The essentials in 30 seconds
Switch off, unplug and let the kettle cool before cleaning. To descale, Breville says to fill the kettle two thirds full with 1 part vinegar (or a few slices of lemon) and 2 parts water, bring it to the boil and leave it overnight. Then empty it, boil clean water and throw it away, and repeat. Smeg's method is similar: boil water first, add white vinegar or a descaler while it is still hot, and leave it 8 to 10 hours, then boil and discard clean water at least twice. Descale whenever scale appears on the inner base. Clean the mesh filter under hot running water. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and dry it. Never immerse the base, cord or plug in water.
- No steel wool, abrasive cleaners, alkaline cleaners or chemicals inside or out.
- Smeg: no products with chlorine, ammonia or bleach, and no steam cleaners.
- If you use a commercial descaler, follow its instructions for quantities.
How to descale a kettle with vinegar or lemon
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01
Unplug and cool
Switch off at the outlet and let the kettle cool.
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02
Fill with the solution
Up to two thirds full: 1 part white vinegar (or a few lemon slices) and 2 parts water.
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03
Boil
Bring it to the boil once.
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04
Leave it overnight
Let the solution work on the scale.
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05
Empty
Pour the solution away once it has cooled.
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06
Rinse boils
Fill with clean water, boil and discard; repeat.
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07
Clean the filter
See below, and refit it.
Breville and Smeg descaling methods compared
| Step | Breville (TempSet kettle) | Smeg (KLF kettles) |
|---|---|---|
| Solution | 1 part vinegar or a few lemon slices, 2 parts water, kettle two thirds full | Boil water first (1 l in 1.7 l models), then add 100 to 500 ml of white vinegar while hot |
| Contact time | Boil and leave overnight | 8 to 10 hours |
| Rinsing | Boil clean water and discard, twice | Boil clean water and discard, at least twice |
| Commercial descaler | Breville Kettle Cleaner, following its packaging | Allowed; check its instructions for quantities |
Both brands say the same thing in essence: acid plus time dissolves scale, and rinse boils remove the taste of vinegar. Your own kettle's manual decides the exact amounts.
Cleaning the scale filter
Many kettles have a removable mesh filter behind the spout that catches scale flakes. Breville says to slide it out and clean it under hot running water, rubbing it with a cleaning cloth or brush, then slide it back. Check it regularly: filters wear out and should be replaced if damaged. Smeg adds that not filling above the maximum mark helps stop scale building up in the lid mechanism.
Cleaning the outside of a kettle
Wipe the kettle and its base with a damp cloth, then polish dry with a soft cloth. Smeg recommends putting the detergent on the damp cloth, not on the kettle, wiping gently and drying straight away with a soft or microfibre cloth, especially on matt and metallic finishes. Avoid powder cleaners, stain removers, metal scourers, sharp scrapers and steam jets.
What not to use on a kettle
- Immersing the kettle base, power base, cord or plug.
- Steel wool, abrasive or corrosive cleaners, inside or out.
- Chemicals and alkaline cleaning agents (Breville), and products with chlorine, ammonia or bleach (Smeg).
- Steam cleaners on the outside.
- Overfilling above the maximum mark.
How to clean a kettle: frequently asked questions
How do I descale a kettle with vinegar?
Fill it two thirds full with 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water, boil it, leave it overnight, then empty it and do two rinse boils with clean water.
Can I descale a kettle with lemon?
Yes. Breville allows a few slices of lemon instead of vinegar, in the same method.
Is the brown stain inside my kettle rust?
Breville says no: it is discolouration from mineral deposits in tap water, and descaling removes it.
How often should I descale my kettle?
Whenever scale appears on the inner base, as Smeg advises.
How do I get rid of the vinegar taste after descaling?
Boil clean water and discard it at least twice before using the kettle.
Can I put my kettle in water to clean it?
No. Never immerse the base, cord or plug. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
Sources
Manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Breville · The TempSet kettle instruction book (PDF) ↗Unplug before cleaning and let the kettle cool; removable mesh filter cleaned under hot running water with a cloth or brush, replaced if damaged; never immerse the base, cord or plug; no chemicals, alkaline cleaners, steel wool or abrasives; brown base discolouration is mineral deposits, not rust; 1 part vinegar or lemon slices to 2 parts water, two thirds full, boil and stand overnight; two rinse boils; exterior wiped with a damp cloth and polished dry; element fully immersed when operating.
- Smeg · Kettle maintenance instructions ↗Clean the outside after it cools with detergent on a damp cloth and dry with a soft or microfibre cloth; no steam jets; no chlorine, ammonia or bleach; no abrasive or corrosive products, metal scourers or sharp scrapers; do not exceed the maximum capacity; descale whenever scale appears; vinegar or descaler added to just-boiled water; 8 to 10 hours; boil and discard clean water at least twice.
Kettle not switching off or leaking from the base?
Unplug it and stop using it; note the model number before contacting the manufacturer.