Your electric kettle is a true convenience, providing you with a hassle-free way to boil water for tea, instant coffee and various foods. Since the electric kettle is only being used to heat clean water, it is easy to assume that it does not require cleaning. However, both tap and bottled water contain minerals. These minerals can accumulate inside your electric kettle, and they must be removed through proper cleaning methods.
Why Do Electric Kettles Develop Buildup Over Time?
There are two primary ways electric kettles develop a scaly buildup with continued use. When the water level in an electric kettle diminishes, the water evaporates leaving only the minerals behind. While it is best to avoid letting the water completely boil away, this will not prevent all scaling.
The other way a scaly buildup develops in an electric kettle is simply by introducing water to the interior of the kettle. All water leaves behind at least trace mineral residue, and this residue accumulates with continued use of the electric kettle.
How Often Should You Descale and Clean an Electric Kettle?
If your home has hard water, the electric kettle will need to be cleaned and descaled far more frequently than if it has softer water. You can reduce the problem of hard water buildup by investing in a water softener. The frequency also depends on how heavily your electric kettle is used. As a rule of thumb, descaling and cleaning are recommended when you notice mineral buildup or approximately every three months.
How Do You Remove Limescale & Mineral Deposits From an Electric Kettle:
Using Vinegar
White distilled vinegar can effectively break down the mineral deposits. First, rinse out the electric kettle to remove loose particles. Then, fill the electric kettle full of vinegar. If the smell is bothersome, you can add a few drops of lemon juice as well. Turn the kettle on until the vinegar boils. Turn the kettle off, and use a soft-bristle brush to scrub off any grime that remains on the surface. When the grime is gone, rinse the electric kettle with clean water. Fill the kettle full of water, and boil the fresh water. If the vinegar smell remains, you may need to repeat the last step with fresh water again.
Having mineral buildup is completely normal and results from minerals in the water that are left behind when you boil water. Check out this video from OlgasFlavorFactory featuring the easiest and cheapest way to clean a kettle.
This technique is also effective for your coffeemaker or any other item requiring descaling. Vinegar is an awesome cleaner for many things.
Using Lemon Juice or Citric Acid
Lemon juice or other juices high in citric acid can be used to clean an electric kettle. Fill the electric kettle approximately half full of clean water. Boil the water. Then, add two tablespoons of your preferred citric acid juice. After the juice and water sit in the kettle for at least 20 minutes, empty the electric kettle. Scrub it with a soft-bristle brush, and rinse any residue away with clean water. If any scaling remains, you can follow the next step to scrub the kettle with a baking soda paste.
Using Baking Soda
Make a baking soda paste using two tablespoons of the powder and some water. Dip a bottle brush or another soft-bristle brush in the paste, and scrub the interior of the electric kettle. Then, pour vinegar into the kettle. The baking soda and vinegar will have a reaction that produces bubbles. After the bubbling dies down, rinse the electric kettle with water.
How to Keep Your Tea Kettle Clean Longer
You can reduce the amount of buildup in your tea kettle by taking a few easy steps. After each use, completely empty the water from the tank. Never allow the water to boil off. Rather than using tap or bottled water, choose distilled water for your electric kettle. To keep the exterior clean for longer periods of time, remove it from the stovetop before preparing other foods.
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