Why wait for water to boil on the stove when an electric kettle can do it faster? Whether you’re brewing tea, making drip coffee, or even whipping up a quick pasta meal, electric kettles are easy to use and low-maintenance. But here’s the thing—over time, minerals in your water (like calcium and magnesium) can build up inside. This not only affects the taste of your water but can also make your kettle look and work worse.
Nicole Papantoniou, Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, puts it simply:
“It’s important to clean your kettle to keep the water tasting fresh. Plus, if you have a clear kettle, you’ll be able to see the buildup—and cleaning it will make it look much better.”
The good news? Cleaning an electric kettle is quick and easy, and you don’t need fancy products. You can buy a store-bought descaling solution or make your own with common kitchen items.
How Often Should You Descale?
It depends on your water and how often you use your kettle. If you have hard water (more minerals), you’ll need to clean more often. A good rule of thumb is once a month, or follow your manufacturer’s instructions. This process—called descaling—is the same thing you might do for a coffee or espresso machine.
Method 1: Vinegar
Vinegar is a classic cleaner because its acidity breaks down mineral deposits. Here’s how:
- Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts fresh water in your kettle.
- For a 1-liter kettle: use ¼ cup vinegar + ¾ cup water.
- For a larger kettle: use ½ cup vinegar + 1½ cups water.
- Boil the mixture, turn the kettle off, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Pour it out, then rinse several times with fresh water.
- For heavy buildup, gently wipe inside with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Optional: Boil plain water once and discard to remove any vinegar taste.
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Also Read: Best Water Temperature for Green Tea (And Why It Matters)
Method 2: Lemon Juice or Citric Acid
Prefer a fresher scent? Lemon juice works just as well as vinegar and leaves a pleasant smell. Citric acid powder (sold near spices in grocery stores) is another great option.
- Fill the kettle halfway with water and add 2 tablespoons lemon juice or citric acid.
- Boil, turn off, and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Pour out and rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe away any stubborn spots with a soft cloth.
Method 3: Baking Soda
Baking soda is great for lighter deposits and deodorizing.
- Add 1–2 teaspoons baking soda to your kettle, then fill halfway with water.
- Boil, turn off, and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and wipe the bottom clean with a soft cloth. Rinse again to remove all residue.
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Also Read: Best Teas for Stress Relief and the Teaware to Use
Extra Cleaning Tips for the Inside
- For heavy buildup or if it hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, let your cleaning mixture sit overnight before rinsing.
- The same cleaning methods work for glass, ceramic, or stainless steel kettles.
- If your kettle has a removable filter, rinse it under water and wipe it clean.
- Skip dish soap inside the kettle—there’s no grease in there, and soap can leave a taste.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the heating element.
Cleaning the Outside
Wipe down the outside of your kettle regularly, especially if it gets splattered during cooking.
- Dip a cloth into soapy water, wring it out well, and wipe the kettle clean.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap residue.
- Never run the kettle under water, immerse it, or put it in the dishwasher—this can damage the electronics.
