If you notice stains on the bottom of your kettle's interior that resembles water spots or rust, this is likely a harmless and common buildup of minerals called limescale. Limescale is composed primarily of calcium carbonate, and can present itself as light-colored stains, typically white or off-white in color.
Limescale or mineral deposits are a direct result of heating up water and thus inevitable in all kettles. How long it takes for mineral deposits to show up will depend on the mineral concentration in your water source. Symptoms of scale build-up can include lagging temperature readout response, over-boiling, inaccurate temperatures, and poor heating efficiency; if you notice any of these issues with your kettle, scale build-up is the likely culprit.
You can remove the mineral deposits through a process called descaling, where a gentle acid is used to remove the deposits without damaging the metal. You can use vinegar or citric acid to descale. Both are safe and effective cleaning solutions; however, citric acid is a bit stronger and doesn't leave a lingering scent like vinegar may leave. If you prefer to buy a ready-made solution, we recommend descaling with Urnez Dezcal, which you can buy from Amazon and many other retail locations.
Descaling instructions:
If you use vinegar, heat a solution of half vinegar and half water in your kettle. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it sit for at least a half-hour before dumping it out and rinsing the kettle thoroughly.
If you use citric acid, heat a solution of 500mL of water and 2 spoonfuls of citric acid. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it sit for at least a half-hour before dumping it out and rinsing the kettle thoroughly. For more information, please read the instructions on the product.
Note: Scrubbing the bottom of your kettle with steel wool or an abrasive brush will damage the inner surface of the kettle, ultimately leading to worse limescale and could also result in the development of rust. Please use a sponge or soft brush to clean the inside of your kettle.
No. Please do not use your electric kettle on your stovetop! The kettle is designed for use with its electric base ONLY. By putting the kettle on your stovetop or induction surface, you risk melting functional parts in the kettle and paint.
No. None of the EKG, EKG Pro, and EKG Pro Studio Edition kettle bodies is compatible with Clyde’s base. Clyde’s body also isn’t compatible with any EKG base.