Steps for Cleaning an Electric Kettle

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 15 minutes
• Overall Duration: 30 minutes

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $0 to $5

Electric kettles offer convenience and simplicity, but like all small appliances, they need regular cleaning to function optimally. To ensure your kettle remains spotless, it’s essential to eliminate mineral deposits, bacteria, and mold that can accumulate inside. Continue reading to discover straightforward methods for cleaning and caring for your electric kettle.

Frequency of Cleaning an Electric Kettle

The cleaning schedule for your kettle will vary based on your usage. It’s advisable to clean the outside to eliminate any stains or spills at least weekly. For those who use the kettle on a daily basis for boiling water, descaling to eliminate mineral buildup from hard water should occur at least quarterly. If your kettle is equipped with a water filter or cartridge, it should be maintained every two months or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Warning

Avoid completely submerging an electric kettle in water, as this may damage the heating element.

Requirements You’ll Need

Devices / Instruments

• Soft sponge or bottle cleaner
• Microfiber fabric

Materials

• Clear vinegar, lemon extract, or powdered citric acid.
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Dish soap
• Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Steps for Cleaning an Electric Kettle

Remove Limescale from the Kettle Using Vinegar

• Pour equal parts water and distilled white vinegar into the kettle until it is about half full. Heat the mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, then switch off the kettle.
• Let the vinegar mixture rest for a minimum of 20 minutes before disposing of it.

Alternatively, you can use lemon juice or citric acid powder to descale the kettle.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice, bottled lemon juice, or citric acid powder can be used as alternatives to distilled white vinegar.

• Combine equal parts lemon juice and water, or alternatively, add 2 tablespoons of citric acid powder to a kettle filled halfway with water and heat the mixture until it reaches a boil. Then, switch off the kettle.
• Let the solution rest for a minimum of 20 minutes before disposing of it.

Disconnect and Take Apart the Kettle

Before proceeding with any additional cleaning, make sure to disconnect the cooled kettle from the power source. Take out the water filter prior to cleaning the inside of the kettle.

Clean or Change the Water Filter

• Thoroughly clean the detached water filter or filter cartridge according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Typically, metal filters can be refreshed by immersing them in a mixture of hot water and distilled white vinegar for a minimum of five minutes.
• Clean with the bottle brush and then wash with clean water.

Clean the Interior of the Kettle

Utilize a gentle sponge or a soft-bristled bottle brush to clean the interior of the kettle, helping to remove any mineral deposits. Focus particularly on the spout, as this area often accumulates a significant amount of buildup. Soaking the brush or sponge in white vinegar can assist in breaking up the deposits near the spout.

Wipe down the outside of the kettle.

Clean the outside of the kettle using a soft sponge soaked in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap to eliminate any stains or splashes. For stubborn marks, use the damp sponge with a bit of dry baking soda. After the kettle’s surface is spotless, dry it with a microfiber cloth to avoid any streaks.

Tip

To maintain a streak-free and glossy finish on the exterior of a stainless steel electric kettle, apply a few drops of olive oil to a cloth and gently wipe the outside of the kettle.

Reassemble the kettle and perform a final rinse.

• After cleaning the kettle, put all the parts back together and fill it with water until it’s about halfway full for a final rinse.
• Connect it and heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil, then pour it out.
• Run the “rinse cycle” again to ensure that all traces of the cleaning solution and any loose minerals have been completely removed.

Suggestions for Maintaining the Cleanliness of Your Electric Kettle for an Extended Period

• Always drain the kettle completely after each use.
• Opt for distilled water instead of tap water. This is crucial if your water is hard or if you rely on a natural well for your water source.
• Boiling any liquid besides water in an electric kettle is not advisable. Various liquids have distinct boiling points, but electric kettles are specifically designed for water.

What is the most effective way to clean an electric kettle?

White vinegar is the most effective option. The acidity in diluted white vinegar helps to remove mineral deposits from the interior of the kettle by dissolving the buildup.

Is it advisable to clean an electric kettle using water?

Avoid placing your electric tea kettle in a sink filled with water, as this can harm the heating element. To clean the interior of the kettle, use a mixture of water with vinegar or lemon juice, following the guidelines provided earlier.

Is it okay to let water remain in a kettle?

Always avoid leaving water in a kettle. Instead, boil only the quantity of water you anticipate needing for each occasion.