How to descale an electric kettle: the easiest method

An electric kettle makes boiling water for drinks and other household needs as easy as possible. However, to keep it performing well, it needs regular cleaning as mineral salts from the water accumulate in the kettle and form a layer of scale.

If you see a white or yellowish, chalk-like film inside the kettle, it's probably time to descale it. OBOZ.UA tells you how to do it quickly and easily. In just 30 minutes, your kettle will have a sparkling look.

Fill the kettle with water and vinegar

To prepare a descaling solution, fill half of the kettle with water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. It is better to use distilled water, which does not contain minerals.

Turn on the kettle and bring this solution to a boil. Leave the hot product inside for about 10 minutes to allow it to work properly.

Clean the inside of the kettle

Pour off the solution and make sure that the kettle has cooled down enough to clean safely. Usually, this process removes all major deposits. However, if there are traces of lime left inside, wipe them off with a soft, damp sponge and a little baking soda. Rinse the kettle.

Cleaning the filter (optional)

If your electric kettle is equipped with a water filter or water filter cartridge, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning it. Most recommend immersing it under water and wiping it with a cloth or soaking it in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few minutes.

Rinse the kettle

To prevent the water from tasting like vinegar after cleaning, rinse the kettle with an additional boil. To do this, fill the reservoir with water and bring it to a boil. Then pour off the liquid. If the vinegar smell remains, repeat the procedure until it disappears.

Clean the kettle from the outside

After you have cleaned the reservoir, take care of the outside of the kettle. Wipe it down with a soft sponge and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. This step should remove any dried water stains and other dirt. You can also use a damp sponge and dry baking soda to gently remove stubborn stains. Finally, be sure to wipe the appliance dry.

Additional methods

If you don't have white vinegar at hand, you can clean the kettle with citric acid. For example, fill the device with water and pour 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice into it. Instead, you can add 2 tablespoons of food-grade citric acid. Boil the solution and continue cleaning as described above.

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