Burnt Kettle Element!

[Eric]

Wayne, it's much much easier than you fear.
You obviously know sufficient to get started. You'll save time and money and be amazed by the difference it can make to your pale beers.
Go for it.

[ash99s90]

I have a burco that I use for BIAB, after every brew I fill with enough water to cover the element, once the water is boiling I switch off and pour half a bottle of white vinegar and leave to soak. Usually the next day a light rub with a scourer/sponge and everything is clean and shiny, just rinse out with clean water and all is good.

[Brownster]

@Eric, you are right it is about time I grasped this nettle, I have ordered one of the Salifert Alkalinity kits you mentioned and seem popular / accurate. I'm having another read up on the subject, I've just read the article written by Martin Brungard on the subject of water treatment and found His explaination much clearer, so I'll be doing a test soon and going from there I think.

I have a burco that I use for BIAB, after every brew I fill with enough water to cover the element, once the water is boiling I switch off and pour half a bottle of white vinegar and leave to soak. Usually the next day a light rub with a scourer/sponge and everything is clean and shiny, just rinse out with clean water and all is good.

Thanks it seems white vinegar is a good choice and will give it a try this week; I have finished cleaning up the badly calcified element and put it back, another clean with white vinegar and it'll be brew time