Can Vinegar Water Be Ran Through Atwood Water Heater to Descale It

Updated 12/19/2025 | Published 12/17/2025

Question:

Is it safe to clean an Atwood 6 gallon hot water heater by filling with white vinegar, run heater on gas, let cool and drain? I want to clean mineral deposits from inside tank, but was not sure if vinegar safe to use on aluminum tank.

asked by: Donald M

Expert Reply:

Hey Donald, yes it's perfectly safe to run vinegar water through your Atwood water heater to descale mineral build up. This will work great and you won't have any issues.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Earl W.

12/19/2025

I have had mine for little over 2 years. Very trouble free. I just set the heater to 100 degrees and leave the cold OFF. Works great.

Gaylon D.

12/19/2025

Since I installed it myself it was very easy and it works great, we enjoy endless hot water until the gas runs out ?????? so keep an extra tank full. We have been very satisfied with the results.