How to Remove Limescale from a Water Dispenser

Limescale is the chalky white mineral deposit that builds up inside water dispensers over time — particularly in hard water areas like Perth and Adelaide. It reduces heating efficiency, restricts flow, and can affect water taste. Here’s how to remove it and keep it under control.

Browse our replacement cartridge range or see our full cleaning guide: How to Clean a Water Cooler.

What Causes Limescale?

Limescale is calcium and magnesium carbonate — minerals naturally present in tap water. When water is heated, these minerals precipitate out and deposit on heating elements and internal surfaces. The harder your water, the faster limescale builds up. Perth and Adelaide have notably hard water; Melbourne and Sydney are softer.

How to Descale Your Water Dispenser

1. Unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before starting.
2. Empty the reservoir and remove the filter cartridge.
3. Make a descaling solution: mix equal parts white vinegar and water, or use a food-safe descaling agent. You’ll need approximately 1–2 litres.
4. Fill the reservoir with the descaling solution and allow it to sit for 20–30 minutes. For heavy limescale, leave for up to 1 hour.
5. Drain completely and rinse the reservoir 2–3 times with fresh water to remove all traces of vinegar or descaler.
6. Reinstall the filter cartridge and refill with fresh water.
7. Flush the first draw — dispense and discard 1–2 litres before drinking.

How Often to Descale

• Hard water areas (Perth, Adelaide): every 3 months
• Moderate water areas (Brisbane, Sydney): every 6 months
• Soft water areas (Melbourne, Hobart): every 6–12 months

Prevention: Use Filtered Water

Our bottle-fed dispensers use a BPA-free bottle filled from your tap, with the 8-stage KDF filter cartridge removing sediment and reducing mineral content before the water enters the reservoir. This slows limescale build-up compared to unfiltered tap water going directly into the hot tank.

Frequently Asked Questions