How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

Say goodbye to limescale in your kettle because this effective hack will make your kettle look and feel brand new!

How important is it to remove limescale from your kettle? Cleaning the limescale from the kettle is a way of making sure that whatever you heat in the kettle is safe for use or consumption.

Learning how to take care of your kettle also means you get to use it for a long time. You will surely get your money’s worth with the best kettle-cleaning hack.

I’ve experienced limescale on my kettles before, and it surprised me how simple the solution is. Don’t worry; I’ll share all of the details with you!

How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

Removing limescale from a kettle is easier than it seems. You just need the right cleaning products and techniques to restore it.

After trying so many cleaning tricks, this hack has proven to be the most effective one yet.

Take out all of your kettles because we’re going to start cleaning them now!

Causes of Limescale

Limescale is usually caused by heating mineral-rich water with magnesium or calcium.

If you want to know if you have this kind of water, then 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. 

Limescale may also be caused my lack of time to clean the kettle. You may think heating water in a kettle is already cleaning it, but it does not. A kettle needs proper cleaning too.

How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

Are you ready to find out the best way to remove limescale from a kettle? Let’s find out!

1. Slice the lemon in half using a knife.
2. Squeeze out the juices into the kettle. 
3. Rub the lemon on the outer part of the kettle.
4. Put the lemon slices into the kettle.
5. Then, pour the water about halfway.
6. Turn the kettle on and let it boil.
7. Carefully shake the contents of the kettle.
8. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. 
9. Add some water but do not fill it to the brim.
10. Turn the kettle on and allow it to boil.
11. Give it a slight shake.
12. Allow it to cool down for a few minutes.
13. Use a sponge to rub the outside and inside of the kettle.
14. Drain the water and lemons.
15. Once contented, wipe it with a cloth or a kitchen towel.
16. There you have it, a limescale-free kettle!

Doing this regularly can improve your kitchen management skills. This technique doesn’t cost much, nor does it require effort. Now, you can boil water, eggs, and other food in your kettle!

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. Then, rinse it at least three times.
3. Brush the kettle for thorough cleaning. 
4. 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. Then, add about one to two tablespoons of citric acid.
4. Let it stand for up to 20 minutes before draining the water.
5. 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! 

You can make a natural limescale remover mixture for regular use. Mix one part lemon or vinegar with four parts water. I suggest putting it in a spray bottle near your kitchen supplies.

Make sure to rub the kettle with a sponge to get rid of stubborn limescale. Rinse it properly to remove any smell or taste from the lemon or vinegar.

Let the kettle dry before using it again. By regularly cleaning the limescale from your kettle, you can have safer liquids to drink and use every day!

An article by Good Housekeeping suggests that you descale your kettle every four to eight weeks. Whenever you clean your kettle, remember to clean burnt pots too! Now, you can use these kitchen tools for your favorite food and drinks.

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. 

How do I remove limescale from my kettle?

I use lemon or vinegar with water to remove limescale from my kettle. The mixture can be boiled several times to get remove any stubborn limescale. I also scrub the kettle with a brush.

Do stainless steel kettles get limescale?

Yes, even stainless steel kettles get limescale. It all depends on the kind of water you boil and how frequently you clean the kettle. If you use mineral-rich water in your kettle, then there may be limescale over time.

What is limescale made of?

Limescale is made of calcium and magnesium or minerals that are often left behind once water evaporates. Once left uncleaned, it will lead to a buildup of limescale.