Flaky deposits ruining your cuppa? Here are 5 tricks for descaling a kettle

Limescale is primarily caused by calcium carbonate in our domestic water supply. Nigel Bearman, CEO at Daily Poppins explains just why limescale is an issue in our domestic zones. “In appliances that use water, such as kettles, coffee machines, dishwashers, and washing machines, limescale is a harmless white residue that accumulates over time,” explains Bearman.

“It poses a greater problem than just spoiling hot water beverages though, because it corrodes the components and shortens the lifespan of appliances.

“In addition,” he adds, “limescale deposits reduce the efficiency of a kettle, meaning that it takes longer to heat water, and therefore costs more to do so.”

If you prefer a chemical-free approach, you’re in for a treat. Although there are specific descaling products available at most supermarkets, our trusty kitchen cupboard also houses several solutions.

According to Bearman and Henry Paterson, cleaning expert at Housekeep, white distilled vinegar is a firm favourite for cleaning a kettle

Bearman explains how to use it:

1. Add equal amounts of white vinegar and tap water to a measuring cup to create a solution that will fill about three-quarters of your kettle.
2. Boil for a few minutes and then leave to cool completely.
3. If necessary, use a long-handled scrubbing brush to remove any rogue flakes that are still lingering.
4. Drain the water and rinse several times.
5. To remove any traces of vinegar from your kettle, fill it with clean water, boil it, empty it and repeat the process several times.

It seems there are no limits to the benefits of bicarb and removing limescale is another of its powers. Bearman notes that if you have let the limescale build up, this is probably your weapon of choice.

It should only take one teaspoon of bicarb, and he recommends the following approach:

1. Mix 500ml (18 fl oz) of water with one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
2. Put the solution in a kettle and boil it for 15 minutes, then leave it for another 15 minutes.
3. Empty the kettle and use cold water to rinse it out.
4. Boil the kettle, rinse, empty and repeat once more.

‘Oh, citric acid. How do I love you, let me count the ways.’

My newfound adoration of this unassuming product is no secret and it’s a mighty tool in the fight against limescale.

I recently moved  to a hard-water area, and after just five weeks, limescale was already rearing its ugly head in my new kettle. Being tasked with testing out a citric acid hack for work was life-changing. One application of the power and it was like magic. Limescale was banished, no underlying worry about ingesting chemicals from a shop-bought product, and my kettle was shining like new.

If you fancy trying it yourself, I followed the manufacturer’s instructions on the product I had purchased, but sure you read the instructions clearly before starting as some brands may be different.

1. Half-fill the kettle and bring to the boil.
2. Unplug it and add a third of the box to the kettle.
3. Leave for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse out any remaining crystals with cold water.
5. Fill the kettle, bring to the boil and rinse.

I did the final step twice, just to make sure it was squeaky clean. The added benefit of citric acid? No smell at the end, which you’re likely to get if you use vinegar.

If your cleaning supplies are low, you can always look to nature for a solution. It’s no surprise that lemons and citric acid share the same ability to take limescale down. So, if you’ve got a spare one hanging around and don’t need it for your G&T, Paterson shares his tips:

1. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the kettle.
2. Fill the kettle halfway and bring to the boil.
3. Leave the lemon water to sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Empty the kettle, rinse with cold water.
5. Fill the kettle and boil, rinse and repeat the process once more.

Although we’d always prefer to promote a chemical-free approach, I’ll admit to using ready-made solutions in the past, both for convenience and the sheer satisfaction of seeing the product fizz merrily away as it eats up the limescale for breakfast.

If you feel this is your only option, then Paterson says: “Make sure that it’s designed specifically for kettles. Avoid industrial strength descalers, and as with any cleaning product, always check the label and follow the instructions carefully.

“Once you’ve descaled the kettle,” he adds, “thoroughly rinse it out a few times afterwards. Then fill the kettle, bring it to a boil, and pour out the water before you use it again.”

Personally, when using a ready-made product, I always feel it needs at least three goes at rinsing and boiling before I next use it, even though the manufacturers usually recommend doing this once or twice.

The other downside? As Bearman points out, “Some of them claim to remove limescale in just 10 minutes, but they are more expensive than natural methods.”

Paterson notes he’s had success with Scale Away Descaler if you want a quick fizzy fix.