Xabi Alonso gave Liverpool a third minute lead from the penalty spot after former Red Djimi Traore had been penalised for kicking Jermaine Pennant in the head.
The goal gave the Reds the confidence to push on, and create chance after chance. Dirk Kuyt, Jermaine Pennant, Mark Gonzalez and Craig Bellamy all had opportunities to double Liverpool's lead before half time.
Charlton were woeful, but Liverpool's failure to get the second goal their play deserved meant the Addicks were always in the game, and they had two good chances to equalise but saw both shots skied way over the bar.
Liverpool finally wrapped the game up on 82 minutes when Craig Bellamy received a throw in from Steve Finnan, turned and fired past Thomas Myre, deputising for Liverpool's on loan Scott Carson, to end the game as a contest.
Steven Gerrard made the scoreline reflect Liverpool's domination two minutes from time when he added the third, after being allowed all the time in the world to bring the ball down in the 18 yard box, re-adjust his feet and pick his spot.