chemistry research

Lime scale form when hot water is heated about 61'C. All the acids listed about remove lime scale because the ions in the acids react with the calcium ions in limescale to then form a soluble salt. The acids also react with the carbonates in lime scale to produce water and carbon dioxide. Then the whole solution washes out taking away as much lime scale and possible.

Sulfamic acid
The advantages of using sulfamic acid as a de-scaler are that it is the faster de-scaler which means it can give a greater concentration of atoms that are able to react with the calcium in lime scale. It is also safe to use because it doesn’t produce chlorine gas which is toxic.
The disadvantages of using sulfamic acid as a de-scaler are that it is the most expensive de-scaler and it can irritate eyes and skin. (3)

Research
Ethanoic acid
The advantages of using ethanoic acid (vinegar) as a de-scaler is that it is a non-toxin and a weak acid, there are no harmful chemicals in it so you don’t have to worry about breathing any in and it can easily be removed. It also doesn’t corrode other metals.
The disadvantages of using acid (vinegar) as a de-scaler are that it could have a bad effect on the taste of the coffee, it also has an unpleasant smell so it would have to be rinsed a lot so that the taste of the coffee isn’t affected. It is the slowest de-scaler which also means it is the least effective. (1)

The advantages of using citric acid as a de-scaler are that it doesn’t leave behind any toxins but it has enough acidic concentration to get rid of limescale without damaging any household surfaces. It is also non-toxic as it is an natural acid. it is a weak acid it takes a long time to remove heavy build-up of lime scale. It comes in a power form so takes longer because it has to dissolve. (2)