answers



Below is a list of commonly asked questions and answers for each product family.

 

If you have a question that is not covered below, feel free to Contact Us.
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1 - How can I clean the scale filter in my Tefal kettle?
2 - How do I clean the plastic or metal body ?
3 - How do I descale my kettle ?
4 - My kettle does not switch off.
5 - My kettle does not work
6 - My kettle switches off before it has boiled.
7 - The inside of my kettle is brown or black.
8 - The water has a plastic taste.
9 - The water turns cloudy.
10 - What do I do to keep my kettle in good condition?
11 - What must I pay attention to when using a kettle ?
 

1 -  How can I clean the scale filter in my Tefal kettle?

Simply rinse and brush the filter under the tap regularly to remove any loose scale and prevent the filter from becoming blocked with lime scale. You can also soak it in lemon juice or white vinegar overnight.




2 -  How do I clean the plastic or metal body ?

a) Simply clean the outside with a damp cloth (with a spot of vinegar if necessary) and descale the inside.
b) Never use metal abrasives, scouring powder, non-scratch cream cleanser or any other cleaning products, as they may discolour the plastic.
c) Be careful never to immerse the kettle, the cord, plug or power base in water!




3 -  How do I descale my kettle ?

We recommend:
1) Either white vinegar: fill the kettle with 500mL of strong white vinegar and leave to soak for 1 hour without boiling.
Or citric acid: boil 500mL of water, add 25g of citric acid and leave to soak for 15 minutes.
2) Then discard the mixture. Rinse the kettle with clear water five times before using.

IMPORTANT - do not use other descaling agents such as those containing either formic or sulphaminic acid.




4 -  My kettle does not switch off.

Generally caused by boiling the water with the lid open (the steam cut-off does not work).




5 -  My kettle does not work

Check the electric supply is switched on at the wall socket and if your kettle is a corded model, check that the removable cord is firmly connected to the kettle. Check if the fuse in the plug needs replacing.




6 -  My kettle switches off before it has boiled.

a) Generally caused by scale build-up inside. Read the instruction leaflet carefully to descale your kettle.
b) Alternatively, the kettle may have accidentally been turned on without water or insufficient water (an element must always be covered by water), causing the safety cut-off device to operate. Reset in the following way: wait 5 minutes for the kettle to cool and then refill with water. Push the on/off switch and after about 15 minutes the kettle will automatically reset itself and start to boil.




7 -  The inside of my kettle is brown or black.

In some areas where the water contains a high quantity of iron, the natural limescale deposit inside your kettle can be tainted brown or black.




8 -  The water has a plastic taste.

Generally this only occurs on the first use and is not a problem if the water boiled on initial use is discarded. If the problem persists, fill the kettle to Max level and add 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate soda. Boil and discard water.




9 -  The water turns cloudy.

If you live in a hard water area, this is normal and is caused by calcium and magnesium carbonates in the water. Therefore, regular descaling will be essential. If you wish to find out more about the type of water in your area, your local water authority can give you further advice. Their telephone number can be found on your water bill.




10 -  What do I do to keep my kettle in good condition?

a) Always pour out all the water after each use.
b) Always ensure that the immersed element or plate at the bottom of the kettle is covered with water before you start boiling.
c) If you live in a hard water area, dont wait until there is a thick layer of scale before descaling.




11 -  What must I pay attention to when using a kettle ?

- Hot water can cause dangerous scalds and children must know a kettle is not a toy:
- Place the kettle and lead well away from the front of the work surface.
- Do not hold your baby when drinking or carrying a hot drink
- Do not place the appliance near a heat source as the plastic parts could get damaged.
- Use the appliance on a stable, level surface.
- Use only for heating water and never use without water as it will damage the heating element
- Do not open the lid when the water is boiling and handle the kettle carefully when it is full of hot water
- Do not use the appliance if the kettle, power base, cord or plug is damaged.

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