recommended to be used every 200 servings of coffee; the harder the water used to prepare it, the more often this must be done.

Advantages

• One tablet removes all contaminants;
• Does not spoil the taste of coffee;
• Leaves no traces;
• Good compatibility with metal products;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Fast dissolution.

Flaws

• Rinse for a long time.

Bosch Descaling tablets are sold in packages with labels and instructions in English, so it is not immediately possible to understand the rules for using them at home.

Filtero for coffee machines

Those who want to buy a good descaler for their coffee machine should pay attention to Filtero. It shows excellent results in removing such plaque in hard-to-reach places, which guarantees a longer service life of the device. Tablets are sold in packs of 4. In the package and for one cleaning, 1 piece is enough. Their dimensions are 3.6x2.6x0.7 cm, so you don’t have to wait long for dissolution. The drug begins to act immediately after the first contact of the active substances with the contaminated surface.

Advantages

• Adequate cost;
• Ease of use;
• No hazardous components in the composition;
• Enough for several cleanings;
• Can also be used to care for a washing machine;
• Does not leave an unpleasant odor.

Flaws

• Lack of versatility in terms of application.

The best anti-scale powders

We are not talking about ordinary washing powders here, but about granules specially designed for removing scale from household appliances. Depending on the specific option, they can be used either pure or diluted with water. We studied the capabilities of 10 drugs and chose the 2 best based on effectiveness, safety, ease of use and versatility.

Anti-scale powder

First of all, this product is valued because of its low cost, while the quality of descaling does not cause any complaints. Compared to tablets, Anti-Scaling powder is more versatile and can be used to care for almost all types of household appliances - electric kettles, irons, etc. However, it must be used carefully in the presence of enameled elements. It can also be used to process glass and plastic surfaces. Thanks to its high activity and convenient release form, it is economical in consumption.

Advantages

• Convenient packaging;
• Natural color;
• Natural smell;
• Does not leave streaks on the surface;
• Has a preventive effect;
• Does not cause irritation to the mucous membrane when inhaling vapors.

Flaws

• Preliminary preparation of the solution is required;
• It is advisable to rinse with warm water.

For treating water heating elements in household appliances, it is recommended to mix 1 tbsp. l. powder with 1.5 liters of water, after which the composition should be allowed to stand for about 5 minutes. If there is a large amount of scale, it is best to fill the contaminated area with the working solution and wait 60 minutes, then rinse everything off and repeat the procedure in the same order.

Anti Calc Melitta for automatic coffee machines

This descaling product is worth purchasing because it works effectively on both new and old scale. According to customer reviews, it copes well even with large amounts of deposits, but in this case it is necessary to increase the powder consumption and processing time. The product carefully cleans contaminated surfaces; thanks to its small granules, it quickly dissolves in water and does not cause unpleasant odors. Buyers also note reliable protection against further corrosion with its help.

Advantages

• Packaged in two bags of 40 g each;
• Easy to wash;
• Ease of use;
• Safe composition;
• Does not require frequent use;
• Suitable for a wide range of household appliances.

Flaws

• Not a low price.

Melitta anti-scale powder, when used regularly and correctly, can reduce the energy consumption of the coffee machine and increase its service life.

Ways to combat scale

As it became clear from the above, solid deposits on the bottom of kettles and heating elements need to be dealt with. There are several ways:

• reduction of water hardness;
• technological;
• chemical.

Reducing the hardness, or softening, of water is carried out using special filters or magnetic converters that are installed on the water supply line.

A technological method for preventing and preventing the appearance of scale is being developed by manufacturers of household appliances (for example, self-cleaning systems in irons). But built-in systems do not always cope with hard water, which requires the use of a third method - chemical.

The chemical method involves treating the surfaces of heating elements with acid-containing agents. This method of combating lime deposits is the most common at home. It is effective, but has its own characteristics depending on the form and composition of the products used.

Separately, it is worth highlighting folk methods of combating scale. Many people are suspicious of store-bought “chemical” detergents and cleaners and prefer to use natural “natural” cleaners. Two products are most often used to combat scale:

• lemon acid;
• table vinegar.

Let's not hide this, they really remove scale and quite effectively, because they are acids. But there is one small but significant nuance. Both citric and acetic acids without softening additives have an aggressive effect on plastic, rubber and metal parts, including parts of electrical appliances, which, if used frequently, can lead to equipment breakdown. In addition, we cannot independently calculate the required concentration of these agents for various situations. And dosing at random will only lead to high costs for repairing electrical appliances.

The best descaling liquids

This form of release is considered the most universal, accessible and convenient; it is the one that accounts for the greatest choice and demand on the market. Liquid descaling products easily penetrate hard-to-reach areas and remove the oldest deposits, but to do this they must be effective, safe and easy to use. These are the options that are described in the categories below.

Philips CA6700/10 for coffee machines

...We tried to clean a coffee machine with old scale, and the result was not bad. The deposits were eliminated, but for this it was necessary to leave the product inside for a while...

Expert opinion

Officially, this product was developed to remove scale from coffee making devices, but in fact its capabilities are much more diverse. With its main task, according to reviews, the liquid copes with a solid five; it flushes all water supply circuits, where the likelihood of deposits forming is highest. This form of release, on the one hand, is convenient to use, but not the most economical, especially considering that it is not a concentrate. On average, one bottle is required for one cleaning cycle, which, by the way, is not cheap at all.

