descale
verb
de·scale
(ˌ)dē-ˈskāl 
descaled; descaling; descales
1
: to remove a coating, layer, or incrustation from : to free from scale (see scale entry 3 sense 3)
To descale the kettle, fill it with equal parts water and vinegar and let it soak for an hour before making sure it's been properly rinsed out.—
Sarra Gray
Sarra Gray2
: to remove scales (see scale entry 3 sense 1a) from
You can, of course, ask the fishmonger to gut and descale the fish for you.—Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Hugh Fearnley-WhittingstallExamples of descale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
High-performing laundry detergents that contain citrates (sodium salt chemicals that serve as water softeners), cleaning and descaling agents, and pH regulators will give the best cleaning results.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
Here are the best humidifier descaling tricks to keep this appliance in tip-top shape.
—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 2026
Learn how to clean and descale a showerhead in four easy steps.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Apr. 2026
Experts recommend descaling every one to three months, depending on water hardness, and suggest preventative measures like occasional hot cycles, using the correct detergent amount, and regular wiping of machine parts.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
14 Mar. 2026
Not far away, a group of shirtless fishermen were chopping and descaling their catch around a table.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
Here are the best humidifier descaling tricks to keep this appliance in tip-top shape.
—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 2026
Learn how to clean and descale a showerhead in four easy steps.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Apr. 2026
Experts recommend descaling every one to three months, depending on water hardness, and suggest preventative measures like occasional hot cycles, using the correct detergent amount, and regular wiping of machine parts.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
14 Mar. 2026
Not far away, a group of shirtless fishermen were chopping and descaling their catch around a table.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Descale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/descale. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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