If You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Cleaned Your Kettle…
It’s Probably Time
That humble kettle on your bench works hard every day—but when did it last get a proper clean? We’re not talking about a quick wipe or rinse. We mean a good old-fashioned descale to clear out the gunk you can’t see—because that buildup inside affects how your kettle performs (and how your tea tastes).
Why You Need to Descale Your Kettle
Each time you boil water—especially in hard water areas—minerals like calcium and magnesium settle inside. Over time, this turns into a chalky white crust called limescale. Here’s why that matters:
⚡ It’s less energy efficient. Limescale acts like insulation, so your kettle has to work harder and use more power.
😖 Your tea can taste weird. That chalky aftertaste? Not your tea bags—it’s scale.
💔 It shortens your kettle’s lifespan. Too much buildup can eventually wear out the heating element.
How Often Should You Descale?
- Soft water areas: Every 3–4 months
- Hard water areas: Every 4–6 weeks
Look out for cloudy water, flaky bits floating in your cuppa, or a kettle that sounds louder than usual. They’re your signs it’s time.
How to Descale Your Kettle (No Chemicals Needed)
You don’t need anything fancy—just items from your pantry.
Vinegar Method:
- Fill the kettle with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water.
- Boil it, then let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Pour it out and rinse well.
- Boil fresh water once or twice to get rid of any vinegar smell.
Lemon Method (Smells Better!):
- Squeeze a lemon into the kettle and toss in the rinds.
- Fill with water and boil.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes, pour it out, rinse, and you're good to go.
How to Keep It Clean Between Cleans
- Tip out unused water after boiling
- Leave the lid open so it can air dry
- Do a vinegar rinse every few weeks
Final Thought
Descaling your kettle is a simple way to make your tea taste better, save energy, and extend the life of your appliance. So next time you flick it on for a cuppa, pause and think—when was the last time I descaled this thing? If you’re not sure... today’s the day.
