Water scale residue, or limescale, is a hard, chalky substance that forms when hard water dries.
The residue’s formation also has a direct correlation with water temperature. The hotter the water, the more hard water deposits there will be.
Not only are these deposits unsightly but they can also shorten the lifespan of appliances that use hot water, such as water distillers and kettles.
Fortunately, you can remove this stubborn buildup with a food-grade citric acid product like ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner.

How Limescale Deposits Can Impact Your Health
Hardwater residue can house some pretty nasty things. This includes heavy metals like lead, and ‘forever chemicals,’ which can pose significant health risks.
For example, they can cause acute and chronic toxicity, organ damage, anemia, or worse.
Given that, it’s highly recommended that you remove the residues with a citric acid-based cleaner, like our Distiller Cleaner.
Mineral Residue Impact on Appliance Longevity
Limescale and mineral buildup can cause extra wear and tear on appliance parts, which can ultimately lead to breakdowns.
For example, they can damage the internal components, leading to leaks, valve problems, and even premature appliance failure.
Why ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner Is the Best Option
Our product is made up of food-grade citric acid, a versatile cleaning agent that can be used not only on water distillers but also on boilers and kettles.
Why our cleaner stands above the rest:
- It’s safe to use and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
- It’s highly effective at removing buildup and residue.
- It will help ensure that your appliance works efficiently.
It’s also cost-effective. One pack contains 32 oz. of cleaning powder, which can last up to 20 cleaning sessions.
Other Benefits of Our Distiller Cleaning Formula
Our Distiller Cleaner features a special formula that uses cleaning crystals to bust up and remove scales and residue.
It’s also highly versatile in that you can use it on all types of water distillers, including those made of stainless steel.
It’s also made from food-grade ingredients, meaning it won’t harm the equipment or the water quality.
Comparing ACTIVE with DIY Methods
DIY methods (e.g. lemons, vinegar) may be convenient but they do have their limitations.
While vinegar solutions are great for cleaning water distillers, their acetic acid boils at a higher temperature than water. This means the steam will end up with very little vinegar.
Not only that but vinegar itself isn’t very effective on water spots and can also harm the distiller’s rubber parts.
The same goes for lemons. While they can be used to clean water distillers, they can also create free radicals and take minerals out of the water.
How to Clean Your Distiller With ACTIVE

Before using ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner, you want to first prepare the appliance. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill the base with hot water from the tap.
- Give the boiling vessel a quick clean using a non-stick, non-scratch cleaner sponge.
- Run the distiller with water and vinegar for 15-20 minutes to clean the condenser and other internal parts.
Using ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner
Once you’ve prepped the machine, you can use ACTIVE to clean the distiller. Simply follow these steps:
- Unplug the device and fill it with hot water (above the mineral line).
- Add 2 scoops of ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner powder to the tank.
- Let the powder sit inside the distiller overnight or for at least 12 hours.
- Lightly scrub the tank (using a soft brush) in the morning before rinsing it with clean water
Tip: If you have a large water distiller (e.g. one with a two-gallon boiler tank), use 3 tablespoons of the cleaning powder to ensure it’s properly cleaned and descaled.
Maintaining Your Distiller In Between Cleanings
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your distiller in tip-top condition. We recommend doing the following:
- Clean the machine after each distillation with a non-stick, non-scratch cleaner sponge.
- Use ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner every 1-2 weeks.
- Use sacrificial alcohol mixtures when needed.
If necessary, you can also soak the small parts in a diluted vinegar solution.
Just be careful with the carbon filter housing, housing holder, and steam valve when you’re putting it all back together.
Keeping a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Try to clean your water distiller once every 3-4 weeks – that will keep it running smoothly. If you use your water distiller every day, it’s best to clean it more often.
Check For Mineral Buildup
Regularly monitoring your water distiller for mineral buildup is just as important as cleaning it.
Remember, minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up over time, affecting the performance of your distiller and the quality of water it produces.
Here are a few signs that you may be dealing with limescale deposits:
- There are white or off-white deposits on the distiller’s surfaces, especially in the boiling chamber.
- The distiller is not working as well as before.
- The distiller water tastes different from before (residue on the heating element can lead to a ‘burnt’ taste).
Aside from regular cleaning and monitoring for limescale buildup, you also want to change the activated carbon filter regularly.
ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner is a powerful and effective solution that will keep your water distiller in tip-top condition.
Not only is it cost-effective but it also features a concentrated cleaning formula that will effectively remove stubborn scale residue, restore the functionality of your appliance, and maintain the quality of your distilled water.
Keeping Your Water Distiller Clean – FAQs
What can I use to clean my water distiller?
ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner is a great choice when it comes to cleaning these appliances.
It’s easy to use and is specifically formulated to remove hard water and limescale deposits from inside the machine.

