According to research, we in the UK drink a staggering amount of tea, with an estimated 100 million cups being drunk each day. Another 70 million cups of coffee are drink daily, so little wonder that kettles get a workout every single day of the year.

Over time you will notice that there is a build-up of limescale inside the kettle. Limescale, which is also known as insoluble calcium carbonate will corrode the kettle and certainly shorten the life of it so descaling the kettle is a good idea.

What is limescale?

It is a deposit which is left behind when hard water evaporates. It also forms when water is left standing or is heated. This means that in areas where the water is hard, you will find limescale.

While we can never stop the buildip of limescale, there are things we can do to slow down the corrosion.

Many experts suggest that we only boil as much water as we need and then empty any remaining water out after the kettle has boiled. You can also leave the top off so that any droplets can evaporate.

Why should we descale the kettle? 

If limescale builds up it will slow the  rate of boil down and this affect the efficiency of the kettle. You may also notice that your tea and coffee has a slightly metallic taste.

It is recommended that the kettle is descaled every few months, although this can be sooner depending on the water in the area.

How do we descale the kettle?

Here are two methods to try, both of which use ingredients you should find in the kitchen. If not, they are inexpensive to buy.

Before you start:

• Remove as much limescale as possible
• Remove the spout filter
• Fill the kettle to about a quarter full, swirl and empty
• Rinse the filter and replace

Using bicarbonate of soda

• Fill the kettle till ¾ and add one heaped tablespoon bicarb
• Boil the kettle and leave to stand for an hour
• Pour the water out and rinse with fresh water
• Fill again and boil to remove any flavour from the bicarb

Distilled vinegar and water

• Fill the kettle using half and half, so equal measures of vinegar and water
• Boil the kettle
• Pour the water out
• Refill with plain water and boil to remove lingering taste of vinegar
• Repeat if needed

Final thoughts

When using vinegar you may want to open a window as the vinegar will create a very pungent smell when heated. Either that or do it near the extractor fan to remove the fumes.

If you have sensitive skin you may want to wear gloves while using vinegar.

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