Descaling

Descaling is the process of removing limescale, the chalky mineral deposit left behind inside a kettle after repeated boiling, especially with hard water. It is usually done by boiling or soaking a mild acidic solution, such as diluted white vinegar or citric acid, inside the kettle and then rinsing thoroughly.

Limescale forms gradually as minerals in the water are left behind every time it evaporates or boils off. Left unchecked, it can affect how accurately a kettle senses and holds temperature, and small flakes can eventually end up floating in a poured cup, which is unwelcome in a delicate tea.

When choosing a kettle, one with an easily accessible base or a removable filter makes routine descaling far simpler than a sealed, hard-to-reach design. A common mistake is waiting until buildup is heavy and visible before descaling, or scrubbing with abrasive pads that can scratch the interior instead of using a gentle acid rinse.