Can I use vinegar to clean my water distiller?
Yes, you can use a 50/50 solution of hot water and white distilled vinegar to clean your water distiller. Just make sure to rinse it well before using it again.
Keep in mind, however, that it won’t be as effective as using a commercial cleaner like ours.
How often should you clean a distiller?
We recommend cleaning your distiller once every 3-4 weeks to reduce limescale build-up and to give it a quick clean after each distillation.
That will help maintain its performance.
What is ACTIVE Water Distiller Cleaner made of?
Our distiller cleaner is made of pure, food-grade citric acid monohydrate, which is found in all plants, especially in limes and lemons.
How does ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner work?
ACTIVE Distiller Cleaner uses a concentrated cleaning formula made of food-grade citric acid to dissolve and remove limescale and mineral build-up from distillers and kettles, leaving them clean.
Kirby –
To use this distiller cleaner, fill the back of your coffee pot with very hot water and add two scoops of the cleaner. Let it sit for 12 hours, then rinse thoroughly. I initially thought I needed to run the mixture through the pot like brewing coffee for a full clean. However, the instructions say to unplug the coffee pot before adding the hot water and cleaner, leaving me unsure if the inside is truly clean. The back appears clean, but I question the internal components. We ran a few cycles of hot water afterward, but not with the cleaner. I’m hesitant to buy this product again since I can clean my coffee pot with dish soap. I expected the cleaner to reach the inner parts, but the instructions didn’t support that.
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Nash –
works as promised; easy to use. Would buy again
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Kayla –
Great job! I rarely write reviews, but this product impressed me. I used it on my water distiller after finishing the citric acid that came with it. The distiller’s heating system didn’t fully clean the pot, and I didn’t want to waste a gallon of vinegar. After trying this product, I’m thrilled with the results. Just two scoops and simple directions worked wonders. I highly recommend it!
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Amanda –
Questo prodotto è fantastico! Supera il disincrostante originale per il mio distillatore e funziona più velocemente del previsto. Una borsa mi durerà un anno e che risparmio! Sono estremamente soddisfatto di questo acquisto!
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Charlotte –
works great! Happy customer!
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Zorwyn –
Pros: effective performance, handy scoop, and resealable bag. Good longevity noted over time. Cons: none reported.
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Sarge –
removes ca/mg buildup in the distillation unit more efficiently and faster than viniger
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Rachel –
I was looking for a cleaner for my Rosewill water boiler, but the compny no longer offers that product. I found a well-presented video by Jason Minor that inspired me to buy the Distiller Descaler citric acid cleaner Although I’d already cleaned my unit, I wondered if it could work on my cat’s metal water dish that I was about to discard. I added half a scoop to hot water and let it soak for 30 to 45 minutes. The results were good but could be better. This morning, I tried again with more cleaner and hotter water, using another bowl to cover it. After three hours, the results were incredible! Both bowls came out clean! check out the before and after pictures. Would I recommend this product? OH YEAH!!!!!!
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Walter –
User-friendly and quickly cleans the distiller
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Alan –
it effectively cleared all buildup in my distiller
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