How to Clean an Electric Kettle: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Electric kettles are one of the most hardworking kitchen appliances that make our lives smooth particularly, in mornings when every minute counts.
Whether you need fresh hot tea, instant coffee, a hot vessel of water for instant noodles or you crave hot cocoa, press the button and get the instant boiled water.
But you know, these tiny kitchen gadgets can get tired too, if we stop showing care for them.
Why Do Kettles Stop Working?
With time electric kettles accumulate thick layers of mineral deposits that affect their heating performance.
With mineral buildup, the kettle takes longer to boil water and shows discoloration and rust spots. In the later stages, prepared beverages start giving off odors and taste a bit off.
Hard water and well water are known for mediating the precipitation of natural minerals in boiling water. The calcium and magnesium buildup, if it gets tough, can damage the electric kettle.
How Do I reset My Electric kettle?
Don’t get worried because your kettle’s effectiveness can be restored with regular cleaning.
This maintenance is not that tough. But, how frequently should you do it? It is decided by how much you use it and the nature of your tap water.
In this detailed step-by-step guide, we’ll tell you about different methods of cleaning an electric kettle. The plus point is all of them are natural so that you can keep enjoying stellar coffee or tea in the long run.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods
You don’t need any fancy tools or expensive chemicals to deep clean your electric kettle. We’ve come up with some non-toxic and easily available kitchen ingredients to make this process easy for you.
You’ll just need plain water, distilled vinegar, fresh lemons, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), descaling tablets, a microfiber towel, and a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth for scrubbing (if needed).
Here are the detailed guidelines for deep cleaning with each method. Keep reading.
Method 1: Cleaning with Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is the safest chemical for removing lime scales. If you’re sick of offensive smells and long for the pleasant taste of hot coffee, we can help.
You can restore the kettle’s performance by descaling limescale with vinegar solution.
The acetic acid in vinegar is known for its mild and toxic properties. White vinegar, a strong cleaning agent, can effectively tackle tough mineral buildup in less time.
How to use White Vinegar for Cleaning Electric Kettle
Follow these super easy steps to get a sparkling clean and mineral buildup-free kettle.
1. Preparing Diluted Vinegar Solution
Fill your electric kettle with three parts of plain water and one part of white vinegar. You can alter this ratio- a higher proportion of vinegar- if the kettle is dirty and holds tough limescale deposits.
2. Boiling and Letting Reaction Proceed
Once the cleaning mixture is ready, bring the water inside the kettle to boil. Allow this mixture to stand for a while before emptying. Let the reaction between acetic acid and mineral deposits occur after you turn the kettle on.
3. Resting
If you’re cleaning once in a while and mineral deposits are stubborn, you can let this solution rest overnight after boiling is complete.
4. Wash With Water
The final step is pouring the solution out and washing the internal surface of the kettle with fresh water. If needed, you can gently clean the scraps of mineral deposits with a soft sponge at this stage.
5. Remove Vinegar Odor
Fill your kettle with plain water and turn the switch on. This boiling with plain water helps remove the lingering vinegar taste and smell. Drain the water and dry the inside surface with a microfiber towel.
Hurray, your new kettle is ready for brewing tasty beverages!
When to Use the Vinegar Method
This natural and highly powerful method is simple to use.You can follow it when the mineral buildup is excessively heavy in your stainless steel electric kettle.
What are you waiting for? Grab vinegar from your kitchen and give this method a try to enjoy drinks from the cleaner kettle.
Method 2: Cleaning with Lemon and Water
If you want a fresh and citrusy smell after washing, go for a lemon-and-water deep cleaning process.
Yes, lemon juice can serve as an excellent stain-removing agent that can cut through harsh mineral build-up.
The hard water causes mineral accumulation inside the kettle. The citric acid in lemon juice can break the tough bonds between calcium and magnesium deposits and other stains.
We bet you’ll experience another level of fresh scent in your tea after using this cleaning hack.
