Very very badly scaled aga kettle

[Lotty32]

Any top tips to descale this? Obviously I've used descaled a few times!! Also there's a small metal thing which looks like a scouring pad inside the kettle - assume this is there for a reason? Thx x

The metal thing is supposed to attract limescale which you rinse off regularly.

Once a month, I boil a kettleful of water and then add a teaspoon of citric acid. When the water has cooled, I have a sparkly kettle and water for descaling the coffee maker.

I used to use vinegar, but citric acid works better and rinses out quickly. You might need to do it more than once for a lot of limescale.

What de-scaler are you using? Oust sachets are good, just re-boil the kettle when the water stops fizzing and repeat until the scale has gone. I only quarter fill the kettle before adding the oust.

The scouring pad thing is supposed to stop the kettle from scaling up. I don’t think they work very well in very hard water areas-although admittedly I haven’t used one for a very long time.

White/clear vinegar. Pour it in neat and leave over night.
The tiny metal thing is to collect the limescale. I live in a hard water area and really they are a bit useless. I need to descale at least once a week (which I never remember to do.)

Many many thx all!! Don't want to poison anyone! X

Also can I put hot saucepans on top of the aga lids (that cover the simmering plates) - assume won't burn but may scratch?

@Lotty32

Also can I put hot saucepans on top of the aga lids (that cover the simmering plates) - assume won't burn but may scratch?

Yes, and you can get hot plate lid covers to stop he scratching.

here

Lemon juice for the scale

Big bottle of the cheapest, strongest own brand , pour it in, leave it, warm it a bit