How to descale a kettle with vinegar or citric acid: A step-by-step guide
Explore easy methods to descale your kettle using vinegar and citric acid (photo: Styler)
Limescale can make a kettle take longer to heat water, while deposits can end up in your tea or coffee. You can remove them using vinegar, citric acid, or a specialized descaling product.
RBC-Ukraine explains how to remove limescale and which mistakes to avoid.
What to check before cleaning
Find the descaling section in your kettle's instruction manual. Check which products are approved, the recommended dosage, and how to use them. Only use the methods below if they comply with the manufacturer's recommendations.
When heating water, keep the water level between the minimum and maximum marks on the kettle.
Before hand-cleaning or rinsing the appliance, unplug the electric kettle and let it cool. Do not immerse the kettle or its base in water.
How to remove limescale with citric acid
The British consumer organization Which? describes the following method:
- Fill the kettle halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
- Turn off the appliance and unplug it.
- Carefully add 1–2 tablespoons of citric acid to the water.
- Leave the solution for 15–20 minutes.
- Let the kettle cool, pour out the solution, and rinse the kettle several times with clean water.
How to clean a kettle with vinegar
Check your kettle's instruction manual for the vinegar's acidity level and whether heating is required. Do not substitute concentrated acetic acid for regular vinegar.
For example, Tefal provides the following no-heating method on its care page for the KO3308KR model:
- Pour 500 ml of white vinegar (8% acidity) into the kettle.
- Leave it for one hour without turning the appliance on.
- Pour out the vinegar.
- Rinse the kettle with clean water 5–6 times.
The recommended vinegar concentration, amount, and treatment time may vary for other models.
How to use a commercial descaler
Choose a descaling product suitable for your kettle. Check the packaging for the recommended dosage, water temperature, and treatment time.
Rinse the kettle thoroughly after use. If the instructions call for boiling clean water after descaling, follow that step and pour the water out.
What to do if limescale remains
If necessary, repeat the treatment using a manufacturer-approved method. Do not scrape off deposits with a knife, metal brush, or other abrasive tools.
Do not scrub the heating element, even with a cloth.
How to clean a limescale filter
If your kettle has a removable filter, clean it regularly because the mesh traps limescale particles.
Remove and clean the filter according to the appliance's instructions. For the KO3308KR model, Tefal recommends soaking the filter in white vinegar or diluted citric acid.
How often should you descale your kettle?
Experts recommend using roughly once a month as a general guideline. Check your kettle's instruction manual for the recommended cleaning frequency. If you have hard water and limescale builds up more quickly, you may need to clean it more often.
Read also how to remove mold in the fall.
