How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

Does your kettle have limescale?

Limescale, otherwise known as mineral deposit, is a hard and chalky substance that comes from heating water. It is more likely to form if the water has a high mineral content like calcium.

If you heat water in your kettle often, then you need to check your kettle for limescale already. I’ve experienced this problem on my kettles before, and it surprised me how simple the solution is.

Starting today, you’ll make it a habit to clean your kettles, especially if they have limescale already. Learning how to remove limescale from a kettle is truly a lifesaving hack in the kitchen!

How to Remove Limescale from a Kettle

With the right products, materials, and techniques, you can get rid of it without much effort. I’ve tried so many kettle cleaning hacks and I will share with you the most effective one yet.

Take out all of your kettles because we’re going to start cleaning them now. But first, let’s talk about why there’s limescale on your kettle in the first place!

Causes of Limescale

What is the cause of limescale? There can be many reasons behind it.

Simply put, limescale is usually caused by heating water that’s rich in minerals. 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. 

Limescale may also be caused by a 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.

Why You Should Remove Limescale

At first, limescale may not seem alarming but there are so many reasons to clean them right away.

Removing limescale from the kettle will make it heat water faster. It’s a simple way of saving time, especially when you’re in a rush for hot water. A kettle that heats water faster can also save lots of energy on electricity bills.

Moreover, cleaning your kettle can make it last longer. It’s going to help you save money on buying a new kettle to replace the old one. Even how your water tastes can be affected by the limescale.

The quality of the water you drink and use is also extremely important. Descaling your kettle can improve the water quality for cooking and making drinks. Even your pipes and faucets will be less prone to limescale if you clean your kettle.

Overall, a limescale-free kettle means having safe water, saving money and energy, and keeping your kettle clean and efficient!

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. Wipe it with a cloth or a kitchen towel.
16. There you have it, a limescale-free kettle!

Doing this regularly can make your kettle last longer as you keep it clean. This technique doesn’t cost much, nor does it require much 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 kettle.
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. 

Baking soda

1. Mix water and baking soda.
2. Boil the solution in the kettle.
3. Let the solution sit for an hour.
4. Rinse the kettle.

Scrubbing

1. Lather dishwashing liquid in a non-abrasive brush or sponge.
2. Scrub the interior of the kettle to remove stubborn limescale.
3. Wash the kettle with water.

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

Now that your kettle is limescale-free, how do you keep it that way?

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 limescales. 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 safety, taste, and texture of the water. However, once it has limescale don’t use it often and clean it as soon as possible.

How do I remove limescale from my kettle?

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

What causes limescale buildup in the kettle?

Limescale build-up is likely caused by heating water that’s high in mineral content. Long-term use without cleaning or descaling the kettle will also lead to such buildup, so be sure to clean your kettle often.

What removes limescale?

There are plenty of products and hacks to help remove it. My go-to options are lemons and water but sometimes, I use vinegar, baking soda, and other commercial cleaning products, too.