Before learning how to clean a tea kettle, did you know why it is important considering that you typically fill it with water? This is the very reason why you need to keep it clean, same as with other appliances that often get in touch with water, such as pots, pans, and washing machine.
The more you use the kettle, the more mineral and limescale deposits build up inside, especially in areas with hard water. They will make the appliance brittle, which will affect the kettle’s performance and lifespan.
According to research, about 15 percent of the UK population do not mind descaling their kettles even though the region makes about 100 million cups of tea per day.
Learning How to Clean a Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
The key to how to clean a tea kettle inside is to learn the process of descaling. It is the kettle’s element that is usually exposed to water, so it gets the most of the limescale buildup.
The appliance will fail to operate or your tea will develop a foul taste when you continue using the kettle despite the problem. Many of the latest models of kettles have the element at the back of a metal base plate, which prolongs the lifespan of the appliance by reducing the risk of damage due to the buildup.
Here are the things you’ll need to clean your kettle:
- Salt
- Lemon
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Mild dish soap
- Deep clean
This method of cleaning is suitable for kettles with stains, rust, and mineral deposits. Put water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the kettle. Boil the solution for 30 minutes.
Check often if there is still water, and add more if necessary. Leave to cool before rinsing the kettle thoroughly.
Descaling
Here’s how to clean a tea kettle with vinegar. The easiest and cheapest way to remove limescale buildup in the kettle is by filling it with half water and half vinegar. Leave it overnight. Make sure that no one accidentally uses the kettle or boils the solution in it.
The limescale will easily come off the next day when you pour out the solution. Rinse the kettle to remove the smell of the vinegar. Fill it with water and allow it to boil. Discard the water.
You can also opt to use chemical descalers for this purpose. When buying the product, look for the kind intended for the material your kettle is made of. You can find chemicals suited for plastic, metal, copper, and stainless kettles.
Never allow the scale to build-up on your kettle. You have to perform the descaling process every 4 to 8 weeks. The longer you allow the scale to remain in the kettle, the harder it is going to be to remove it.
Everyday maintenance
Use hot water and mild dishwashing soap in cleaning the kettle at the end of each day. Rinse well and dry after. You need to be extra careful in cleaning a kettle with an enamel finish.
Use a soft sponge in cleaning the inner part and never use anything that might scratch off the finish, such as an abrasive scrubber or steel wool.
Cleaning the grease on the outer part of the kettle
Here’s how to clean a copper tea kettle if its outer part has grease or stains. Dip a sliced lemon in salt and rub it on the body of the kettle. Rinse it after and dry using a soft kitchen towel.
For kettles with stainless steel or enamel exterior, combine white vinegar and baking soda until a paste forms. Scrub the dirt using the paste. Rinse well and dry after.
How to Clean a Burnt Tea Kettle
To get rid of the burnt marks from the exterior of your tea kettle, fill a basin with hot water and add several drops of mild detergent. Soak the kettle in the solution, Leave for 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Rub the kettle with baking soda after soaking. Gently scrub it with a soft sponge with dishwashing soap.
Other Handy Tips on How to Clean a Tea Kettle
Here are some additional tips to keep your kettles in good shape for a long time:
- You can use distilled water in removing the mineral deposits inside the kettle.
- Clean your kettle more often if you live in a place with hard water. If not, you can clean and perform the descaling process once every two or three months.
- You must never soak an electric kettle in water. For the dirt or grime in its exterior, wipe it with baking soda and a slightly wet kitchen towel.
- Clean your kettle whenever needed. This way, you will prolong its lifespan and it will also consume less energy.
Always remember to clean your kettle before it develops any minerals or limescale buildup. You can also prevent this from happening often by pouring out excess water from the kettle and keeping it dry when not in use.
