How to Clean an Electric Kettle

Co-authored by Kadi Dulude

Last Updated: September 24, 2022 Approved

Electric kettles are convenient ways to boil water for tea, other beverages, or food. Because water boils over and over inside the kettle, it can get limestone buildup that causes scaling or “kettle furring.” This buildup can start flaking into your tea or food, and it also slows down the heating of your kettle. To clean your electric kettle, try a vinegar or lemon solution, use baking soda to get off any stubborn stains, and wipe down the outside.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Vinegar Solution

1
Mix a vinegar solution. Vinegar can help descale an electric kettle and remove build up from hard water. Mix a solution of water and white vinegar in equal parts. Fill the kettle around halfway or three quarters the way full with this solution.^{[1]
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2
Boil the solution in the kettle. To clean the inside of the kettle and remove limestone stains, turn on the kettle with the solution inside. Bring it to a boil.^{[2]
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- If the scaling inside the kettle is really bad, increase the amount of vinegar in the mixture. Boil again.
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3
Let the kettle soak. When the kettle has come to a boil, turn off the kettle and unplug it. Let the solution soak inside the kettle for around 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, pour out the solution.^{[3]
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- If the scaling is really bad, leave the solution in the kettle longer.
4
Scrub the inside. If the scaling is really bad, use a non-metallic sponge or cloth to scrub the inside of the kettle. Do this after you have let the vinegar solution soak in the kettle for a long time.^{[4]
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- Make sure that you do not scrub the heating element on the bottom of the kettle.
5
Rinse to remove the vinegar. Rinse the electric kettle with water. You may have to rinse multiple times to remove the vinegar smell. Wipe down the inside with a cloth. Let it dry.
- If there is any vinegar taste or smell left in the kettle, boil water in it again and dump it. This should get rid of it. Boil water multiple times if the vinegar smell or taste won't go away.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning with Other Solutions

1
Use a lemon solution. If your kettle manufacturer states that you should not use vinegar to clean your kettle, you can use lemon instead. Make a solution with lemon and water. Squeeze a lemon into water and then cut up the lemon and place the slices in the water. Fill the kettle with this solution.
- Boil the water and let it soak in the kettle for around an hour.
- Dump the water and rinse the kettle.
- Alternately, you can use a lime instead of a lemon.
2
Make a baking soda solution. Another cleaning option is to make a solution of baking soda and water. Mix around a teaspoon of baking soda into water. Pour this into the electric kettle and bring to a boil.
- Let the solution soak for around 20 minutes. Then, pour out the solution and rinse with cold water.
- This should remove the scaling inside the kettle.
3
Use a commercial kettle cleaning product. If you want to use a commercial cleaner, find a kettle cleaning product online or in your local home improvement store or supermarket. You should dilute the cleaning product with water according to the directions and boil the solution in the kettle.
- Leave the solution in the kettle to let it soak.
- Rinse the kettle with cold water.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Kettle

1
Clean the outside with dish soap. To clean the outside of your kettle, use basic dish detergent. Wash the outside with the dish soap and then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Try not to get any dish soap inside the kettle.
- Clean the outside every week or so.
- Because of the heating element, you cannot place your electric kettle in water.
2
Polish with olive oil. If you have a stainless steel electric kettle, you may want to polish it to keep it shiny. To make it shiny, use olive oil. Place some oil on a soft cloth and rub over the outside of the kettle. Rub gently to make sure you don't scratch the outside surface.
3
Clean your kettle often. The interior of your kettle can get build up with frequent use, especially if you live in an area with hard water. This can lead to flakes in your tea or coffee, and cause the kettle to work slower. To keep your kettle working properly, clean it every few months.^{[5]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you clean an electric kettle without vinegar?

Kadi Dulude
House Cleaning Professional
Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.

Kadi Dulude

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Fill your kettle with Coke and bring it to a boil. Leave your kettle and the boiled Cokea to cool down for about 45 minutes. Then rinse and wash the kettle as usual.
Question

What should I do if the boiler is way too hot? Clean it the same way?

Community Answer

Wait for it to cool first, then clean it the same way. Cleaning it when the temperature is too hot will cause thermal burns.
Question

What happens if I do put dish soap on the inside?

Community Answer

Dish soap doesn't help with descaling, since the calcium carbonate buildups are not sensitive to alkaline liquids (dish soap is alkaline, with an average pH between 8 and 9). If you put it inside while it is turned off and cold, and rinse very thoroughly before using, you shouldn't have any problem.