Limescale is an unsightly chalky substance that plagues many household appliances and the kettle is no exception.
As one of the most used appliances in many UK homes, its frequent use means limescale build-up over time is inevitable due to high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water being boiled for your cups of tea and coffee. How quickly the substance forms can depend on how hard the water is in your area (with hard water containing higher levels of calcium and magnesium) and how often you clean your kettle.
It’s important to rid your kettle of limescale as it can shorten its lifespan as it coats the heating element and corrodes it, making it less efficient over time and hindering its performance. You may find you’re waiting longer than usual for your kettle to boil if there’s a build-up of limescale and it can also affect the taste of the water, giving your tea or coffee an unpleasant metallic or chalky flavour.
But the good news is you don’t have to splash out on a fancy descaler to rid your kettle of the problem as plumbing experts say a simple 50p kitchen ingredient can clean your kettle just as well – if not better.
Specialists at Plumbworld say you don’t need expensive chemicals to banish limescale, you simply need to use white vinegar, which costs less than £1 at most supermarkets. By comparison, some branded descalers can set you back between £10 and £15 per treatment.
White vinegar contains acetic acid which breaks down limescale naturally without the need for harsh chemicals. It also has the added benefit of rinsing out cleanly, unlike chemical solutions that can leave behind artificial residues, and vinegar is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Experts at Plumbword explain: “Ignoring limescale isn’t just bad for your kettle—it can hit your wallet in unexpected ways:
- Higher energy bills – A kettle with limescale takes longer to heat up, wasting electricity.
- Appliance damage – Over time, scale buildup can clog heating elements, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Poor-tasting tea and coffee – Limescale particles can make your drinks taste metallic or chalky.
“Limescale buildup can shorten your kettle’s lifespan and increase energy consumption. White vinegar is a simple yet powerful solution that removes scale just as effectively as commercial descalers—at a fraction of the price.
“It’s cheap, easy, and just as effective—making it a game-changer for budget-conscious households looking for a simple yet powerful solution.”
To clean your kettle with white vinegar, simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water until the kettle is half full, then boil the solution.
Once it’s boiled, let the solution sit in the kettle for 30-60 minutes to dissolve the limescale. For stubborn deposits, you may need to use a sponge or brush to gently scrub away any remaining residue.
Once this is done, empty the solution from your kettle and rinse it multiple times with fresh water to remove any vinegar scent. Then to ensure there’s no lingering taste, boil fresh water once or twice before using your kettle again