Descale refers to the process of removing the mineral buildup from appliances and other items. It is necessary to descale home appliances regularly to ensure optimum performance and longevity. However, there are other terms used interchangeably with the word, descaling. These include scaling, limescale removal, deliming, and decalcification. These words denote the process of removing mineral deposits in home appliances or plumbing. Some of the most common home appliances that require descaling include coffee makers, kettles, irons, dishwashers, and washing machines. Regular descaling helps eliminate mineral buildup which can affect performance and cause damage to the appliance. Use any of these synonyms to refer to the cleaning process and keep your appliances operating flawlessly.