Tommee Tippee Electric Steriliser: Easy Descaling Steps

how to descale tommee tippee electric steriliser

Regular maintenance is essential when it comes to the Tommee Tippee electric steriliser. If left unchecked, limescale can build up and reduce the effectiveness of the steriliser. This is how often you should descale your Tommee Tippee steriliser: every four weeks (or every two weeks in hard water areas). This can be done using white vinegar or a stainless steel descaling solution. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to descale your Tommee Tippee steriliser.

Characteristics Values
Descaling solution Stainless steel descaling solution, white vinegar, or lemon juice
Frequency of descaling Every 2-4 weeks, depending on water hardness
Trays Wash in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher
Water amount 80ml
Cleaning tools Do not use metal objects, scourers, bleach, sterilising fluid, abrasive or anti-bacterial materials

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How often to descale: Every 4 weeks, or every 2 weeks in hard water areas

Regular descaling of your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser is essential to prevent limescale build-up, which can reduce the appliance's effectiveness. It is recommended to descale your steriliser every four weeks, or every two weeks if you live in an area with hard water.

To descale your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser, first, remove the top and bottom trays of the steriliser. Wash these in warm soapy water or on the top shelf of your dishwasher, avoiding strongly coloured foods that could cause discolouration. Next, you will need a descaling solution. It is recommended to use a stainless steel descaling solution or white vinegar. Avoid using multi-purpose descaling solutions unless they are specified as safe for use with electric steam sterilisers. Pour 250ml of white vinegar or descaling solution into the unit and leave for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours if there is a lot of build-up.

After this, discard any liquid and rinse the unit with cool water. Plug the steriliser back in and pour 80ml of water into the unit. Run a normal cycle, then give your steriliser a final rinse, and it is ready to use.

If you prefer to avoid vinegar, lemon juice can be used as a natural alternative. Follow the same steps, replacing the vinegar with lemon juice.

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What to use: White vinegar or a stainless steel descaling solution

When it comes to descaling your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser, you have a few options: white vinegar, lemon juice, or a stainless-steel descaling solution. Regular descaling prevents limescale buildup, which can affect the performance of your steriliser. It is recommended to descale your steriliser every four weeks, or every two weeks if you live in an area with hard water.

White vinegar is a natural descaling solution that has been used for centuries to remove scale buildup from various surfaces. Its main component, acetic acid, effectively breaks down and dissolves mineral deposits like calcium and limescale. Distilled white vinegar is particularly effective at descaling, and its low cost and widespread availability make it a popular choice. However, vinegar may not be suitable for all surfaces, as it can corrode metal, including stainless steel, and damage rubber parts. It also has a strong odour that may linger after cleaning.

Lemon juice is another natural alternative for descaling. It is made from citrus fruit, which effectively removes limescale without leaving behind an unpleasant odour. However, lemon juice may not be as effective as vinegar in breaking down mineral deposits.

Commercial descaling solutions are specifically designed to remove mineral deposits and limescale buildup. They are generally faster and more thorough than vinegar and are gentler on appliances, reducing the risk of damage. However, they tend to be more expensive than vinegar and may not be as easily accessible.

When descaling your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser, it is important to follow the correct procedure. First, remove the top and bottom trays of the steriliser and wash them in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher, avoiding strongly coloured foods that can cause discolouration. Then, pour 250ml of your chosen descaling solution (white vinegar, lemon juice, or a stainless-steel descaling solution) into the base of the steriliser. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the buildup. Finally, discard the solution, rinse the steriliser with cool water, and run a sterilising cycle with 80ml of fresh water before using it again.

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What not to use: Multi-purpose descalers

When descaling a Tommee Tippee electric steriliser, it is important to avoid using multi-purpose descalers. This is because they can cause damage to the steriliser unless specified as safe for use with steam sterilisers.

