How to Clean Electric Kettle
If you are enjoying a cup of tea in winter using electric kettle then you need to clean the kettle regularly to feel the taste and aroma of your tea and coffee. Over the passage of time, minerals from water, like limescale, can settle down inside the kettle. These things surely effects the performance of your kettle and the kettle may take more time to boil the water.
Regularly Cleaning of your kettle remove these things which deposits. A simple rinse and wipe down should be done every few uses. For a deeper clean, descale your kettle once a month if you use it daily. You are using kettle for your office or lage family or lives in a area where hard water then clean your kettle regularly.
Table of Contents
Ingredients you will need
1. White Vinegar or Lemon Juice
White vinegar and lemon juice are natural acids that effectively dissolve limescale and mineral deposits inside the kettle. Vinegar should be mixed with water in equal parts. If using lemon juice, you can either squeeze fresh lemons or use bottled lemon juice, mixing it with water in a similar ratio.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda adds an extra layer of cleaning power, especially for removing stubborn stains and neutralizing odors. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the kettle and scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. It can also be combined with vinegar for a foaming action that enhances cleaning.
3. Water
Water is essential for boiling and rinsing, water is the base ingredient that works with vinegar or lemon juice to loosen and flush out deposits. Fill the kettle to the maximum line with the water-vinegar or water-lemon juice mixture. Rinse thoroughly with clean water after the cleaning process.
4. Soft Cloth or Sponge
A non-abrasive cloth or sponge is necessary for wiping down the interior and exterior surfaces of the kettle without scratching it. After soaking and rinsing, use the cloth or sponge to gently scrub away any remaining residue, focusing on the spout, handle, and outer surface.
7 Steps to Clean an Electric Kettle
We try many different ways to clean the kettle but here is the simple solution.
- Always start by unplugging the kettle and letting it cool down completely if it has been recently used. This ensures safety during the cleaning process.
- Pour out any remaining water from the kettle. Give it a quick rinse to remove any loose debris.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water or lemon juice and water. This solution is effective for breaking down limescale and mineral deposits.
- Pour the cleaning solution into the kettle, filling it to the maximum line. Plug in the kettle and bring the solution to a boil. Once boiled, turn off the kettle and unplug it.
- Allow the hot solution to sit in the kettle for about 15-20 minutes. This soaking time helps to dissolve any remaining limescale or stains inside the kettle.
- After soaking, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the interior of the kettle. Focus on any areas with visible buildup or stains. For stubborn spots, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the cloth before scrubbing.
- Empty the kettle and rinse it thoroughly with clean water several times to remove any remaining solution or residue. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth, and your kettle is clean and ready to use.
Cleaning the Exterior of your kettle
Now you are done with your interior cleaning and the next step is to clean the kettle from outside in a easy way.
- Before cleaning outside, always unplug the kettle to ensure safety. Make sure it’s cool to the touch before proceeding.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl. This gentle solution is safe for most kettle exteriors, including stainless steel, plastic, and glass.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe the entire exterior of the kettle. Focus on areas that may have fingerprints, smudges, or splatters. Avoid getting water into the electrical components or the base.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the spout and handle, which can often collect grime. For hard-to-reach areas around the spout, a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution can help.
- After wiping, dampen a clean cloth with plain water and wipe the exterior again to remove any soap residue. Finally, use a dry cloth to buff the kettle’s surface, leaving it streak-free and shiny.
- If your kettle has a stainless steel exterior, you can use a small amount of vinegar or a specialized stainless steel cleaner to polish it. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and buff in the direction of the grain for a gleaming finish.
Tips for the Kettle Clean Longer
By using properly and follow the precautions can increase the life of a kettle. From discussing it with many experts and the users we conclude the few tips for you.
- Use filtered water as they contains fewer minerals, reducing limescale buildup inside your kettle. This helps keep your kettle cleaner and can extend the time between deep cleanings.
- Leaving water in the kettle can lead to mineral deposits and a stale taste. Emptying it after each use prevents these issues and keeps the kettle fresh.
- A quick wipe with a damp cloth after each use prevents grease, dust, and fingerprints from accumulating on the outside of the kettle, keeping it looking clean.
- Overfilling the kettle can cause water to spill out, leading to stains and water spots. Only fill to the recommended level to prevent this.
- Boiling water with a few lemon slices once a week can naturally descale the kettle and leave it smelling fresh. The acidity of the lemon helps prevent limescale buildup.
- Moist environments can encourage the growth of mold or mildew on and around your kettle. Store it in a dry area when not in use to prevent this.
- Quickly inspect the inside of the kettle for any leftover residue or limescale before each use. If you spot any, give it a quick rinse or wipe to prevent buildup.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use dish soap to clean the inside of my kettle?
It’s better to avoid using dish soap inside the kettle. Residue can be hard to rinse out and might affect the taste of your water. Stick to natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice.
Q2. Is it safe to clean my electric tea kettle with bleach?
No, bleach is too harsh and can leave harmful residues. Vinegar or lemon juice is much safer and effective for cleaning.
Q3. What should I do if my kettle has a weird smell after cleaning?
If your kettle smells strange after cleaning, try boiling plain water in it a few times. You can also add a slice of lemon to the water to neutralize odors.
Q4. How do I remove rust from the inside of my kettle?
To remove rust, fill the kettle with a mixture of water and vinegar, and let it sit for a few hours. Then, scrub the rusty areas gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.
Q5. How do I clean the heating element in my kettle?
Most kettles have a concealed heating element, so regular descaling with vinegar or lemon juice should clean it. For exposed elements, gently scrub with a soft brush after descaling.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning the kettle is very necessary for the lifespan of the appliance. Frequently cleaning can reduce the odour smell from your stuff. So you can enjoy the natural aroma of your coffee or tea on winters or in summer. Investing a good time in your kettle can change the look of your kitchen accessories.