You use your electric kettle almost every day, right? Whether it’s for your morning tea or coffee, or just to heat water, it gets the job done. But, like anything else in your kitchen, it needs cleaning.
Over time, mineral deposits, also called limescale, build up inside the kettle. This can make your kettle work harder, and sometimes, your water might even taste a little off.
Cleaning your kettle might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually really easy. You don’t need any fancy tools or special cleaners. In fact, you probably have everything you need right at home.
In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step how to clean your electric kettle. You’ll have it looking shiny and working great in no time. Plus, regular cleaning can make your kettle last longer. So, let’s get started!
Steps to Clean Your Electric Kettle
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda (optional)
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Water
- A soft cloth or sponge
Step 1: Fill the Kettle
First, you need to fill the kettle with a cleaning solution. To do this, take some white vinegar or lemon juice, which are great for breaking down the white, chalky buildup called limescale.
Pour the vinegar or lemon juice into the kettle until it’s about halfway full. After that, add the same amount of water, so the kettle is now about halfway filled with a mix of water and vinegar (or lemon juice). This mix will help to loosen any limescale inside the kettle, making it easier to clean.
Step 2: Boil the Solution
Next, you need to boil the mixture inside the kettle. Plug in your kettle and turn it on, just like when you’re boiling water for tea. Let the vinegar and water (or lemon juice and water) mixture boil completely.
Once it’s finished boiling, turn off the kettle and unplug it from the power source. Now, let the hot mixture sit in the kettle for about 20 minutes. This gives the vinegar or lemon juice time to break down the limescale, making it much easier to remove later on.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
After waiting for 20 minutes, it’s time to get rid of the cleaning solution. Carefully pour out the hot vinegar or lemon juice mixture into the sink.
Then, rinse the inside of the kettle with fresh water several times to remove any leftover vinegar or lemon juice. If you still see any limescale inside, you can make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little bit of water.
Gently scrub the inside of the kettle using a soft cloth or sponge and the baking soda paste. This should help remove any stubborn spots.
Step 4: Clean the Outside
Cleaning the outside of the kettle is important too. Even though the inside is where the water goes, the outside can get dirty from fingerprints, dust, or spills.
To clean the outside, grab a soft cloth or sponge. Dampen the cloth or sponge with a little bit of water and some dish soap. Then, gently wipe down the entire outside of the kettle, making sure to clean around the handle, spout, and any buttons.
After that, use another cloth or sponge with just water to wipe away any soap, and dry the kettle with a towel.
Step 5: Boil Fresh Water
The last step is to boil some fresh water in the kettle. This is important because it helps to remove any leftover vinegar or lemon juice that might still be inside.
Fill the kettle with clean water, plug it in, and turn it on to boil. Once the water has boiled, pour it out into the sink.
This final rinse ensures that your kettle is completely clean and ready to use. Now, your kettle is fresh and clean, and you can safely use it to make your favorite hot drinks!
Are there any Alternative methods?
Yes, there are a few alternative methods to clean an electric kettle. If you don’t have vinegar or lemon juice, you can still get your kettle clean using other items you might have at home. Here are some other ways to do it:
Method 1: Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is a great cleaner for many things, including your kettle.
- Mix a Solution: Start by mixing 1 or 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to make a paste.
- Apply the Paste: Spread the paste inside the kettle, focusing on any areas with limescale.
- Scrub and Rinse: Gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. After scrubbing, rinse the kettle several times with fresh water to remove any baking soda.
Method 2: Citric Acid
Citric acid is another effective cleaner, often used for descaling kettles.
- Add Citric Acid: Fill the kettle halfway with water and add 1 or 2 tablespoons of citric acid powder.
- Boil the Mixture: Boil the citric acid and water mixture, then let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Pour out the mixture and rinse the kettle with fresh water several times.
Method 3: Coca-Cola
Believe it or not, Coca-Cola can be used to clean a kettle! The acidity in the soda helps to break down limescale.
- Fill the Kettle: Pour Coca-Cola into the kettle until it’s about halfway full.
- Boil the Soda: Turn on the kettle and let the Coca-Cola boil. After boiling, let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse Well: Pour out the Coca-Cola and rinse the kettle thoroughly with water to get rid of any sticky residue.
Method 4: Vinegar Soak (No Boiling)
If you prefer not to boil vinegar, you can still use it by soaking.
- Fill the Kettle with Vinegar: Pour white vinegar into the kettle until it covers the limescale.
- Let it Sit: Let the vinegar sit in the kettle for a few hours or overnight.
- Rinse and Clean: Pour out the vinegar and rinse the kettle several times with water. You may want to boil fresh water afterward to remove any vinegar smell.
Each of these methods can help keep your electric kettle clean and free from limescale, using different household items depending on what you have available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my electric kettle?
You should clean your electric kettle at least once a month if you use it regularly. If you live in an area with hard water, which causes more limescale buildup, you might need to clean it more frequently, such as every two weeks.
Can I use dish soap to clean the inside of my kettle?
It’s better to avoid using dish soap inside the kettle because it can leave a residue and affect the taste of your water. Instead, use natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda to clean the inside.
What is limescale, and why does it form in my kettle?
Limescale is a white, chalky substance that forms inside kettles due to the minerals in hard water, like calcium and magnesium. When the water is heated, these minerals separate and stick to the inside of the kettle, forming limescale.
Can limescale damage my electric kettle?
Yes, if limescale builds up too much, it can affect your kettle’s performance. It can make the kettle take longer to heat water and even cause damage to the heating element over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues.
Is it safe to drink water from a kettle with limescale?
While limescale is not harmful, it can affect the taste of your water. Drinking water with limescale won’t hurt you, but it’s best to clean the kettle regularly to keep the water tasting fresh.
Can I clean my kettle with just water?
Boiling plain water won’t effectively remove limescale buildup. You need to use a cleaning agent like vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid to break down the limescale. However, plain water can be used for a final rinse after cleaning.
Can I put my electric kettle in the dishwasher?
No, you should never put an electric kettle in the dishwasher. The electrical components can be damaged by water. Instead, clean the inside with vinegar or lemon juice and wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
What if my kettle still smells like vinegar after cleaning?
If your kettle still smells like vinegar after cleaning, rinse it several more times with fresh water. You can also boil a full kettle of fresh water and discard it to help remove any remaining vinegar smell.
Can I use bleach to clean my electric kettle?
It’s not recommended to use bleach to clean your electric kettle because it’s a harsh chemical that can be difficult to rinse out completely. Safer options like vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid are much better for cleaning.
How can I prevent limescale buildup in my kettle?
To prevent limescale buildup, try to use filtered water in your kettle, which has fewer minerals than tap water. Empty the kettle after each use and leave the lid open to let it dry out completely. Regular cleaning every couple of weeks also helps keep limescale at bay.
I hope this guide helps you keep your electric kettle clean and ready to use. Regular cleaning will keep your kettle in good shape and your water tasting fresh. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a sparkling kettle every time. Happy cleaning!
