Kettles tend to build up limescale over time.The build-up causes water to take longer to boil and can cause your kettle to burn out in the long run.If you begin to notice limescale build-up in your kettle, you can easily use lemon juice or vinegar to get rid of it.
Step 1: Put 2 cups of water and vinegar into a kettle.
If the volume of your kettle is too small for this mixture, fill it halfway and place any leftover solution to the side.White vinegar and water should be used in a1:1 ratio.If you have an electric kettle, make sure it's unplugged before pouring the water and vinegar.It is a good idea to check the owner's manual for your kettle to make sure that it is safe to put something in it.
Step 2: Bring the solution to a boil by turning the kettle on.
Plug in the kettle if it's electric or turn the stove underneath it to boil the solution.The solution should boil for about a minute.To bring the solution to a boil, use a high heat setting.It shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to get it boiling.
Step 3: Once the solution is boiling, turn off the kettle and let it sit for an hour.
You don't have to boil it for a set amount of time if you just sit in the kettle with the solution.Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 minutes before pouring it out if you don't want to wait an entire hour.If you have an electric kettle with an automatic switch-off feature, you can let it switch off on its own.
Step 4: After an hour, rinse the kettle.
Before handling the kettle, make sure it's cool to the touch.Thoroughly rinse the inside of the kettle under the sink faucet to get rid of any leftover solution.If you want to get the most out of the kettle, rinse it out 2 or 3 times.To make it easier to rinse out the interior of your kettle, take the lid off.You can wash the lid on your own to make sure it's clean.
Step 5: Use a damp cloth to wipe away limescale.
The leftover limescale will probably not have been removed by the solution, but it should be easy to remove by hand.If a damp cloth isn't cutting it, add a little bit of baking soda to a sponge and use that to clean out the inside of the kettle.The best way to clean is with a microfiber cloth or cleaning brush.You need to get all the corners as well.
Step 6: Run a water cycle to get rid of the taste.
Bring your kettle to a boil by filling it halfway with plain water.The water should be poured out when it starts to boil.You may have to do this 2 or 3 times.When you can't smell the odor in your kettle, repeat this cycle.If you want to see if your kettle tastes like vinegar, you can prepare a beverage in it.
Step 7: Put a lemon in 1.5 cups of water.
Once you've squeezed the juice out of the lemon, cut it up into small pieces and add them to the water.You can mix lemon juice with water if you don't have a whole lemon.If you want to add lemon juice or pieces of lemon to your kettle, make sure you check the manufacturer's instructions.It doesn't hurt to double-check.Limes can be used, but you'll probably see better results with lemon.
Step 8: Bring this mixture to a boil in your kettle.
The kettle should be half full with the lemon and water mixture.You can heat up the lemon water by plugging in your kettle.You may still have a leftover solution.
Step 9: Leave the solution to sit for an hour while you turn off the kettle.
Allow the solution to boil for a while before turning it off.Remove the kettle from the heat and place it on a cool surface.If you're pressed for time, leave it for at least 30 minutes.This will allow enough time for the solution to descale the kettle and for it to cool down.
Step 10: Once it's cool, pour out the lemon mixture and rinse the kettle.
Before handling the kettle, make sure it's cool to the touch.The lemon water should be removed from the kettle by rinsing it in the sink.For the best results, rinse it out 4 or 5 times.To make it easier to rinse out under the sink faucet, you may want to remove the kettle lid.
Step 11: Run a plain water cycle and wipe down the inside of the kettle.
Baking soda can be used to wipe down limescale left in the kettle.Bring the kettle to a boil by filling it halfway with water.Remove the kettle from the heat.Continue this process until you have no more limescale in your kettle.It is possible that you will need to repeat this cycle several times to completely remove the limescale odor from your kettle.