Author Topic: Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle  (Read 2270 times)

JeanM

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Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle
« on: February 11, 2007, 10:21:14 PM »
I recently bought an "Erie" tea kettle that I think is to die for.  It is in very good condition; the previous owner did a great job cleaning it and seasoning it.  Except for one thing: there is quite a build up of scale on the inside.  I've picked off a little in some places to try to see the what's underneath it, and haven't found much rust, although there may be some.  But there is plenty of scale, really thick in some places.

Questions:  

Should I try to remove the scale or just leave the kettle like it is, scale and all.  I plan to use the kettle as my tea kettle.

If I work on removing the scale, what should I do to the kettle?  I don't have an electro set-up so that is not an option.

As always, thanks in advance for your great advice.

Jean



Offline Greg Stahl

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Re: Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2007, 07:38:17 AM »
electrolysis in reverse will remove it, but since you don't have that....  other options I have will potentially ruin the metal, like "Lime Away"
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Offline Paul Beer

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Re: Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2007, 10:13:01 AM »
Greg, by in reverse you mean  switching the positive and negative hook ups? I've got one of those old pots and havent been successful in removing the mineral build up on the inside. What does lime away do to the metal?

Offline C. Perry Rapier

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Re: Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2007, 11:38:37 AM »
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Greg, by in reverse you mean  switching the positive and negative hook ups? I've got one of those old pots and havent been successful in removing the mineral build up on the inside. What does lime away do to the metal?

Paul, I am glad you asked that question. I do not believe that is what Greg meant, not to speak for him, but I believe he meant to fill the kettle with water and the ph plus and then suspend a donor piece in the liquid, this way it would be cleaning the inside of the pot. If you "reversed" the positive and the negative the good piece would become the donor and you would be cleaning the donor. Thats the way I see it anyway, unless I am missing something big time, and I ain't started drinking for the day YET.

Offline Paul Beer

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Re: Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2007, 11:10:27 AM »
Thanks Perry, makes more sense...Sorry to hear you are slacking off on your drinking... :-?

Offline C. Perry Rapier

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Re: Cleaning a Scaly Tea Kettle
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2007, 04:40:27 PM »
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Thanks Perry, makes more sense...Sorry to hear you are slacking off on your drinking... :-?

Oh I'm not slacking off Paul. I'm just rearranging my schedule accordingly.  ;D