There is one appliance in the kitchen that is used on a regular basis, but for some reason is often neglected when it comes to Cleaning and regular maintenance. The Kettle is acknowledged as a faster and safer alternative to the microwave and the stove when it comes to boiling water.

Getting that morning coffee, a nice cup of tea or even soup has never been easier, though, the privilege of enjoying all those things is endangered when the appliance is not properly sanitised. More importantly, our health could be at risk, so knowing how to clean and descale the kettle is essential.

Why you should clean your kettle?

Neglecting to clean the kettle for long periods of time could lead to damage of the appliance and the need of deep cleaning that may not prove successful after all. Limescale build-up is the biggest problem, which causes higher electricity consumption as the kettle takes longer to warm up the water. In addition, limescale affects the H2O quality, which tends to worsen the longer the kettle is not cared for.

Given that limescale is formed after hard water is boiled and left in a kettle, the best way to avoid the problem is not to leave the liquid to sit in the appliance. Also, using the kettle for cooking calls for more extensive cleaning. As for cleaning frequency, it mainly depends on the area you live in and the quality of the water there. Better inspect your kettle weekly and if notice any hard white deposits, get to work right away.

Effective homemade methods for cleaning and descaling a kettle

Clean kettle with vinegar

Acid is a sufficient hard water stain remover, which is why white vinegar is an important ingredient to include in your homemade descaler. This is a simple method that could be used on a regular basis for cleaning electric kettle, whether it’s made of stainless steel, plastic, glass or other material.

The process consists of:

Cleaning a kettle using lemon and water

Cleaning a kettle with lemon and water solution is a natural and safe option compared to using other harsh chemicals. The lemons will not just destroy the limescale but will also brighten up the interior of the kettle and provide a nice invigorating smell.

1. Cut and squeeze a lemon
   Cut a lemon into two halves and squeeze the juice in the appliance. When you’re done, use the two halves and rub the inside parts to remove any hard water stains. Cut the lemon into small pieces and add the pieces to the lemon juice inside the kettle.
2. Create a mixture
   Add approximately 500ml of water to the mixture. You don’t need to fill the kettle to the top, just make sure you pour enough to cover the bottom elements and to fill the appliance halfway.
3. Boil the lemon water
   Turn on the kettle and let the solution boil. Leave it to boil around 15 minutes. After that, disconnect the kettle from the power source. Leave the kettle for a couple of hours until it’s completely cooled off.
4. Scrub the kettle
   Don’t throw out the lemon water yet. Use a soft sponge and scrub the inside and the outside of the kettle thoroughly.
5. Rinse and dry off the kettle
   Remove the mixture and rinse the kettle 4-5 times with warm water. Use a microfiber cloth to dry off the outside of the kettle.
   
   Note: Make sure the kettle is completely dry on the outside before connecting it to a power source to avoid hazards.
6. (Optional) Get rid of the lemon taste
   If you want to get rid of any leftover lemon taste, pour around half a litre of water for another 15 minutes before using the kettle.

Cleaning a kettle with baking soda

Another natural cleaning option is to create a baking soda and water solution. Before proceeding with the cleaning make sure the kettle is unplugged for your safety.

How to clean the outside of a kettle

To clean the outside of the kettle create a solution with warm water and dish soap. Wash and scrub the outside of the kettle using a soft sponge. Rinse it with water and dry it off carefully using a microfiber cloth. Be careful not to get any soapy water inside the kettle. Make sure to clean the outside of the kettle at least once every 2 weeks or so.

Don’t put the appliance into a laver full of water. It can damage the heating elements irrevocably.

How to remove rust from a kettle

Kettles are constantly exposed to water and if you leave in an area with hard water, and if there is moist left in the kettle it can rust. To prevent the rust building up in your kettle, you simply need to make sure to wipe up the kettle after each use.

If there is rust on your cast iron kettle you can remove it by scrubbing the rust stains gently with a wire brush. Rinse the residue with cold water. If there are still rust spots on the kettle you can try soaking up the kettle in Coca-Cola. Pour enough coke to cover the bottom and leave it for 20 minutes. If there is a lot of rust left you may need to leave it soaking overnight. Remove the coke and clean the kettle thoroughly with warm water.

Essential tips for Cleaning a Kettle

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