Morphy Richards, a prominent home and kitchen appliances manufacturer, has shared a 35p supermarket item that can keep kettles limescale-free: white vinegar. The appliance experts recommend using a mixture of equal parts water and white or distilled vinegar to descale kettles effectively, according to the Express.
Simple descaling method
The process involves filling the kettle with the vinegar and water solution and bringing it to a full boil. Once boiled, the solution should be left to sit for at least 30 minutes. After this time, Morphy Richards advises unplugging the kettle, emptying the solution down the sink, and thoroughly rinsing the inside with fresh water.
To ensure the kettle is completely residue-free, the manufacturer recommends refilling it with water, plugging it back in, and boiling it once more. In stubborn cases, this full-boil process may need to be repeated.
Impact on taste and appliance lifespan
Morphy Richards cautions that limescale buildup can flatten the taste and texture of hot beverages like tea and coffee, and small pieces of limescale can float in drinks. Additionally, limescale on the heating element can increase boiling time by blocking heat transfer, which over time can damage the kettle's lifespan.
The manufacturer also highlights hygiene concerns, noting that while limescale itself is not harmful to health, it provides a point for bacteria to accumulate when the kettle is not in use.
Hard water hotspots in the UK
Limescale buildup is more prevalent in areas with hard water, which contains bicarbonate minerals. Regions particularly affected include the South and South West (Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Bath, Bristol), London and the South East (London boroughs, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire), and East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, including Ipswich and Norwich).