It is recommended to use a stainless steel descaling solution or white vinegar instead. To descale, simply pour 250ml of white vinegar into the unit and leave it to soak for 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the amount of buildup. Then, discard the vinegar and rinse the unit with cool water.

If you prefer a natural alternative to vinegar, lemon juice can be used following the same steps. However, keep in mind that lemon juice may not be as effective as vinegar in removing limescale buildup.

It is important to regularly descale your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Over time, limescale buildup can reduce the effectiveness of the steriliser. Therefore, descaling should be done every two weeks in hard water areas and every four weeks in soft water areas.

Additionally, when cleaning and maintaining your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser, avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or harsh chemicals as they may cause damage. Instead, unplug the unit, allow it to cool, and then pour away any remaining water. Afterward, wipe the unit with a damp cloth.

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Step-by-step process: From removing trays to rinsing with water

Descaling your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser is a simple process that should be done regularly to prevent limescale build-up, which can reduce the steriliser's effectiveness. The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of your water—every two weeks for hard water areas, three weeks for medium water areas, and four weeks for soft water areas.

  • Start by removing the top and bottom trays of the steriliser.
  • Wash the trays in warm soapy water or on the top shelf of your dishwasher. Avoid washing them with strongly coloured foods like curries or tomato sauces to prevent discolouration.
  • Pour 250ml of white vinegar or a stainless steel descaling solution into the base of the steriliser. Avoid using multipurpose descalers unless they are specified as safe for use with steam sterilisers.
  • Leave the solution in the steriliser for 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the amount of build-up.
  • After the allotted time, discard the vinegar or descaling solution and rinse the inside of the steriliser with cool water.
  • Pour 80ml of water into the unit and run it on a normal cycle.
  • Once the cycle is complete, give the steriliser a final rinse with water, and it's ready to use again.

If you prefer to avoid vinegar, you can use lemon juice as a natural alternative. Follow the same steps, replacing the vinegar with lemon juice in equal quantities.

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Maintenance tips: Regular cleaning, avoiding milk residue, and not scrubbing the heat plate

To keep your Tommee Tippee electric steriliser in good condition, regular maintenance is essential. This includes descaling the unit every two to four weeks, depending on the hardness of your water. Leaving limescale buildup unchecked can reduce the steriliser's effectiveness.

Regular cleaning

Before the first use, clean your steriliser by removing all items from the base and pouring exactly 80ml of water into it. Assemble the lower and upper trays, add the lid, and plug it into the mains. Switch it on, and the light will light up to show that sterilising has begun. Once it switches off, allow it to cool for five minutes before unplugging and removing the lid and trays. Pour away any remaining water and wipe the base dry with a damp cloth.

After each use, pour away any remaining water by tipping the steriliser sideways over a sink. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the unit.

Avoiding milk residue

Before sterilisation, wash and rinse all bottles and feeding accessories thoroughly in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher (top rack only) to remove any milk residues. Separate all components for washing and reassemble the teat and screw ring for sterilising. Any milk residue left on the bottles and components can cause discolouration of the heat plate and may affect performance.

Not scrubbing the heat plate

Do not use metal objects or scourers to clean the unit, and do not scrub the heat plate. Do not use bleach, sterilising fluid, or abrasive or anti-bacterial materials on the unit.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the water in your area. For soft water areas, it is recommended to descale every 28 days, for medium water areas, every 21 days, and for hard water areas, every 14 days.

If you notice a chalky residue on the items in your steriliser, it's time to descale. Another indicator is a dark brown appearance on the heat plate, which is likely burnt-on limescale.

Pour 250ml of white vinegar into the base and leave for 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the buildup. Then, discard the vinegar, rinse with cool water, and run a sterilising cycle with 80ml of fresh water before use.

Yes, you can use a stainless steel-safe descaling solution, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Alternatively, lemon juice can be used as a natural alternative, although it may not be as effective as vinegar.

Regular descaling is essential to prevent limescale buildup, which can affect the performance of your steriliser by reducing its effectiveness.

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