How to clean an electric kettle?

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electric kettle and cup
Electric kettles are a great addition to any kitchen. They let you prepare anything that requires hot water in an instant. They heat up quickly and efficiently, saving you the hassle of turning on a stove and waiting for water to boil slowly. Whether you want a cup of hot tea or plain boiling water for a quick pasta dish, your electric kettle will be there for you.
In general, electric kettles are very low-maintenance and do not require a lot of attention. However, it is important to watch out for mineral buildup. That is, especially if you live in a hard water area. Calcium and magnesium will build up on the inside of your kettle. This will affect how long the kettle takes to boil water.
Removing this mineral buildup is known as descaling. If your water contains more minerals, you may need to descale your kettle more often. In general, it is enough to deep clean your kettle once a month or per manufacturer’s instructions. If your kettle is made of glass, you will be able to see when buildup occurs and know when it is time to clean it.

Some manufacturers sell descaling solutions made especially for this process. However, using distilled white vinegar is the best DIY method to clean mineral buildup.
You can also use lemon juice, citric acid or baking soda. The acid is what helps dissolve the buildup. We will show you how to use the three main DIY methods in order to properly clean the inside of your kettle.

Vinegar

  1. Combine 1 part white distilled vinegar and 3 parts fresh water in the kettle. Do not fill more than ⅓ of its capacity. For a 1 litre, use ¼ cup of vinegar and ¾ cup of water.
  2. Bring this solution to a boil, turn the kettle off and then let it sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse it out a few times in order to flush the build up. If it is too heavy, use a soft sponge or a cloth to wipe the inside of your kettle.
  4. If you are worried about the vinegar taste left in your kettle, fill it with plain water, bring it to a boil and discard it.

Lemon Juice and Citric Acid
The acd in lemon juice is perfect for removing the mineral buildup from the inside of your kettle. What is more, you don’t have to worry about unappetising taste since lemon and tea go together very well. You can use citric acid powder which dissolves in water and breaks down gunk and buildup. Citric acid can easily be found in the supermarket and is very affordable.

  1. Combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1 tablespoon of citric acid with enough water to cover the bottle of your kettle.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, turn off the kettle and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Dump the water and rinse the kettle thoroughly.

Baking Soda
Baking soda is a tried and true cleaner for so many things around the house. It is perfect for descaling light deposits from the bottom of your electric kettle.

  1. Scoop 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda, add water and pour this mixture into your kettle.
  2. Boil, turn off and let sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse the kettle with water. Keep rinsing if some of the deposit does not come off.

      4. Tips on how to clean the inside of your electric kettle

      • If the buildup is extremely bad or if it is the first time you are cleaning your kettle in a while, you can let the cleaning solution of choice sit overnight. That works with vinegar, lemon juice, citric acid and baking soda.
      • If your electric kettle has a filter, most manufacturers recommend that you remove it, rinse it under running water, then wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.
      • Don’t use dish soap on the inside of an electric kettle. SInce you only use it for boiling water, there is no grease or food stains to worry about. Also, do not use any abrasive sponges or hard brushes inside. In general – be gentle.
      • The method of cleaning is the same whether your electric kettle is made of glass, ceramics or stainless steel. Do not hesitate to use any of those DIY cleaning solutions.

      How to clean the outside of the electric kettle

      Wipe the outside of your electric kettle once a week. That is, especially if your electric kettle is near the cooking area of your kitchen and is regularly splattered with grease or food. You can make a solution of dish soap and water, dip a cloth in it and wipe the kettle clean. Repeat the process with clean water in order to rinse the soap. Do not rinse the kettle under running water.