How to Use Lemon Water Solution
Here’s how you can use lemon and water for deep cleaning:
Prepare Lemon Water Solution
- Start by cutting 2–3 fresh lemons into slices. Put these lemon slices into the kettle.
- Fill the kettle halfway with filtered water.
- You can squeeze some lemon juice from 2 more lemons into this water for better cleansing.
Boiling
- Once the cleaning mixture is ready, bring the water inside the kettle to boil.
- Let the reaction between citric acid and mineral deposits occur after you turn the kettle on.
Resting
- If you’re cleaning once in a while and mineral deposits are not that tough yet.
- It’s better to let this solution rest for 20–25 minutes before emptying.
Gently Scrub the Interior Surface
- Use a super-soft sponge, or soft cloth to gently scrub the surface inside the kettle.
- You can focus on areas where stains and loosened lime deposits are still visible.
Rinsing with Water
- After scrubbing, drain the lemon solution and thoroughly wash the kettle with cold water.
- Follow air drying after this step.
Additional Step
- If you don’t like the lemon scent. You can remove residual scents by boiling water inside the washed kettle.
- Once the boiling cycle is complete, discard the water and allow the kettle to air dry.
When to Use This Method
If you have a plastic or glass kettle, use this natural and refreshing method.
The gentle acidity of the lemon will not scratch or damage the kettle’s surface like harsh chemicals can.
You can freely adopt this maintenance practice for mild mineral build ups. Also, it’s the best choice if your kettle needs a natural refresh from bad odors.
Method 3: Using Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains
When descaling tablets and vinegar fail to remove tough stains and odors, a thin paste of baking soda can come to help!
This versatile kitchen ingredient holds an alkaline nature and its pH is potent enough to neutralize the acids of grime at the base. This way, the mineral buildup detaches, and harder grime gets dissolved.
Other benefits:
- The non-abrasive baking soda is gentle on the kettle and harsh on unwanted mineral buildup.
- Its ability to neutralize odors in the kettle can leave a refreshing taste to your drinks.
How to Use Baking Soda for Kettle Cleaning
Follow this quick guideline for cleaning dirty kettles with baking soda paste.
1. Prepare the Paste
- Add 1–2 tbsp of baking soda to water and create a thin paste inside the kettle.
- If dealing with sturdy mineral scales, increase the amount of baking soda accordingly.
2. Boil the Solution
- Fill the kettle halfway with distilled or filtered water. You can alternatively add 2 tablespoons of baking soda at this stage too.
- Bring the solution to a boil.
- Unplug the switch. Allow the solution to sit for some time (10–20 mins) or until it completely cools down.
3. Scrub the Interior Surface
- Use a super-soft sponge to gently scrub the internal surface of the kettle. You can focus on areas where stains and loosened lime deposits are still visible.
4. Rinse With Water
- After scrubbing, drain the solution and thoroughly wash with cold water. Make sure no residual baking soda is present in the kettle.
- Follow air drying after this step.
When to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning the Kettle
Your kettle seeks extra attention if it presents stubborn buildups, unpleasant odors, and discoloration spots. The potent baking soda can deeply clean the inside of your kettle.
With this method, you are ready to give your electric kettle a fresh start!
Method 4: Descaling Tablets
Descaling tablets are another hassle-free solution to prevent equipment damage due to mineral accumulation.
They come in different sizes with odorless and tasteless properties. Their mere dropping in boiling water can dissolve limescale in no time.
This method is perfect for busy individuals who can’t spend time scrubbing the deposits in kettles with former cleaning procedures.
Magical descaling tablets are harsh on limescale but super gentle on appliances. With them, you shouldn’t worry about any machine damage and harsh residue leftovers.
How to Use Descaling Tablets
- Descaling tablets can help you save time and keep your kettle in good shape for a long time.
Here’s how you can use them to make descaling a convenient process.
