Horrid Kettle

whizzing

My kettle is giving out little bits of ???? when you pour out the water. Does this mean it just needs cleaned and if so how do I do this?

kitchpoo

little bits, are they flakey and white or even slightly green? Is it a hidden / concealed element and have you tried descaling it? I'm sure someone in the old school money saving forum area knows of a home fix, but I use the sachets of descaler (scale-away IRC), which you pour in and leave it to dissolve for 10 minutes, I usually pour some of the water out and put in a bowl and do the shower head at the same time. Rinse it all thoroughly and follow the instructions as it does give off fumes as it does its magic.

noonesperfect

I would use a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar to half fill your kettle.

Boil this mixture then leave it to stand in the kettle all night.
Rinse out well in the morning. This usually removes limescale well, but might need a second attempt if your kettle is very furred up.

pigpen

I attacked mine with a knife yesterday.. chipped away the big chunks. very carefully so as not to damage the element.. Mine had black bits in as well.

I try to rinse mine out on a daily basis to rid it of the loose bits.

morwenna

Lemon juice works in the same way as the vinegar method posted by noonesperfect

crafty_swan

I always use the vinegar method usually do it every couple of months when I'm hving a baking day do it fist thing in the morning stops me drinking coffee allday while I bake then I clean it out when I finish and boil it a couple of times the sti down to lovely cuppa

whizzing

I think I might buy a descaler product, as it is my hubby who drinks tea and coffee and he thinks we should get a new kettle!!! Where do I buy this??

kitchpoo

Its in Tesco - and most suermarkets with the cleaning products.