
How to clean Electric Kettle
Are you searching for a comprehensive guide on how to clean your electric kettle? Look no further! In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process, ensuring that it stays in top-notch condition.
Get ready to discover valuable tips, techniques, and expert advice that will make your appliance cleaning process a breeze. Let’s dive i!
Why should you clean your electric kettle
- Improved Taste: Regular cleaning removes accumulated mineral deposits and residue, resulting in better-tasting beverages that are free from any unpleasant flavors or odors.
- Enhanced Safety: Eliminate potential health risks by getting rid of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that may thrive in neglected or dirty appliances, ensuring the safety of your drinks.
- Increased Efficiency: Removing limescale and buildup from the heating element allows it to function more efficiently, reducing boiling times and energy consumption, which ultimately saves you time and money.
- Prolonged Lifespan: Regular cleaning prevents mineral deposits and limescale from building up and damaging the internal components, helping to extend its overall lifespan and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
- Prevents Stains and Discoloration: Maintain its appearance by preventing unsightly stains or discoloration caused by mineral deposits, ensuring it remains visually appealing.
- Promotes Hygiene: Eliminate potential health hazards and ensure that the appliance remains hygienic, making it safe for everyday use.
- Reduces Boiling Time: A clean kettle with no limescale buildup allows water to heat up more quickly, reducing the time it takes to boil water and allowing you to enjoy your favorite hot beverages sooner.
- Eliminates Foul Odors: Cleaning your kettle eliminates any lingering odors caused by trapped residue, keeping your beverages fresh and ensuring there are no unwanted smells when using the appliance.

When should you clean your kettle
It is recommended to clean your electric kettle regularly to maintain its performance and prevent the buildup of limescale and other residues. The frequency of cleaning may vary depending on the quality of your water and how often you use it.
1. Regular cleaning: It’s a good practice to clean your kettle every 1-2 months as a general maintenance routine. This helps prevent limescale buildup and keeps it in optimal condition.
2. Visible limescale or residue: If you notice significant limescale or residue buildup on the interior or exterior, it’s best to clean it immediately. Visible buildup can affect the kettle’s efficiency and the taste of your beverages.
3. Foul odors or strange taste: If you detect unpleasant odors or taste in your hot beverages, it may indicate the presence of residue or mineral deposits. In this case, cleaning can help eliminate the odors and improve the taste of your drinks.
4. After long periods of non-use: If you haven’t used your kettle for an extended period, it’s advisable to clean it before using it again. Stagnant water or residue accumulation during idle periods can affect the quality and safety.
How to clean your electric kettle
Gather tools and materials
Mechanical Tools:
- Soft Cloth or Sponge: A soft cloth or sponge is ideal for wiping the exterior without scratching the surface or causing damage.
- Brush with Bristles: A brush with bristles, such as a bottle brush or toothbrush, is suitable for scrubbing the interior, particularly hard-to-reach areas or stubborn stains.
- Microfiber Cloth: A microfiber cloth is excellent for polishing and drying, leaving it sparkling clean without leaving lint or residue.
Chemical Products:
- Distilled White Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar is a natural and effective descaling agent that helps remove limescale deposits from the interior. Its acidic properties dissolve mineral buildup, leaving it clean and free from impurities.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda, when combined with vinegar, creates a powerful and natural cleaning paste. It helps to remove tough stains, discoloration, and odors.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which works as a natural descaler and deodorizer. It effectively breaks down limescale and removes stains, leaving a fresh citrus scent.
- Water: Clean, preferably filtered water, is essential for rinsing and ensuring all cleaning residues are thoroughly removed.

Cleaning process
- Unplug the electric kettle: This prevents any potential accidents or electrical hazards.
- Let it cool down: Wait for it to cool down completely.
- Remove detachable parts: Remove the lid, filter, or spout cover, carefully remove them. Check the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure how to detach specific parts.
- Clean the exterior: Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm water. Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the surface. Gently wipe it, including the handle, base, and any buttons or controls. Pay attention to areas that may accumulate dirt or residue. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild dish soap solution and a soft cloth to gently scrub the affected areas. Rinse the cloth thoroughly before scrubbing.
- Clean the interior: Fill the electric kettle halfway with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. The vinegar acts as a natural descaler and helps remove limescale and mineral deposits. Place it back on its base and switch it on. Allow the vinegar-water mixture to come to a boil. Once the mixture reaches a boil, turn it and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The acidic properties of the vinegar will help dissolve any limescale buildup. After the waiting period, empty the vinegar-water mixture from the kettle. Be cautious as the liquid may still be hot. Dispose of it safely. Rinse the kettle thoroughly with clean water multiple times to remove any remaining vinegar residue. Fill the kettle with water, boil it, and discard the water several times until there is no trace of vinegar smell.
- Clean detachable parts: If you have removed any detachable parts, such as the lid, filter, or spout cover, clean them separately using warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them before reattaching them.
- Dry the kettle: After cleaning, wipe the exterior and interior with a dry microfiber cloth or towel to remove any moisture. Ensure that it is completely dry before plugging it back in or using it again.
- Final touch-ups: If needed, you can use a microfiber cloth to polish the exterior, leaving it shiny and free from smudges or fingerprints.
How to clean stubborn stains
- Create a paste: In a small bowl, combine equal parts vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. The vinegar’s acidity and the baking soda’s abrasiveness work together to break down stains and limescale.
- Apply the paste: Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the vinegar and baking soda paste to the affected areas. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or heavy limescale buildup. Ensure that the paste covers the stains completely.
- Scrub gently: With the paste applied, gently scrub the affected areas using a circular motion. Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. The combination of the paste and gentle scrubbing will help loosen and remove the stains or limescale.
- Let it sit: After scrubbing, allow the paste to sit on the stains or limescale for a few minutes. This gives the vinegar and baking soda time to work their magic and break down the buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse it thoroughly with clean water, ensuring that all traces of the paste are removed. You can fill and empty it a few times to ensure a thorough rinse.
- Check for results: After rinsing, check if the stubborn stains or limescale have been effectively removed. If there are still traces remaining, you can repeat the process or try using a brush with bristles for more targeted scrubbing.
- Dry the kettle: Once the stains or limescale have been successfully removed, dry the kettle thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Ensuring it is completely dry helps prevent any new buildup from occurring.

