How to Clean an Electric Kettle to Remove Hard Water Residue

 

Cleaning this small appliance is easier than you think.

An electric kettle is a great small appliance for quickly boiling water—but it does require routine cleaning. Since the kettle is constantly boiling water, it's the perfect spot for mineral buildup (also called kettle furring). If you see a white, chalky film on the inside of your kettle, it's likely time to descale it (remove the mineral buildup). This buildup can not only affect the kettle's functionality but also the taste of the water. Beyond removing these mineral deposit stains, cleaning your electric kettle will also help eliminate any lingering mold or bacteria. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes and minimal supplies to get your kettle looking as good as new.

Before You Begin

Note that the electric kettle should always be unplugged and turned off before scrubbing its interior and exterior. Always be careful when working with boiling water—use the handle of the kettle when

picking it up and let the water cool before discarding it.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Soft sponge

Materials

• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Liquid dish soap

Instructions

1. Fill Kettle with Water and Vinegar

To create a descaling solution, fill half of your kettle with a 1:1 ratio of water and distilled white vinegar. To prevent any further mineral deposits, use distilled water instead of tap.

2. Boil the Cleaning Mixture

Turn on your kettle and bring the water and vinegar solution to a rolling boil. Once boiling, turn the kettle off if it doesn't do so automatically. Let the boiled solution sit in the kettle for about 10 minutes.

3.      Scrub the Kettle's Interior

Unplug your kettle and let the solution cool before discarding it into the sink. Be sure to also let the kettle cool before cleaning its interior. If any chalky stains remain, use a damp, soft sponge and a small amount of baking soda to scrub it away. Rinse out the kettle.

4.      Clean Filter (Optional)

If your electric kettle has a water filter or water filter cartridge, follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean it. Most recommend running it under water and wiping it down with a cloth, or soaking it in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few minutes.

5.      Boil Water to Rinse

t's time to rinse away any remaining cleaning solution from the interior of the kettle. Boil water in the kettle as you normally would and discard when finished. Repeat 1-3 times, or until any smell of vinegar is gone.

6.      Clean the Kettle's Exterior

Now that the interior of the kettle is clean, use a soft sponge and a few drops of liquid dish soap to clean the kettle's exterior. Any dried water spots and everyday grime should be removed with this step. You can also use the damp sponge and dry baking soda to gently scrub away any stubborn stains. Dry the outside with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

Additional Methods

If you don't have any distilled white vinegar on hand or prefer to use another method for cleaning your electric kettle, there are a few other options to make a cleaning solution. To use lemon, fill half of the kettle with water and add 2-3 Tbsp. of lemon juice (fresh or bottled). To use citric acid, add 2 Tbsp. of the powder to a half-full kettle of water. Boil the solution and continue the cleaning method as outlined above.