How to Clean an Electric Kettle With Vinegar

Vinegar is effective at removing scale buildup in electric kettles.

Many people boil water in electric kettles instead of old-fashioned stovetop kettles. Since electric kettles boil water in only a few minutes, they are more energy efficient than conventional kettles. Like traditional kettles, electric kettles become dirty and require cleaning. Lime deposits and calcium salts from hard water can accumulate on the insides of these kettles and scale builds up. Unlike conventional kettles, electric kettles are equipped with wide mouths for handy cleaning and simple vinegar solutions are effective at cleaning them.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• 1/2-cup white distilled vinegar
• 2 clean terry cloths

Instructions

1. Unplug the kettle from the electrical outlet. Remove the kettle from the electric base.

2. Pour out any liquid inside the kettle. Allow the kettle to completely cool, if it is not already.

3. Rinse out the inside of the kettle with cold water. Swish the water around to remove loose residue.

4. Fill the kettle 3/4 full with cold water. Add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to the water.

5. Allow the vinegar solution to sit in the kettle overnight. Rinse out the inside of the kettle thoroughly with water.

6. Dampen a clean terry cloth with water. Wipe the damp cloth over the outside of the kettle to remove smudges and residue.

7. Dry the inside and outside of the kettle with another terry cloth. Set the kettle back on the electric base.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not clean the kettle with abrasive cleaners which can damage them.

References

• Vinegar Tips: 1001 Uses For White Distilled Vinegar
• Upton Tea: Cleaning Your Electric Kettle
• Home Furnish: All About Electric Kettles