On a cleaning spree or is your kettle not heating up correctly?
Here are some steps for cleaning your electric kettle:
- Prior to cleaning, be sure the base is unplugged and the kettle has cooled completely. Empty any remaining water from the kettle.
- Wash the inside of the kettle with soapy water and rinse. NEVER SUBMERGE THE KETTLE IN WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS.
- Do not place it in a dishwasher. Neither base nor kettle is dishwasher safe and both include electrical components that could become damaged.
- Wipe the exterior of the kettle and base with a damp cloth or sponge (damp with water or an all-purpose cleaner) and allow it to dry. Do not use abrasive soaps, cleansers, or scouring pads on any part of the kettle as it may damage the finish.
Cleaning mineral deposits
If you notice a stain on the bottom of your kettle's interior that resembles rust, don't worry! It's likely a harmless and common buildup of minerals called limescale (comprised of mainly calcium carbonate). Limescale is a direct result of heating up water and thus inevitable in all kettles. Depending on the mineral concentration in your water source, it will show up sooner or later.
You can remove the mineral deposits through a process called descaling. A gentle acid is used to remove the deposits without damaging the metal.
You can use vinegar to descale, but citric acid is our preferred home chemical choice. Both are safe and effective cleaning solutions, but citric acid is a bit stronger and doesn't leave a lingering scent. If you prefer to buy a ready-made solution, we recommend descaling with Urnez Dezcal, which you can buy from Amazon and many other locations.
If you use vinegar, heat a solution of half vinegar and half water in your kettle. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it sit for at least a half-hour before dumping it out and rinsing the kettle.
If you use citric acid, heat a solution of 500mL of water and 2 spoonfuls of citric acid. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it sit for at least a half-hour before dumping it out and rinsing the kettle.
If you use Urnex Dezcal, please follow the instructions on the bottle!