How to descale a kettle

The kettle, it’s a much-loved appliance in most of our households that can easily develop a build-up of limescale if used frequently (we’re looking at you, serial tea drinkers). An overload of limescale can affect the energy efficiency of your kettle, or worse… the taste of your morning brew. So stick around for some quick and easy ways to descale your kettle.

The lowdown on limescale

Before we deep dive into all things descaling, let’s firstly cover what limescale is, so you can better understand how to remove it. This pesky substance is also known as calcium carbonate, and is a chalky substance left behind after boiling hard water. If left untouched, it can build up and harden.

The tell-tale signs that it’s time for a descale are chalky deposits round the edge of the lid, white build up inside, and worst of all… limescale chunks in your morning brew!

How to descale a kettle

Do not fear, limescale is easily removed with common household cleaning products and specialised treatments, so your kettle won’t be out of action for long. To ensure it stays working at its best, it’s advised to carry out a descaling once every 1-2 months.

Using white vinegar

Most of us have an old bottle of the stuff sat at the back of the cupboard, so why not put it to good use? Turns out, it’s a brilliant and quick descaler.

Step 1: Start by filling your kettle with equal parts white vinegar and water, making sure to not fill over the ¾ line.

Step 2: You can then boil the kettle and leave it to cool for around an hour. For best results, leave it as long as possible – or as long as you can manage without a cuppa!

Step 3: Rinse the kettle out with clean water. To ensure your beverages don’t have an unpleasant vinegar tinge, boil again with fresh water and you’re good to go.

Step 4: Admire the gleaming interior of your kettle!

Using lemon

Don’t have a bottle of vinegar lying about? No problem! Lemon is just as an effective alternative at removing limescale.

Step 1: Fill your kettle up the halfway line with water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it.

Step 2: Slice up your lemon into smaller chunks and add this into the kettle.

Step 3: Boil the kettle and leave the contents to cool for a couple of hours whilst the lemons work their magic.

Step 4: Give your kettle a thorough rinse through and boil again with fresh water if there are any leftover lemony aromas!

Using specialised limescale remover

If you can’t bear to be without your kettle for over an hour, you’re in luck. You can use specialised descaling treatments for a quick, no fuss way to get your kettle back in action. These treatments usually involve adding a sachet into your kettle and diluting it with water. Leave for the recommended time and voila! Your kettle should now be successfully rid of any pesky limescale build-up.

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Kilrock Multi-Purpose Descaler 400ml

£1.99

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How to clean a kettle filter

Most kettles come with a removable filter, designed to attract limescale. Don’t forget, this needs to be descaled too.

You can do so by removing it and allowing it to soak in one cup of white vinegar for around 10-15 minutes. After, give it a quick rinse and scrub with warm water to dislodge any stubborn limescale remaining.

How to clean the outside of a kettle

Now the inside of your kettle is sparkling, you can’t forget about the outside. This can get super grubby with fingerprints, coffee splashes and stubborn limescale marks. To combat this, all you’ll need is some warm soapy water and some elbow grease! Gently scrub the outside with your soapy water and then dry it off with a tea towel or cloth, it’s as simple as that. Make sure to do this once a fortnight to keep the marks at bay.