Descaling your Appliance

Appliances need to be descaled regularly to keep them performing at optimal efficiency as well as to keep it looking its best. Excessive limescale build up in your appliance will cause your appliance to look dirty and stained and may lead to the appliance failing to work sooner than it otherwise would if it was maintained. Follow the handy tips below to descale your Westinghouse small appliance to keep it running smoothly and looking its best.

How Often to Descale Your Appliance

Instant Hot Water Dispensers

Hard-Water
Every 4 weeks
Soft-Water
Every 2 months

Mineral build up affects heating speed and flow rate more noticeably in these units.

Kettles

Hard-Water
Every 4–6 weeks
Soft-Water
Every 2–3 months

Increase frequency if you see white flakes, cloudy water, or slower boiling.

Irons

(Steam Irons/Steam Stations)
Hard-Water
Every 1–2 months
Soft-Water
Every 3 months

Frequency depends on usage; heavy steam use may require more frequent descaling. Always follow the instructions in the manual.

How do I Descale my Appliance

Limescale build-up is a natural result of heating water, but over time it can reduce performance, affect taste, and shorten the lifespan of your appliances. Regular descaling keeps your appliances working efficiently and reliably.

This guide explains what descaling is, the best descaling solutions, and how to descale kettles, instant hot water dispensers, and irons step by step.

What Is Descaling?

Descaling is the process of removing mineral build-up (limescale) from appliances that heat water.

Limescale forms when water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium is heated. Over time, this build-up can:

  • Reduce heating efficiency
  • Affect water flow and performance
  • Leave residue or odours

What Is the Best Descaling Solution?

The best descaling solution depends on your preference. All of the following are effective:

Commercial Descaler (Fastest Option)

  • Designed specifically for appliances
  • Quick and highly effective
  • Follow product instructions carefully

Citric Acid (Best All-Round Natural Option)

  • Mix 1 tablespoon with 1 cup of hot water
  • Effective, low odour, and widely recommended

Vinegar Solution (Strong Household Option)

  • Use ½ cup white vinegar with water + 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • Powerful, but may leave a temporary smell

Lemon (Mild Natural Option)

  • Add juice from half a lemon to water
  • Suitable for light descaling

Before you begin: Remove loose scale and gently clean surfaces with a soft brush or sponge.

How to Descale a Kettle

To descale a kettle: boil a descaling solution, let it sit, then rinse thoroughly.

Steps:

  1. Fill the kettle with your chosen descaling solution
  2. Bring to the boil (avoid steam where possible)
  3. Leave to sit for 20–60 minutes
  4. Empty and rinse thoroughly
  5. Boil fresh water and discard before use

Regular descaling helps maintain fast boiling times and clean-tasting water.

How to Descale an Instant Hot Water Dispenser

To descale an instant hot water dispenser: run descaling solution through the system, then flush with clean water.

Manual Descaling:

  1. Fill the reservoir with your chosen solution
  2. Set to 100°C and continuous flow
  3. Dispense all liquid into a suitable jug
  4. Discard the solution
  5. Rinse and refill with clean water
  6. Flush at least 1 litre of fresh water through the system

Models with Built-In Descaling (WHIHWD03SS & WHIHWD04SS):

  • Use the dedicated descaling function as outlined in the manual
  • The appliance will empty the tank automatically
  • Do not refill the tank during the cycle

Regular descaling ensures consistent water flow and temperature performance.

How to Descale an Iron

To descale an iron: run a vinegar or self-clean cycle through the steam system, then rinse thoroughly.

Internal Descaling:

  1. Mix ½ cup white vinegar with ½ cup distilled water
  2. Fill the tank and heat to a high setting
  3. Activate steam over a sink until empty
  4. Refill with distilled water and repeat to rinse
  5. Clean steam vents with a cotton swab if required

Using the Self-Clean Function:

  1. Fill the tank and heat to maximum
  2. Unplug and hold over a sink
  3. Activate self-clean and gently shake
  4. Allow scale and water to flush out

Cleaning the Soleplate:

  • Apply a paste of baking soda and water
  • Wipe clean with a damp cloth

How to Prevent Limescale Build-Up in your Iron

  • Use distilled or demineralised water where possible
  • Empty water tanks after use
  • Allow appliances to dry between uses
  • For irons, consider using water from a Westinghouse Condenser Dryer

Descaling FAQs

Can you use vinegar to descale appliances?

Yes. Vinegar is effective for most appliances, though rinsing thoroughly is important to remove odour.

What is the safest natural descaler?

Citric acid is widely considered the best natural option due to its effectiveness and low odour.

How Often Should You Descale Appliances?

Descale appliances every 1–3 months, depending on usage and water hardness.

  • Frequent use or hard water = more regular descaling
  • Light use = less frequent maintenance

Reference the handy table at the top of this page for tips on this.

Why is descaling important?

Descaling improves efficiency, maintains performance, and helps extend the life of your appliance.

Regular descaling is a simple step that keeps your appliances performing at their best—delivering reliable results every day.