Enjoying a cup of tea — whether it’s a caffeine-packed blend in the morning or a soothing decaf at night — is a simple pleasure. You can savor each sip and enjoy a variety of additions, like a bit of sugar, honey, or milk. But sweetener can’t cover up an off-putting taste. If it’s not…
To Descale, or Not To Descale, That Is the Question
When you start noticing an off-taste in your tea, there’s no question about it: Your kettle needs a deep clean. More specifically, it likely needs to be descaled. When you use a kettle frequently, minerals in the tap water can create limescale buildup — especially if you live in an area with hard water.
The solution is simple, and it’s one of those self-cleaning hacks we know and love. (We’re looking at you, self-cleaning blender hack.) To descale your tea kettle, fill it with a 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water, then bring it to a boil. Turn off the burner and remove the kettle from the heat. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to an hour, giving it enough time to dissolve the limescale. Finally, pour out the mixture and give the kettle a good rinse. If the vinegar scent lingers, boil a fresh pot of water once or twice to clear it out.
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Make Kettle Cleaning a Habit
If you use your tea kettle every day, plan to clean it more frequently to prevent any unwelcome flavors. Daily cleaning is as easy as emptying the kettle of leftover water, leaving the lid open to air-dry the interior, and wiping down the exterior with a microfiber cloth while it’s still warm. Aim to descale your kettle every one to three months, or monthly if you live in an area with hard water.