- Strictly Follow Package instructions
- Descaling tablets come in different sizes and each brand has its specific directions for usage.
- Normally, small-sized kettles need a single tablet to clean the accumulated mineral remains.
- But the quantity of descaling tablets can vary. Extra dirty kettles might need thorough descaling and can take two or more tablets.
- The size of your electric kettle also decides how many tablets should be used. So, always start cleaning by reading the guidelines thoroughly.
- Thorough Boiling
- Boiling water activates the descaling tablet which then vigorously releases active ingredients. These active components react with mineral deposits to loosen up their structure so they can be flushed away easily.
- To utilize this cleaning mechanism, pour the recommended dosage of tablets and water into your appliance.
- Next, on the switch and allow the water to boil. Wait for the tablet to fully dissolve inside the kettle or run the cycle as mentioned on the packaging.
Rinse Thoroughly
- Once the descaling process is complete, switch off the kettle. If the mineral build-up is stubborn, let the solution in the kettle rest for another 15 minutes.
- Now, empty the kettle in the kitchen sink and rinse it thoroughly with plenty of fresh water.
- To remove any remnants of the descaling solution, it’s better to boil plain water at least once in the washed kettle. You can alternatively go for a simple air-drying step too.
Golden Maintenance Tips for Cleaning the Interior of Kettle
Now, you’ve gone through all the basic and easy methods to clean your electric kettle at home with simple pantry ingredients.
Let’s quickly look at some golden maintenance tips that ensure your kettle brews healthy beverages with a spotless shine for a long time.
1. Eliminate Stubborn Buildups at Every Cost
Don’t let the stubborn mineral deposits at the bottom of your kettle demotivate you. This situation normally arises when you clean your kettle once or twice a year.
To prevent this, simply allow the cleaning solution (distilled vinegar solution, citric acid/ lemon juice solution, or baking soda paste) to sit inside the kettle overnight. Give it enough time to work before final rinsing with cold water.
2. Be Gentle in Scrubbing
Be gentle while cleaning your electric kettle from the inside as abrasive scrubbing can permanently scratch the internal finish. This practice damages the appliance permanently since it destroys the protective coat of the heating element.
3. Say No to Dishwashing Liquids
Avoid using dishwashing solutions inside your kettle. They are ideal for cleaning food stains and greasy deposits. Many manufacturers strictly build electric kettles to instantly boil water. You don’t need a dishwasher if no greasy food is prepared inside.
4. Drain after Use
Never forget to empty your electric kettle when you’re not using it. This will help prevent any damage to the internal components and avoid that undesirable metallic taste in your tea or coffee.
5. Keep Filters Clean
If your kettle has a filter, the recommended practice is to gently take it off and dip it into a cup of distilled white vinegar solution for 10–15 minutes. It will loosen the stubborn limescale buildup. For complete cleaning use a damp sponge and gently scrub. Finally, rinse under cold water and let it air dry for several minutes.
6. Clean Regulaly
Cleaning steps for all types of kettles — ceramic, glass, and stainless steel — are very similar. To increase lifespan, ensure you empty any leftover water immediately after use.
7. Only Boil Water
The sole purpose of an electric kettle is boiling water. It is advisable to not boil any liquid other than plain water in it. Since different liquids have different boiling temperatures so functionality of the heating element can greatly deteriorate.
8. Beware of Foaming Liquids
Automatic shut-off failures can happen if other liquids foam or boil earlier than water, especially milk and broths. On the other hand, hot Chocolate and sugary liquids might leave behind a burnt smell and permanently block sensors to disable appliance efficiency.
9. Avoid Limescale Buildup
The thick layer of limescale build-up signals the kettle to work more by overheating. It is recommended to utilize filtered or distilled water rather than tap water if you live in a hard-water location.
10. Cool Between Multiple Boilings
If you intend to use the kettle several times. Let it cool down for a few minutes between each boiling round. This practice prevents overheating of the heating element.
