Descaling yes or no?

Pros and cons of treatment scale

If you're buying a shower, and were turning shops on shops to find the model that suits you, you will surely have as an option the preventive treatment.

But you know what it is and how it works? Do you know if there may be very useful?

 

The preventive treatment is a bit 'seen as the ultimate solution to all your cleaning problems. The miracle product that will allow us to take showers continue keeping our glasses bright and very clean. The dream of every desperate housewife…. But is it really?

 

We start from the main issue: because the limestone is deposited on the glass?

 

In the case of the bath, moist environment for excellence, the surfaces of showers and sanitary remain most often wet. The water that is deposited, once evaporated, leaves traces of salts in it (calcium carbonate and magnesium), ie much hate whitish spots. As time passes, these spots become more difficult to clean deposits. The situation then becomes worse in areas where the water is harder (ie presents higher concentrations of calcium salts and magnesium). You can check the water hardness in your area in maps like this (image source http://www.ecowater-systems.it/la-cartina-della-durezza-dell-acqua_1013906.html).

 

 

 

 

Did you know?, also, that the surface of the glass is characterized by many micro cracks and, precisely because of this its porosity, is easily attacked by atmospheric agents, dust, dirt or water. Observed under a microscope, is in fact so (image source http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AFMimageRoughGlass20x20.png)

 

 

 

It 's normal so that soap, water and detergents, if not systematically removed from the glass of a shower (which is generally transparent), accumulate within those pores making it difficult their removal. That's why after a while 'time the glass surface becomes rough to the touch and immediately ruins.

 

A water softener can definitely be useful to improve the situation, because it reduces the problem of the limestone at the source. In recent years, however, have been introduced (and promoted as almost miraculous) i lime treatments. They are generally produced in liquid form based on nanotechnology able to make water-repellent vetro surface (or other materials based on silica). Applying a sort of protective film, treatment compensates the porosity of the glass, making it more smooth and therefore slippery (thus reducing the absorption of water, soap and dirt).

 

But be careful: treatment will not prevent the formation of limescale (evaporating, however, the water will leave its residues); simply will facilitate the removal, because it will not allow their penetration into the pores of the glass surface. In simple terms: the speck you see the same, but you can remove it easily with a simple cloth. Conclusion? You will need to dry the glass in any case, if you want to see it shine.

 

Glass does not become so self-cleaning as we read in some promotional message ...

Moreover attention to what they write. Think about it: “helps  (not solves the problem) daily cleaning, simplifies maintenance, improves the performance of the glass, reduces (non eliminates) lime deposits, etc. ...

 

In short, no promises that the preventive treatment will free you from the stress of cleaning. You still have to pay the normal precautions to keep your shower clean and shiny, namely often dry glass and remove soap residue and dirt.

 

Finally, attention also to detergents! Many of those on the market are overly aggressive, and on the treated surfaces can also be harmful, especially those acids. Are in fact to affect the performance of the protective film, reduces its effectiveness and sometimes leaving unsightly marks ... are therefore advised to use warm water and simple soap. Moreover, even an untreated glass is eventually damaged by acidic cleaners, therefore it is not recommended excessive use of aggressive products.

 

The efficacy and durability of these treatments depend in each case on several factors, such as how to apply (treatment previously applied at the factory will be clearly better than one household), water hardness in the area of ​​residence, the frequency of use of the shower enclosure, the type of detergent used for cleaning and the frequency with which you use them.

 

Each draw their own conclusions ...

Some, lime treatments can be an important aid for daily maintenance (undoubtedly facilitate), but not free us from the obligation to pay certain care and attention;.

This, at least until they really invent a self-cleaning glass ... (and perhaps soon there will come: read this article Print http://www.lastampa.it/2012/04/30/tecnologia/il-vetro-magico-del-mit-rCiNMk86QMfswBhp95OmKM/pagina.html).

 

 

Simona Nurcato

www.homepersonalshopper.it