The wife's high end iron was completely scaled up and refused to steam even though it has a descaling function. After trying white vinegar with limited success, we were on the point of buying another iron. But after reading on the net that citric acid was reasonably benign and an effective method of descaling appliances I thought I would order one kilogram from C.S.I Cleaning Solutions. The citric acid arrived promptly and was well packed.
No at all confident of success, I mixed up a solution of nine to one by volume, deionised water to citric acid, and poured it into the iron. I then switched the iron on, held the steam button down, and rocked the iron backwards and forwards. Pretty soon the iron started steaming again, first from one hole then gradually all the holes. The steam blew out an amazing amount of yellow/dark grey powder and lumps. After around a minute of the iron huffing and puffing the kitchen was full of steam and acrid fumes (you need good ventilation). I kept this up until all holes were emitting steam smoothly and the scale stopped coming out. Then I refilled with deionised water and let that steam through to clear out any residue of citric acid.
Since then the iron has worked perfectly and my wife is very pleased.
My advice is to use deionised water, not tap water like we did, in your iron. Do this even if the manufacture's instructions say not to (what they mean is that it is not necessary to use deionised water) and don't be put off if the instructions say not to use a descaler as ours did, although some other descalers may be too caustic and damage your iron.
I have also now used citric acid for cleaning/removing scale from other items with good results as well.
Seems like this citric acid is good stuff: £5 and 10 minutes work saved us around £80 for a new iron.
A must for Elderflower cordial
Perfect for home made Elderflower cordial and just as good at descaling a kettle. Great value.
