How to Descale a Kettle (and Keep Limescale Away)

In hard-water areas, minerals in the water build up as limescale inside the kettle. It is not harmful, but it leaves flakes in your tea and coats the heating element. Descaling is quick and cheap.

Before you start

Check your kettle's instructions first. Some makers recommend a particular descaler, and the advice for stove-top and enamel kettles can differ.

With citric acid

1. Half-fill the kettle with water and add one or two tablespoons of citric acid (sold for cleaning and home brewing).
2. Boil it, switch off, and leave for 15–30 minutes.
3. Pour away, scrub any stubborn patches with a soft brush, and rinse well.
4. Boil a full kettle of clean water and pour it away. Do this twice.

With white vinegar

Use equal parts water and white vinegar, and follow the same steps without boiling it, leaving it for an hour or so. It works, but you will need extra rinsing to get rid of the smell.

Keeping it away

• Only boil the water you need, and empty the kettle rather than leaving water standing in it.
• Descale little and often: monthly in a hard-water area.
• A filter in the spout catches loose flakes; some people also use a water filter jug.

Thinking of a new one? See our guide to kettles, and for tea, tea strainers.

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