Fortunately, cleaning a tea kettle and removing limescale is simple, and all you need are a few supplies you probably have on hand. Follow these steps to learn how to clean a tea kettle, the easy way.
How Often to Clean a Kettle
How often you clean your electric or stovetop kettle depends on how often you use it. After every use or at the end of the day, empty any remaining water. Wipe down the exterior weekly, or whenever splatters happen, to remove stains and fingerprints. If you use your kettle daily, it should be thoroughly cleaned and descaled at least seasonally. For those who live in an area with hard water, you’ll want to descale the kettle’s interior once per month. If your electric tea kettle has a water filter cartridge, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and replacement, or clean it at least once every other month.
What You’ll Need
Distilled white vinegar, cleaning vinegar, or lemon juice Baking soda Degreasing dishwashing liquid (such as Dawn) Non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush Microfiber cloth
How to Clean an Electric Tea Kettle
How to Clean a Stovetop Tea Kettle
Tip: To clean the exterior of a tarnished copper tea kettle, cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, then use it to rub the surface of the kettle back to a shine. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
How to Clean the Outside of a Burnt Tea Kettle
We’ve all done it: Forgotten a tea kettle or pan heating on the stove and now the bottom is burnt. With a bit of elbow grease, you can clean a burnt tea kettle and restore its shine.
How to Keep Your Tea Kettle Clean for Longer
Empty your electric or stovetop tea kettle after every use. (Don’t waste the water, use it to water plants or rinse out the sink.)
For stovetop tea kettles, learn to control the heat of your stove, and never wander off while you are heating water.
To prevent a greasy tea kettle, clean your stovetop regularly to get rid of messes. Remove the kettle from the stovetop when you are frying or sautéing foods that splatter.
Read Next: How to Clean a Keurig Coffee Maker the Right Way
