Electric kettles develop white or grey flaky deposits from dissolved minerals in tap water — this is limescale. It's harmless but affects taste and reduces heating efficiency over time. Descaling takes 10 minutes.
White Vinegar Method
- Fill the kettle halfway with equal parts white vinegar and water
- Bring to a boil
- Turn off and let the solution sit for 15–30 minutes
- Pour out and scrub the inside with a soft brush if any deposits remain
- Fill with fresh water, boil, and discard — repeat once more to remove any vinegar taste
Citric Acid Method (Less Smell)
- Dissolve 1–2 tablespoons of citric acid powder in a full kettle of water
- Bring to a boil
- Let sit for 15–20 minutes
- Pour out and rinse thoroughly
- Boil a full kettle of plain water and discard to clear any residue
Citric acid is sold in the baking section of most grocery stores. It works as well as vinegar with less smell.
How Often
Every 1–3 months depending on how hard your water is and how often you use the kettle. If you can see visible flakes or white film inside, it's overdue. Toronto has moderately hard water, so quarterly descaling is a reasonable schedule.
Prevention
- Empty the kettle after each use — don't leave water sitting inside
- Use filtered water — reduces mineral content and extends time between descaling
- Some kettles have a removable mesh filter at the spout — rinse this weekly
Exterior Cleaning
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. For stainless steel: wipe in the direction of the grain with a microfibre cloth to avoid scratches. Never submerge the base in water — the electrical connector is there.