How to clean an electric kettle?

How to clean an electric kettle? - Contemporary interior of modern kitchen with comfortable white furniture and geometrical lamps hanging on ceiling

I have an electric kettle that I clean by scrubbing the insides with plain water. I was wondering if there was a better way to clean it. I remember hearing somewhere that you can clean a coffemaker by running a solution containing vinegar through it and was wondering if there might be a similar solution to clean the kettle?



Best Answer

You can use a solution of vinegar and water to descale your kettle (unless, as hobodave mentioned, the manufacturer advises against using vinegar). Fill your kettle with water until it's half full; add about 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water, and then allow it to boil for about 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool and unplug your kettle. Gently scrub away the scale with a non-metallic pad (don't scrub the heating element if it's exposed; wipe that with a sponge). Rinse your kettle several times after removing the scale, and then boil one or two fillings of water in it to ensure that you remove all traces of the vinegar.




Pictures about "How to clean an electric kettle?"

How to clean an electric kettle? - Kettle placed on wooden counter of minimalist kitchen
How to clean an electric kettle? - Modern kitchen interior with white cabinets and fridge against electric kettle and ornamental wall in light house
How to clean an electric kettle? - Interior of contemporary light kitchen with white furniture and modern appliances



How do you clean the inside of an electric kettle?

Step 1: Add 1\u20132 tablespoons of baking soda to your kettle, then fill with water. Bring to a boil. Step 2: Remove the kettle from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Step 3: Gently scrub the inside of the kettle with a non-abrasive brush.

What is the best way to clean a kettle?

Follow these simple instructions to get your kettle back to its former glory.
  • Fill the kettle a quarter full of water.
  • Then fill with a quarter full of white vinegar.
  • Boil the kettle.
  • Leave for an hour.
  • Give it a good rinse with cold water.
  • It's ready to use!


  • What is the fastest way to descale a kettle?

    This is a cheap, if slightly pungent, method of quickly descaling your kettle....Method:
  • Fill your kettle half with distilled white vinegar and half with water.
  • Boil the kettle.
  • Pour all of the water out.
  • Fill your kettle with water again and boil to remove any lingering vinegar. Repeat this step as necessary.


  • Do electric kettles need to be cleaned?

    If you are using it daily to heat water, the kettle should be descaled to remove hard water minerals at least four times a year. If the kettle has a water filter or cartridge, it should be cleaned every other month or as recommended by the manufacturer.




    More answers regarding how to clean an electric kettle?

    Answer 2

    I've found that citric acid works best. You put it in a kettle of boiling water, and just let it do its magic. It cleans up any plaque buildup, and brings it back to a shiny pristine state. Works much better for me than vinegar, for some reason.

    Answer 3

    I have generally found the vinegar method to be suitable and haven't heard of anything specific as to why it would be harmful. Vinegar is usually only about 5% acid solution so rather weak as far as acids go. A lot of manufacturers will recommend a specific cleaning solution because it's yet another thing that you have to buy from them.

    You should be able to find descaling solutions in cleaning aisle of the grocery store or visit your local restaurant supply store for descaling solution.

    Answer 4

    Follow the manufacturer's directions.

    I have heard the vinegar thing for coffee makers too, but it's not a universal thing. Specifically, my coffee maker has very explicit warnings about not using vinegar, or any other acidic solution to clean it. Instead it suggests soap and water for the externals, and a vinegar-free descaling solution for the internals.

    I don't own an electric kettle, but I wouldn't be surprised if some models had prohibitions or warnings of their own. I know for sure they will have specific instructions in their manuals though.

    For anything electric/electronic that you care about, follow the instructions.

    Answer 5

    If you don’t want to use white vinegar, you can use apple vinegar. I have tried it in my kettle with pure apple cider vinegar. It worked very well too.

    Answer 6

    Vinegar and baking soda work fine to clean kettle. You can find the formula here

    Answer 7

    You can clean easily with some Cola, it works perfectly

    Answer 8

    Citric acid, but be careful. Don't let it sit too long.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Max Vakhtbovych, Max Vakhtbovych, Max Vakhtbovych, Max Vakhtbovych