How to maintain your electric kettle
- Regular descaling: Descaling is crucial to remove mineral deposits and limescale buildup that can affect its efficiency and taste of your beverages. Neglecting descaling can lead to reduced heating efficiency, prolonged boiling times, and compromised taste.
- Clean after each use: It’s recommended to rinse and wipe the interior and exterior after each use. This prevents residue buildup, stains, and odors. Neglecting regular cleaning can result in the accumulation of dirt, mold, or bacteria, affecting its hygiene and the quality of your drinks.
- Avoid overfilling: It’s important to avoid overfilling the kettle beyond its maximum capacity. Overfilling can cause water to spill into the electrical components, leading to potential damage, electrical hazards, or even malfunctioning.
- Handle with care: Always handle the electric kettle with care, ensuring you don’t drop or knock it against hard surfaces. Rough handling can cause damage, such as cracks, leaks, or malfunctioning parts.
- Protect the cord: Avoid bending, twisting, or pulling the cord forcefully. Properly handle and store the cord to prevent fraying, exposed wires, or potential electrical hazards.
- Use filtered or distilled water: Using filtered or distilled water reduces the mineral content that contributes to limescale buildup. This helps maintain its performance and extends its lifespan.
- Store properly: Store the kettle in a clean and dry place, away from moisture or extreme temperatures. Avoid storing it near other kitchen appliances or objects that could cause damage.
How to remove foul odors
- Solution 1: Fill the kettle with a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for an hour or overnight. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and boil fresh water to remove any residual odor.
- Solution 2: For a natural alternative, fill the kettle with water and add a few slices of lemon or a tablespoon of baking soda. Boil the solution, let it cool, and rinse thoroughly.
How to deal with discoloration or staining
- Solution 1: Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
- Solution 2: If the discoloration persists, fill the kettle with a mixture of water and vinegar, and let it sit for an hour or overnight. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

How to deal with rust formation
- Solution 1: Fill it with a mixture of water and lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Scrub the rusted areas gently using a brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Solution 2: If the rust stains are stubborn, try using a specialized rust remover product following the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse it thoroughly afterward to ensure the removal of any residue.
How to descale your kettle using vinegar steam
If you prefer a steam-based descaling method, fill the kettle with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it steam for about 15-20 minutes. The steam will help loosen and dissolve limescale buildup. Afterward, empty the kettle, rinse thoroughly, and boil fresh water to remove any residual odor.
How to clean the kettle’s filter
If your electric kettle has a removable filter, it’s important to clean it regularly to prevent clogging and ensure optimal performance. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on removing and cleaning the filter. Typically, it can be rinsed under warm water or soaked in a solution of water and mild dish soap. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before reattaching it to the kettle.
Other kitchen appliances
Do you have other kitchen appliances to clean? Read our other blogs on how to clean an ice cream maker, citrus juicer, electric skillet, electric steamer, waffle maker, slow cooker, pasta maker, hand mixer, french press, coffee pot, air fryer, blender, stand mixer, electric coffee grinder, microwave, kitchen range hood, gas stove top, glass stove top, coffee maker, toaster, juicer, food processor, oven, garbage disposal, bread maker, grill, rice cooker, instant pot, fridge, freezer and dishwasher.
FAQ
What is the best way to descale an electric kettle?
Is it OK to boil vinegar in a kettle?
Does boiling vinegar in a kettle get rid of limescale?
Do you use baking soda or vinegar to descale a kettle?
How long to leave vinegar in an electric kettle?
Does baking soda get rid of limescale in a kettle?
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in your quest to clean your electric kettle. Remember, a clean kettle not only improves the taste and quality of your favorite hot beverages but also extends the lifespan of your appliance.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at TK Cleaning Services. Our team of experts is always ready to provide you with the best solutions for all your cleaning needs. Thank you for choosing us as your trusted source of information. Happy cleaning!