In India, many households use electric kettles. They’re useful for boiling water fast, whether you need it for tea, coffee or some instant meals. But with time, dissolved minerals in water can accumulate inside. This makes the electric kettle dirty. The taste of your drinks can also be altered by a dirty kettle.
But knowing how to clean electric kettle inside can keep it safe and hygienic. It will also make the kettle last longer. We will discuss the importance of cleaning your kettle, how often it should be cleaned, and provide detailed instructions on how to clean it.
Why Cleaning Your Electric Kettle is Important
Knowing how to clean an electric water kettle is very important for several reasons. Water has minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can form white deposits inside the kettle. These deposits are called limescale. Limescale can make the kettle slower to boil water and hence interfere with its performance. It can also make the kettle use more electricity.
A dirty hot water kettle can also affect the taste of tea, coffee, or milk. Some bacteria or mould may grow if water is left standing in the kettle. Cleaning the kettle removes limescale and germs. It keeps the water and drinks fresh. It also protects the heating element inside the kettle. If you clean your kettle regularly, it will last much longer. You can also read about How to Use an Electric Kettle? A Beginner’s Guide to understand proper usage of electric kettle.
How Often Should You Clean an Electric Kettle?
How often you clean your electric water kettle depends on two things. The first is how hard or soft your water is. Hard water has more minerals and forms deposits faster. Soft water has fewer minerals, so deposits form slowly. The second is how often you use the kettle. If you use it several times a day, it may need cleaning more often.
For hard water, clean your kettle every two weeks. For soft water, once a month is enough. Always check inside the kettle. White marks or spots indicates it needs cleaning. Waiting too long makes the deposits hard to remove. Regular cleaning keeps the electric kettle for boiling water working properly.
What You Will Need for Cleaning Electric Water Boiler
Before you start cleaning, gather all the things you need. This makes cleaning easier and faster. You will need:
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White vinegar or lemon juice
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Baking soda (optional)
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Soft cloth or sponge
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Soft brush or toothbrush
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Clean water
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Measuring cup
These items are easy to find at home, and you don’t need to use strong chemicals. They are safe for the kettle and your hands.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean an Electric Water Kettle
Cleaning your kettle is simple if you follow these steps carefully. It does not take long. Doing it regularly keeps the kettle fresh, safe, and working well. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean an electric kettle:
Unplug the kettle
Always make sure the kettle is switched off and unplugged. This keeps you safe from electric shocks. Do not try to clean it while it is still plugged in. Safety comes first.
Empty the kettle
Pour out any water left inside. Check the bottom to make sure no water remains. Standing water can make cleaning less effective and can also grow bacteria.
Add cleaning solution
This is an important step if you want to know completely about how to wash an electric kettle. Mix equal parts of clean water and white vinegar in a measuring cup. Pour this mixture into the kettle until it is halfway full. If you prefer, you can use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar. Both vinegar and lemon juice help remove limescale and other deposits.
Boil the mixture
Switch on the kettle and let the water-vinegar or water-lemon mixture boil. Boiling helps loosen the limescale. After the kettle switches off automatically, leave the solution inside for 15 to 20 minutes. This extra time allows the acid to work on stubborn deposits.
Scrub gently
Scrub the interior of the kettle with a soft brush or toothbrush. Focus on areas with white marks or buildup. Do not scrub with metal brushes or scouring pads. Scraping the kettle can cause limescale to adhere more efficiently in future. Take your time and scrub all corners with care.
Rinse thoroughly
Pour out the cleaning solution slowly. Rinse the kettle out multiple times with fresh water so that it doesn't have any hint of vinegar or lemon. Fill it with fresh water and bring it to a boil, and pour it out. If you are looking for guidance on how to clean electric kettle before first use, rinsing it thoroughly with water might be enough
Optional baking soda step
You can use baking soda on tough or stubborn stains. Mix it with a little water for a paste. Apply the paste on the limescale stains and leave it for around 10 minutes. Scrub softly with a hard-bristle brush and rinse thoroughly with water. This step is beneficial if the kettle has been neglected for a while.
Clean the outside
This is an important step for those who are wondering how to clean electric kettle outside. Wipe the exterior of the kettle with a damp soft cloth. Remove fingerprints, stains, and dust. Do not immerse the kettle in water, as it may damage electrical parts and can cause overheating and steam expulsion. Wiping keeps the kettle looking new and neat.
Dry completely
Keep the lid open and ensure the kettle dries out completely before using again. Ensure the inside is totally dry to avoid mould or bacterial growth. The kettle should never be kept with water inside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Washing Electric Kettle
Cleaning an electric kettle for water is simple, but some mistakes can cause problems. Avoid these mistakes to keep your kettle working well:
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Using harsh chemicals: Strong detergents or bleach can be harmful to the kettle.
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Abrasive scrubbing with metal brushes: This can scratch the interior, which makes limescale stick even more easily.
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Overfilling: Do not fill past the maximum level. Water can spill, which would affect the electrical components.
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Putting the kettle in water: Never immerse the kettle in water. Electrical parts can get damaged.
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Using immediately after cleaning: Always, let the kettle dry completely. This avoids mixing residue with water.
Conclusion
Cleaning your electric water boiler is simple and very important. Regular cleaning keeps it working well. It also makes tea, coffee, or milk taste fresh. Using vinegar or lemon juice is safe and effective. Always follow the steps carefully. Avoid harsh chemicals and metal scrubbers. Clean the kettle regularly and let it dry properly. Remember, a clean kettle saves electricity and lasts longer. By taking small steps, you can enjoy fresh drinks every day.
