How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

Never underestimate the power of a clean, efficient, and sanitized kettle. How important is limescale removal? Not only does it enhance the taste of the heated liquids, but it also ensures the efficient and prolonged use of a kettle!

Quick, simple, and cheap way to remove limescale from your kettle using just one natural plant-based ingredient, lemon juice.

How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

Save money by taking care of your kettle with this nifty cleaning hack! 

Causes of Kettle Limescale

• Limescale is usually caused by heating mineral-rich water containing magnesium or calcium.
• If you want to know if you have this kind of water, pour it into a bottle and shake it.
• Limescale-causing water has a murky and white appearance once shaken. 
• While it is normal, especially for frequent use of the kettle, limescale can still alter the quality of the water, and it may also damage the kettle. 

How to Descale a Kettle

Lemons may seem like basic kitchen ingredients, but they can also be effective limescale cleaners! 

1. Slice the lemon in half using a knife and squeeze out the juices into the kettle. 

2. Rub the lemon on the outer part of the kettle to remove signs of limescale residue. 
3. Put the slices into the kettle and add water about halfway.
4. Turn the kettle on and let it boil.
5. Carefully shake the contents of the kettle. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. 
6. Add some water but do not fill it to the brim. The water should be just enough to cover the limescale and up to half of the kettle. 
7. Turn the kettle on and allow it to boil. Give it a slight shake. Allow it to cool down for a few minutes.
8. Use a sponge to rub the outside and inside of the kettle.
9. Then, drain the water and lemons.
10. Once contented, wipe it with a cloth or a kitchen towel. Let it dry before using it for safety purposes. 

Doing this regularly can improve your kitchen management skills. This technique doesn’t cost much, nor does it require effort! 

Alternative Ways to Clean a Kettle

Vinegar

Aside from using lemons, Which also suggests vinegar as a limescale cleaner.

1. Boil equal parts white vinegar and water and leave to cool.
2. Rinse it at least three times.
3. Brush the kettle for thorough cleaning. 
4. Then, boil water up to three more times to remove the smell and possibly aftertaste of vinegar. 

Citric Acid

1. Pour water halfway into the kettle and let it boil.
2. Turn it off and unplug the appliance.
3. Add about one to two tablespoons of citric acid and let it stand for up to 20 minutes before draining the water.
4. Rinse it several times before use. 

Storebought Kettle Cleaners

There are plenty of commercial products you can use to clean your kettle. Remember to thoroughly rinse and let it completely dry before plugging it in.

How to Prevent Limescale

According to Harvey Water Softeners, regularly clean your kettle to maintain its limescale-free state. Always empty it, especially if you have hard water. You can even use a water softener to remove magnesium and calcium. 

A water softener is a great investment for long-term use and the quality of the kettle. These simple tips to protect the kettle from limescale can go a long way! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use a kettle with limescale?

Yes, you can still use a kettle with limescale. While it does not pose a serious threat to health, it can still affect the taste and texture of the water. 

Is limescale harmful to health?

Limescale can be harmful if left uncleaned for a long time. Ignoring the limescale on the kettle can cause damage to its heating element, which leads to slower heating and electric malfunction. 

How often should you clean the kettle?

An article by Good Housekeeping Institute suggests that you descale your kettle every four to eight weeks.