- To clean your electric kettle, boil equal parts white vinegar and water.
- After boiling, gently scrub the inside with a soft sponge or toothbrush.
- Clean the inside every three months and wipe down the outside weekly.
An electric kettle can make kitchen duty easy, helping you quickly boil water for tea, coffee or even quick meals like oatmeal or pasta.
The best part? Electric kettles are very low maintenance. They only need to be cleaned every two to three months, or whenever you notice buildup, says Toby Shultz, founder of Maid2Match.
Over time, electric kettles can become dirty with mold or mineral buildup from the water. Buildup will happen more often if you have hard water, which contains lots of minerals. Plus, the outside can also be exposed to grime and gunk from sitting on your counter day after day.
Here's how to clean your kettle to keep your counters tidy and your water fresh.
How to clean an electric kettle
What you need
- White vinegar
- Soft sponge and/or toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Dish soap
Instructions
1. Remove the filter or cartridge. Not all kettles have one, but if they do, filters are usually located near the spout. Set the filter or cartridge to soak in a mixture of equal parts warm water and vinegar. This will help remove any build up gunk. Filters can usually be cleaned, but can be replaced if they're torn or warped.
2. Fill the kettle. Fill the kettle half way with equal parts water and vinegar.
3. Boil the water. Let the water come up to a boil, then unplug your kettle.
4. Let the solution sit. Let the hot water and vinegar mixture sit for 20 minutes. During that time, the steam and heat from the kettle will loosen up any mold or build up on the inside. After 20 minutes, pour the vinegar and water solution out.
5. Scrub the interior. Using a soft sponge or toothbrush, scrub to remove any mineral build up or mold from the sides. If you need more
6. Rinse the kettle. Add fresh water to the kettle and bring it back to a boil, then dump it. Repeat as necessary.
7. Put the filter back in. After the kettle has cooled down, add the filter back in place.
8. Clean the outside. Wipe the exterior of the kettle with a damp cloth that has been dipped in soapy water. Then, wipe it dry.
9. Clean the base. To clean the base and heating element, simply wipe with a slightly damp towel. Then, your kettle is ready for use.
Quick tip: If you need extra scrubbing power, use a small amount of baking soda. Avoid any commercial cleaners with any harsh chemicals.
Tips to keep your kettle clean
It's nice to have a full kettle at the ready for when you want a cup of tea, but to keep your kettle clean and fresh long-term, you shouldn't store water in it, Shultz says.Keeping water in the kettle between uses can compound issues around mold and mineral build-up. Instead, use the kettle then dump any leftover water out. Because kettles are designed to handle a little moisture, you don't have to wipe it completely dry.
Always avoid scrubbing the heating element, as it could compromise its ability to heat. Wiping this part of the kettle with a cloth that's only slightly damp will remove any dust without damaging it. To keep the exterior of your kettle looking like new, wipe it weekly as part of your counter-cleaning routine, says Shultz.
Lastly, don't allow the kettle to boil dry. Some electric kettles offer "boil-dry protection," a feature that automatically switches off the heating element when there's no water in the tank. It's a good idea to always check the water level before starting, and never filling beyond the "max fill" line.
Insider's takeaway
Cleaning an electric kettle is simple and straightforward. Still, it's important to do it regularly to keep your boiled water tasting great and your kitchen looking tidy. Wipe the exterior weekly, and clean the interior every two to three months.
The heat from the kettle does most of the cleaning once you boil equal parts water and vinegar. Simply scrub the kettle interior to remove tough bits and wipe down the outside. After that, you're ready to settle in with your favorite cup or tea, cocoa, or coffee.