Kettle descaler
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Citric acid or vinegar boiled in water. Lifts hard water scale from kettles.
What You’ll Need
- Citric acid method: 1 to 2 tablespoons citric acid powder; half-full kettle of water
- Vinegar method: white vinegar and water in equal parts (1:1), kettle about half full
- Soft sponge or cloth
Equipment
- saucepan
Directions
- Citric acid: stir 1 to 2 tablespoons citric acid into a kettle that is half full of water until it dissolves.
- Bring to a boil, let stand 15 to 20 minutes, then pour it out.
- Rinse well and boil fresh water once or twice before you use the kettle.
- Vinegar: fill the kettle halfway with equal parts vinegar and water, boil, switch off, and leave for 20 to 30 minutes; pour out, gently wipe away residue, rinse several times, then boil a full kettle of plain water and throw it away.
Notes
Repeat for stubborn scale or let it sit longer. Soft water: every six to eight weeks; hard water: about monthly; descale sooner if you see white film, louder boiling or slower heating.
Safety: no steel wool, scouring pads or powdered abrasives; no bleach; never submerge the base or electrical parts. Also: keep the lid closed while boiling (hot acid can spatter); label any pre-measured citric acid packets (looks like sugar).