Three simple ways to descale a kettle using things you probably already have in your kitchen

Kettles are one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen and a lifesaver when you’re in desperate need of a tea or coffee.

But they’re probably not something you think to clean of regularly, if at all, which means your kettle is probably working harder than it needs to just to boil your water.

That’s because limescale and other minerals and debris build up inside the kettle over time, and this results in the appliance using more power to run and wearing out faster.

Cleaning the inside of a kettle makes it run more efficiently.

So cleaning your kettle is not only better for you, it’s also kinder to your bank balance.

Plus, it’s one of those super quick cleaning jobs you can get done quickly and with little effort.

You can buy specific products for descaling appliances, but there are three easy ways to do it using things you might already have in your pantry.

Citric acid

A little citric acid goes a long way when refreshing your kettle.

This is my personal favourite way to descale a kettle, as it’s the easiest and proved the most successful at removing limescale from my kettle.

The steps for this hack can be found on the packaging on a can of McKenzie’s Citric Acid, which costs about $3 for a 75g at the supermarket.

All you need to do is add two tablespoons of citric acid in the kettle with a litre of water. Then boil the kettle and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Next, pour the water out and rinse.

I like this method because I’ve found it gets rid of build-up without needing to take the additional step of wiping inside the kettle.

Lemons

If you prefer to use lemons rather than citric acid, slice a lemon and drop the pieces into your kettle.

Fill your kettle half-way and then boil the water. Leave this to sit for 15 minutes, then pour out and rinse.

If you still have limescale you might need to boil water with the lemon slices again, or try scrubbing with a gentle brush or sponge the inside once the kettle has cooled.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another quick-fix for grimy kettles.

White vinegar is one of those pantry items that cleans so many things, it’s a must-have in your cleaning caddy.

It can even descale a kettle by adding equal parts water and vinegar, for example 500ml of each.

Then follow the same process as lemons and citric acid above. Boil the kettle, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, empty and rinse out.

Repeat if necessary or try scrubbing with a gentle brush or sponge to remove any remaining limescale.

Finishing touches

While you’re at it, you might as well give your entire kettle a once over by cleaning the filter if it has one.

Wipe the exterior of the kettle using a damp cloth, but don’t go submerging your kettle in water or you’ll be causing havoc with the electrical parts.

Dry and polish using a microfibre cloth to finish.

Once that’s done enjoy treating yourself to a cuppa using your refreshed and sparkling kettle.

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