Limescale is the white or chalky mineral buildup left behind when hard water is boiled. While it isn’t harmful to health, limescale slows boiling, increases noise, wastes energy, and shortens kettle lifespan. Cleaning it regularly restores performance and keeps the kettle operating smoothly.
Limescale is mainly calcium and magnesium minerals that:
Precipitate when water is heated
Bond to the heating plate and lower walls
Build up faster in hard-water areas
It forms first on the heating plate, where temperatures are highest.
Citric acid is food-safe, effective, and gentle on all common kettle materials.
Citric acid powder
Clean water
Soft cloth or sponge
Fill the kettle halfway with clean water (above the minimum mark).
Add citric acid:
1–2 teaspoons per liter of water (use more for heavy scale).
Boil fully until automatic shut-off.
Soak 15–30 minutes to loosen hardened deposits.
Empty and rinse thoroughly 2–3 times.
Final boil: Boil fresh water once and discard.
If scale remains, repeat the soak instead of scrubbing.
Vinegar also dissolves limescale, but leaves a stronger odor.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar.
Fill halfway and boil.
Soak 20–30 minutes.
Empty and rinse thoroughly.
Boil clean water once or twice to remove odor.
Use sparingly to avoid lingering smells.
After descaling:
Wipe gently with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
Do not scrape or use steel wool
Scratches increase future scale bonding and reduce heat transfer.
| Water Quality | Descaling Frequency |
|---|---|
| Soft or filtered water | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Normal tap water | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Hard water | Every 1–2 weeks |
Clean sooner if boiling becomes louder or slower.
Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners
Do not use abrasive pads or metal brushes
Do not immerse the kettle base in water
Do not ignore thick buildup
These can damage components or reduce safety.
Empty the kettle after each use
Avoid leaving water inside overnight
Air-dry with the lid open
Use filtered water if possible
Descale before deposits harden
To clean electric kettle limescale, boil a diluted citric acid solution, soak, rinse thoroughly, and finish with a clean-water boil. Regular descaling restores fast, quiet boiling, improves energy efficiency, and extends the kettle’s service life.