My Avent sterilizer's heating plate shows white/brown spots

Note: In the UK you can find hard water with the equivalent of 200 mg of calcium carbonate (limescale).

In hard water you also find a high mineral content which could affect its color.

Heating causes the dissolved calcium and magnesium bicarbonates to break down to form a solid carbonate lime scale.

Pure scale from hard water is white in color, but scale can become colored by traces of other minerals or metals.

For instance, traces of copper in plumbing can turn it grey, green or blue while traces of rust from the water pipe network could turn it to brown or black.

Note: always unplug the sterilizer and wait until it has cooled down completely before descaling.

You can choose one of two methods to descale:

Method 1: Vinegar solution

1. Pour 100ml of white vinegar mixed with 200ml cold water into sterilizer.
2. Allow it to stand in the unit until the lime scale has dissolved – DO NOT SWITCH ON
3. Drain and rinse unit.
4. Run a full cycle with baskets/racks inside and lid on using exactly 90ml of water.

Method 2: Citric acid solution

1. Mix one sachet (10 grams) of citric acid with 200ml of water.
2. Pour into the empty unit – Do not put the lid on.
3. Switch on for 1-2 minutes.
4. Plug off from outlet, leave to stand for 30 minutes.
5. Drain and rinse unit. 
6. Run a full cycle with baskets/racks inside and lid on using exactly 90ml of water.

DO NOT USE any descaling solution that is not white vinegar or citiric acid.

Note: always unplug the sterilizer and wait until it has cooled down completely before descaling.

1. Pour 80ml/2.7oz of white vinegar (5% acetic acid) and 20ml/0.7oz of water into the water reservoir.

2. Leave the solution in the water reservoir until the limescale has dissolved.

3. Empty the water reservoir and rinse the heating plate with clear water. Empty, then wipe the plate with a damp cloth. Do not rinse under a tap.

Repeat this process as often as necessary. 

Note: always unplug the sterilizer and wait until it has cooled down completely before descaling.

1. Pour 60ml/2 fluid oz of water and 30ml/1 fluid oz of white vinegar (6-8% acetic acid) into the heating plate.
2. Leave the solution in the heating plate until the lime scale has resolved. The process takes about 20 minutes, but should not be longer than 1 hour.
3. Empty the heating plate, thoroughly rinse it and wipe with a soft cloth.

Note: always unplug the sterilizer and wait until it has cooled down completely before descaling.

1. Pour 12 ml (2.5 tsp) of white vinegar (5 % acetic acid) and 120 ml (4 oz) of water into the water reservoir.
2. Place the small basket on the base. Place the lid on top of the basket.
   • Note: Placing the small basket on the base prevents hot liquid from splashing out.
3. Press the power on button to switch on the appliance.
4. Let the appliance operate for 5 minutes. Press the power off button to switch off the appliance.
5. Allow the appliance to cool down for about 5 minutes.
6. Empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly.
7. Remove any limescale traces with a sponge. Rinse again.
8. Wipe the base with a damp cloth.
   • Note: Descaling results may vary depending on water hardness and descaling frequency. Repeat the descale cycle if needed.
9. Rinse the small basket and lid to remove the vinegar solution.

Note: You can also use citric acid based descalers. Do not use other types of descalers.

Note: always unplug the sterilizer and wait until it has cooled down completely before descaling.

1. Pour 12 ml (2.5 tsp) of white vinegar (5 % acetic acid) and 120 ml (4 oz) of water into the water reservoir.
2. Place the small basket on the base. Place the lid on top of the basket.
   • Note: Placing the small basket on the base prevents hot liquid from splashing out.
3. Turn the on/off button to "Sterilize" mode. Press to switch on the appliance.
4. Let the appliance operate for 5 minutes. Press the on/ off button to switch off the appliance.
5. Allow the appliance to cool down for about 5 minutes.
6. Empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly.
7. Remove any limescale traces with a sponge. Rinse again.
8. Wipe the base with a damp cloth.
   • Note: Descaling results may vary depending on water hardness and descaling frequency. Repeat the descale cycle if needed.
9. Rinse the small basket and lid to remove the vinegar solution.

Note: You can also use citric acid based descalers. Do not use other types of descalers.