If water from your Morphy Richards kettle has an unusual taste or smell, this can be caused by a new appliance, mineral deposits, water left standing or residue inside the kettle.
In most cases, these issues can be resolved through correct initial preparation, regular cleaning and descaling, and using fresh water. An unusual taste or smell does not automatically mean the kettle is faulty.
Why Does My Kettle Water Taste or Smell Different?
Common causes include:
- New kettle: A slight taste or smell may be noticeable during initial use.
- Limescale build-up: Natural mineral deposits can affect the taste of boiled water.
- Water left standing: Water stored in the kettle for extended periods may develop a stale taste.
- Residue inside the kettle: Deposits or cleaning product residue may affect the taste or smell.
- Water supply: Differences in tap water mineral content or treatment can affect the taste and smell of water, even after boiling.
Identifying whether the issue occurs only with water boiled in the kettle or is also present in fresh tap water can help determine the likely cause.
Why Does My New Kettle Have an Unusual Taste or Smell?
A new kettle may have a slight smell or taste during its first few uses.
This can be associated with materials or residues from manufacturing and packaging and does not automatically indicate a fault.
Before using a new kettle for drinks:
- Remove all packaging and check that no packaging materials remain inside.
- Rinse the kettle with clean water.
- Fill with fresh water to the recommended level.
- Boil the water and discard it.
- Repeat the initial boiling and rinsing process as instructed for your model.
If the initial taste or smell disappears after preparing the kettle correctly, no further action is necessary.
Can Limescale Affect the Taste or Smell of Kettle Water?
Limescale is a natural mineral deposit that forms when water is heated.
It can accumulate on the kettle's heating surface and inner walls, particularly in hard-water areas. Soft water can also contain minerals that form deposits.
Excessive build-up may affect the taste of boiled water and kettle performance.
Limescale comes from minerals in the water supply and is not produced by the kettle. Its presence does not automatically indicate a manufacturing fault.
Regular descaling helps remove mineral deposits and maintain the kettle's condition.
How Can I Remove an Unusual Taste or Smell From My Kettle?
If the kettle has no signs of damage or an electrical problem, try the following:
- Empty the kettle and allow it to cool completely.
- Rinse the inside thoroughly with fresh water.
- Check for mineral deposits and descale using a proprietary kettle descaling product suitable for your appliance.
- Follow the descaling product instructions carefully, including the required rinsing procedure.
- Refill with fresh water rather than reusing water that has been standing in the kettle.
- Check the tap water itself to establish whether the taste or smell is present before boiling.
As a general guide, Morphy Richards recommends descaling approximately once a month, depending on usage and water hardness.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, unsuitable chemicals or cleaning products that are not intended for kettles.
How Can I Keep My Kettle Water Tasting Fresh?
- Use fresh drinking water each time you fill the kettle.
- Avoid leaving water standing in the kettle unnecessarily.
- Empty unused water after use.
- Descale regularly according to usage and water hardness.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning or descaling.
These steps help reduce mineral deposits and residual tastes.
What If the Unusual Taste or Smell Continues?
If the taste or smell remains after the recommended cleaning and descaling steps, and you have established that it is not present in your fresh tap water, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support with:
- Model and serial number – Found on the appliance's rating label.
- Place and date of purchase.
- Proof of purchase – If not already provided with your warranty registration.
- Description of the issue – Whether the water tastes or smells unusual, what the taste or smell is like, and when it occurs.
- Photographs – Clear images showing the inside of the kettle, including the base, in its current condition.
- Troubleshooting completed – Including cleaning, descaling and whether the issue is also present in fresh tap water.
We can check your warranty registration using your email address, but proof of purchase may still be required to validate your warranty.
This information will help us assess the appliance's condition and advise on the appropriate next steps.
If the smell is distinctly burning or electrical, stop using the kettle and unplug it rather than continuing to boil water or carrying out further troubleshooting.