How To Clean a Steam Kettle

How To Clean a Steam Kettle

Hot drinks, porridge, and hot water bottles - we use more jugs than we think! If you think you can get away without knowing how to clean your steam kettle, you're wrong. Just look inside the lid and see what horrors lurk at the bottom!

If you do not maintain your kettle regularly, it will not boil quickly and may even break over time. It's better for the environment and your bank balance if you keep it clean. Not to mention the scales that may linger in your drink.

But how exactly do you clean your kettle?

Today, we're sharing the best natural ways to help you do it right in the first place.

What is limescale?

Limescales were found where the hot water evaporated and some of the remaining sediment solidified. You may also have seen it on old pipes, water tanks, and central heating systems. This is especially common in hard-water areas because of the high content of dissolved magnesium and calcium.

How often should you clean your kettle?

Your kettle needs to be cleaned and descaled regularly. Kettle suppliers recommend that you:

Clean the outside of the kettle every two weeks or as needed.

Treat scale once a month - if you live in an area with hard water, you may need to treat it more frequently.

How to descaling a kettle

1. Descale the kettle with vinegar

First, fill the kettle to full capacity with equal amounts of water and white vinegar.

Bring the kettle to a boil and let the mixture soak for an hour.

Pour out the mixture and rinse the inside of the kettle with clean water.

If limescale is still present, repeat the process. Depending on the severity of the scale, more vinegar than water can be added.

If there is still scale, use a sponge or cloth to scrub it gently. Do not wipe the heating element, otherwise, it may damage the kettle.

Rinse the kettle and boil with water until the smell is gone.

Tip: Be sure to unplug the kettle or inform everyone in your home that you are cleaning it or their mouth may smell foul!

2. How to scale a kettle with lemons

Pour the clean water into the kettle just below the maximum limit.

Pour the lemon juice into the jug.

Cut the remaining lemon into small pieces and add water.

Boil a kettle with lemon juice and water. Leave the mixture to soak for 1 hour.

Rinse the kettle with water, making sure to remove any lemon residue.

3. Clean your kettle with bicarbonate of soda

After following any of the above methods, you can take an extra step and sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda into the kettle.

Place the baking soda on the base for a few minutes.

Wipe the inside of the kettle with a soft cloth and rinse.

Tip: You can also use baking soda instead of lemon or vinegar. Pour about 2 tablespoons into a pan of clean water and bring to a boil.

Does Coke clean the kettle?

Most of us have heard of the amazing cleaning powers of Coca-Cola, but did you know that it can also be used to clean a kettle? It contains carbonic acid, which is really powerful when it comes to scaling.

Fill the kettle with Coca-Cola and bring to the boil.

Let sit for 30 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly to remove any odors.