Advantages

• Does not require dissolution;
• Convenient packaging;
• Does not foam;
• Adequate smell;
• Does not leave streaks;
• Does not damage the surface.

Flaws

• Not sold everywhere;
• The packaging is in English.

Electrolux E6GMG200

The drug has an optimal price-volume ratio; there are no complaints about the quality of the Electrolux E6GMG200 descaling product. At an affordable price, the manufacturer offers a whole liter of liquid, and this is enough for at least 10 treatments. It is primarily intended for removing sediment from dishwashers and washing machines. In addition to this, unpleasant odor is eliminated. With its help, both fresh and old deposits are removed. After treating contaminated surfaces, no streaks or other traces remain, which indicates the mild effect of the composition.

Advantages

• Suitable for devices made of completely different materials;
• There is no need to stand on the surface for a long time;
• Easily washed off even with cold water;
• Economical consumption;
• Optimal consistency;
• Convenient packaging.

Flaws

• Designed primarily for use with Electrolux products.

Electrolux E6GMG200 liquid is highly concentrated, so it can be used either pure or diluted. It softens deposits due to the content of active acids.

Topperr for coffee machines

This product stands out from its competitors in the rating due to its concentration and the ability to be diluted with water. Thanks to this, its consumption can be significantly reduced, while the efficiency remains at the same level. Such results are ensured due to the presence of sulfamic acid and anionic surfactants in the composition, but their amount is within safe limits for humans, equipment and the environment.

Advantages

• Helps with deposits of any age;
• Fast action;
• Effectively softens plaque;
• Gives equipment an updated look;
• Ease of use;
• It smells almost nothing.

Flaws

• Requires thorough rinsing;
• The working solution must be prepared by adding warm water (100 ml per 2 l).

De'Longhi DLSC500

This descaling solution cannot be called cheap, but it gives bright results. The drug is recognized as environmentally friendly and safe for humans, the environment and household appliances. The product is suitable for all types of coffee machines and not only for them. The composition is packaged in 500 ml containers. On average, this volume is enough for 6 decalcification cycles, and this procedure is quite simple. With its help, parts with deposits are gently cleaned, cleaning increases the service life of the product and does not spoil the taste of the coffee.

Advantages

• Suitable for cleaning coffee makers;
• Adequate smell;
• Good consistency;
• Does not spoil the contaminated surface;
• Relevant when using hard water.

Flaws

• Not very convenient packaging.

Duden against scale and rust

The Duden scale cleaning product is worthy of attention due to its versatility. It can be used to process almost all types of surfaces and almost any appliance. It effectively fights deposits even in remote places, as it has an optimal consistency and easily penetrates into small holes where powder or tablets cannot get into. The composition dissolves deposits well, but after this the material still needs to be rubbed with a sponge. The drug can be washed off without any problems with both warm and cold water.

Advantages

• Convenient dispenser;
• Economical consumption;
• No aggressive components in the composition;
• Soft impact;
• Dissolves plaque well;
• Protects against re-formation of deposits.

Flaws

• After application, it must be left on the surface for a certain time.

Duden is interesting because it copes not only with scale, but also with lime and rust. It can be used both for the care of household appliances and for the treatment of plumbing fixtures.

Lime in an electric kettle and thermopot

Dirt and scale form not only in ordinary kettles, but also in electric kettles and thermopots. When thinking about how to wash a kettle of dirt or how to remove scale from an electric thermopot, you can use the previous method for a regular kettle - citric acid. You can also clean an electric kettle from sediment using other traditional methods or a cleaning product.

Limescale in an electric kettle increases energy consumption by 20%. The taste of the water also changes. The sediment inside the kettle spoils the liquid, so it has a bad effect on human health.

One of the popular folk methods is to use a well-known carbonated drink. Coca-Cola will help remove plaque and dirt from an electric kettle and thermopot. To do this, you need to pour the soda into the desired equipment and bring to a boil. After cooling, pour out the liquid and rinse the device thoroughly using special detergents. If you decide to clean the electric kettle and thermopot with industrial chemicals, you can use the products indicated in the previous section.

Which descaler is best to buy?

To clean limescale deposits from dishwashers, coffee machines and washing machines, tablets are more relevant. The powder is the best option for caring for an electric kettle, iron and other small appliances that usually have less deposits. The liquid represents the golden mean and is universal for all areas of use. It can be used to process plumbing fixtures, dishes, and kitchen appliances.

The final choice in favor of one remedy or another will depend on the situation:

• The washing machine can be easily tidied up with Bosch Descaling or Electrolux E6GMG200.
• Duden and Antiscale will do an excellent job of cleaning the iron and electric kettle.
• De'Longhi DLSC500 will be useful in boiler decalcification.
• To remove scale from your steam generator and wet vacuum cleaner, you can choose Topperr.
• When it comes to caring for coffee makers, products from Philips, Melitta, and Filtero will be relevant.

It is best to choose a descaler based on the type of household appliance, since not each of them is universal. However, the low cost of such drugs makes it possible to purchase several different products at once.