How to descale a kettle
Limescale builds up fast in hard-water areas. Citric acid, white vinegar or lemon juice will shift it in under an hour, without buying a special descaler.
- Time
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Citric acid powder Search Amazon for citric acid powder
- Or white vinegar, or lemon juice
- Soft cloth or bottle brush
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Safety first
- Always unplug the kettle before adding descaler or scrubbing inside.
- Don't overfill when boiling a descaling solution. It can foam and spit.
- If you use a commercial descaler, wear gloves and follow the instructions. Some aren't suitable for all kettle materials.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check the manufacturer's advice
Most kettles can be descaled with the methods below, but check your manual, particularly for kettles with filters, special coatings or temperature controls.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Method 1: citric acid
Half fill the kettle with water and boil it. Switch it off and unplug it, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of citric acid. It will fizz. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then pour it away.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Method 2: white vinegar
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and fill the kettle about three-quarters full. Boil it, then leave it to cool completely. Pour it away. For stubborn scale, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda can help.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Method 3: lemon juice
Fill the kettle with a 50:50 mix of lemon juice and water, bring it to the boil, then leave it for about 30 minutes. Let it cool and empty it.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Scrub off what's left
Gently wipe any remaining flakes with a soft cloth or brush. Don't use metal scourers on the element or inside. Rinse the filter in the spout too.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Rinse and boil clean water
Rinse the kettle well, then fill with fresh water, boil and throw it away. Do this two or three times, especially after vinegar, so your next drink doesn't taste of it.
Tips
- Which? suggests descaling roughly once a month, more often in hard-water areas or with a glass kettle where you can see the scale.
- Only boil the water you need. That reduces scale build-up and saves energy.
- Citric acid leaves no smell, so it's a good choice for plastic kettles that can hold on to vinegar odours.
Questions people ask
Is limescale harmful?
Limescale is mostly calcium carbonate from hard water. It isn't considered harmful, but it makes kettles less efficient and leaves flakes in drinks.
Can I use these methods on a coffee machine?
Coffee machines usually need the manufacturer's own descaling programme and product. Follow the manual.
How do I know if I live in a hard-water area?
Your water company's website will tell you the hardness for your postcode.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Which?: how to descale a kettle (which.co.uk)
- Which?: how to remove limescale from your kettle (which.co.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-descale-a-kettle/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.