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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Doddy on 11:16:17, 27/06/18

Title: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: Doddy on 11:16:17, 27/06/18

I have small camping kettle which I think is anodised aluminium, certainly aluminium with a coating. I noticed that in the inside the kettle the coating is coming off in small flakes. I am not keen on continuing to use it; is there any way I can reseal it or do I just bin it.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: alan de enfield on 11:37:33, 27/06/18

Quote from: Doddy on 11:16:17, 27/06/18

I have small camping kettle which I think is anodised aluminium, certainly aluminium with a coating. I noticed that in the inside the kettle the coating is coming off in small flakes. I am not keen on continuing to use it; is there any way I can reseal it or do I just bin it.

Are you sure its not limescale ?


You can buy limescale removal 'stuff', or even just boil a marble and as it rolls around it knocks off limescale and you can just 'swill it out'.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: Doddy on 11:53:46, 27/06/18

Thanks I thought about that but it is the coating.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: NeilC on 13:13:52, 27/06/18

Quote from: Doddy on 11:53:46, 27/06/18

Thanks I thought about that but it is the coating.

Doesn't sound too pleasant/healthy. I guess you could try an acid descaler in an attempt to get all the flaking over and done with - if it reacts to the acid that is. Or a brillo pad with the same aim.


Otherwise I think I'd be tempted to bin it. I can't see flakes of aluminium being a good idea to ingest in any quantity.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: Mel on 13:20:35, 27/06/18

Urrgh, get rid.  If you're convinced it's not limescale then flakes of anything isn't good.  Plus, if the sealing/coating has come off the "base metal" (so to speak) then god knows what's being released into the water when it's heated.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:50:14, 27/06/18

Just bin it, Doddy; replacement kettles are dirt cheap, and goodness knows what is in the flakes that are coming off.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: jimbob on 15:07:15, 27/06/18

Hang it in a hedge or tree in a way that rain/water doesn't get in easily. Wrens love nesting in them.
I have two old kettles in a thorn bush in my allotment one of which has been home to a wren, smashing little bird.

Title: Re: Camping kettle flaking inside, advice needed
Post by: Doddy on 14:52:12, 12/07/18

I will be putting the kettle in the garden or use as a house plant watering can. I have bought a Camelwill stainless steel kettle which looks good. I will be using this in my Citroen Berlingo micro camper which I use for some multiday walks when I can get back to it with public transport. I use a MSR Titan kettle on lightweight tenting trips.