How to Clean Kettles

A sparkling tea kettle is a pleasure to use---you get the feeling you're boiling and pouring fresh, clean water to cook with or drink. But it's a different story when the kettle is grungy looking. Lime scale on the inside and grease spots on the outside make you feel like the water is dirty or somehow tainted. It's easy to keep your kettle clean---just use an acidic solution on the lime deposits, and wipe the outside with a nonabrasive cleanser.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vinegar or ascorbic acid Water Dishwashing detergent Baking soda Sponge Soft cloth

How to clean kettles

1. Fill your kettle with two inches of water. Add two tablespoons of vinegar or ascorbic acid (available at pharmacies). If the lime scale goes up higher, double the recipe.

2. Boil the solution for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it because it can foam up.

3. Turn off the heat and let the liquid sit overnight.

4. Pour out the solution, and fill the kettle with plain water.

5. Boil the water for at least 10 minutes, and pour it out. Repeat the plain-water process, and your teapot is ready for action.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the outside of a teapot with clean, soapy water (dishwashing detergent will do). Rub on with a sponge and dry with a soft cloth. For tougher spots, apply a baking soda paste and wash it off. Don't use anything abrasive because it can damage the surface.

Resources

• Learn more about cleaning kettles