How To Descale A Kettle

Step 1: You will need:

Step 2: Why bother

A kettle that is full of lime-scale not only looks terrible, but takes longer to boil and wastes electricity, because the scale prevents the element conducting heat well. Eventually the element can burn out if it is not de-scaled, so you'd have to throw it out and get a new kettle.

Step 3: What to use

You can use white vinegar or citric acid, which ever you have available to you.

Step 4: What about de-scalers?

There are commercial de-scalers available, but make sure that they are specifically approved for use on kettles and are not metal de-scalers. If you choose to use them, do follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5: Make up the mixture

If you are using vinegar, dilute it with water in a 50:50 ratio. If you are using citric acid, mix 30g with 500ml of water.

Step 6: Using vinegar to de-scale

Vinegar should be left in the kettle for 1 hour, without boiling.

Step 7: Using lemon juice to de-scale

Pour the lemon juice in to the kettle and boil. Leave the kettle to cool before emptying it.

Step 8: Using lemons to descale

If your kettle only needs mild de-scaling, you can try quartering a lemon, filling the kettle with water and putting in the lemon. Boil the kettle once or twice, and leave to soak until the water has cooled.

Step 9: Wipe down

If there is any limescale left in the kettle, you can wipe it down with a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth. Let the element cool down, and unplug the kettle before you do this.

Step 10: Rinse

Fully rinse the kettle with fresh water at least 5 times before using again.