11. Don’t Overfill
Avoid overfilling the kettle. Always follow level indicators inside the appliance. Spillovers from overfilling can cause electric issues.
Easy Tips for Cleaning the Outside of an Electric Kettle
Our kitchen countertops look neat with clean appliances. Here are some simple tips for cleaning the outside of your electric kettle to brighten up the look of your kitchen.
Clean Daily
For daily cleaning simple water as a cleaning agent is enough. You can wipe the exterior with a damp soft cloth after every use.
Clean Tough-to-Remove Spots
- For tougher stains or discoloration spots on stainless steel electric kettles. Mix equal volumes of water and vinegar. Soak a soft kitchen towel in the solution.
- Allow this soaked towel to remain on the kettle’s surface for a prolonged time. It will break the bonds in limescale.
- After the debris is cleared, wipe the area again with a moist towel.
- Lastly, either let it air dry or dry it with a fresh, dry cloth. Don’t forget to clean the handle and lid parts similarly.
Remove Greasy Spots
If the exterior seems greasy. In warm water, add a few drops of dish soap.
- Utilize this blend with a gentle sponge to eliminate any grime.
- Gently scrub and do not scratch the surface. Never use abrasive pads since they damage the external finish.
- Use a microfiber towel for final drying.
Maintain Spotless Shine
- For a stainless-steel electric kettle take a small amount of olive oil on a soft cotton pad.
- Lightly rub it onto the surface.
- Follow this technique every week to get a spotless shine for a long time.
When to Replace Your Kettle
Like any other kitchen appliance, electric kettles can’t last forever. Their regular maintenance can increase the lifespan for a while. But if you start witnessing one or a few of the following signs, understand it’s time to invest in the new electric kettle.
1 Persistent Rust
Never ignore the rust spots on the interior and exterior surfaces of your electric kettle. They contaminate the quality of water you consume in brews and affect your health.
Light rust spots can be taken care of with some cleaning hacks but persistent layers of rust are lethal for appearance too. If you’re experiencing persistent rust, it is best to invest in a new one.
2. Accumulation of Stubborn Mineral Buildup
If you’ve recently adopted deep cleaning practices but tough mineral scaleups are not even moving an inch. You are also witnessing late servings. Understand mineral deposits are deeply fixed with the kettle surface and any harsh washing can damage the appliance further.
The capacity of the heating element is already compromised, so start thinking about buying a new one with better efficiency and advanced features.
3. Strange Smells
The unpleasant odors are an indication of something serious inside the appliance.
If cleaning with the above methods fails to eliminate these strange smells, the reason could be mold or bacterial colonies that grow if leftover water is not discarded on time.
Burnt residues or mineral deposits might aggravate the smell further. Stop thinking and start investing in your health now.
4. Improper Functioning
If your kettle despite regular care is leaking from the sides, taking too long to boil water, or turning on and off unexpectedly, it means internal machinery is damaged to some extent.
The internal wear and tear normally are not repairable. So, investing in a brand new electric kettle on time can save you time and energy.
5. Lifespan of Kettle
However, it highly depends on the usage and maintenance practices. Generally, a kettle has the capacity of serving healthy drinks for 5–10 years.
If you’re facing any of the above signs and your kettle has surpassed its average age. It is good to look for a new one.
Conclusion
With regular descaling, you can use your kettle in great condition for a long time. Sadly, if you fail to do so, you might feel a metallic flavor of beverages. The off odors and rust spots can also build up if mineral accumulation gets tough. The simple cleaning hacks discussed in this guideline are enough to keep your electric kettle’s performance tip top.
Normal kitchen ingredients like lemon, baking soda, and vinegar, if used in the suggested way can make the difference right away. We’ve considered your busy schedule and also explained usage of descaling tablets for easy cleaning. So, stop procrastinating and choose one of your favorite deep cleaning methods now to enjoy delightful drinks. Remember, a little care can save your investment in the long run.
