How to Clean a Kettle Without Vinegar

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Vinegar works for descaling, but many people dislike the smell. The good news is that there are simple alternatives. Here is how to clean a kettle without using vinegar.

Use citric acid

Citric acid powder is a popular alternative. Fill the kettle partly with water, add the amount of citric acid suggested on the pack, boil it, then leave it to stand for a short while. Pour it away, then rinse well. Check the instructions on the product.

Try a kettle descaler

A ready-made kettle descaler is made for the job and usually has clear instructions. It is a convenient choice if you want a simple routine, and many are suitable for most stainless steel and plastic kettles.

Lemon can help with light scale

For light limescale, you can boil water with the juice of a lemon and leave it to stand. It is gentler, but it may not shift heavy scale. Rinse well afterwards.

Rinse and boil fresh water

After descaling, rinse the kettle and boil a full kettle of fresh water, then pour it away. Repeat if you can still taste or smell the cleaner.

Cleaning the outside

Unplug the kettle and wipe the outside with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid. Do not put the kettle or its base in water. Dry it well, and keep the base clear of splashes.