Electric kettles are now a standard appliance in most households, and they are used for boiling water, cooking eggs, or making a perfect cup of tea in a few minutes. Although buying one is not a big deal, every buyer expects his or her kettle to serve him or her for several years.
However, most kettle owners are unaware of the fact that they are shortening the life of their appliance due to a lack of proper care.
If you have already made the wise decision to purchase premium kitchen appliances online, why not go the extra mile and make sure that your kettle is also serving you? Keep on reading to know some important guidelines in order to keep your kettle in its best shape and longevity.
7 Easy Tips to Maintain Your Electric Kettle at Home
Taking good care of your electric kettle is no big deal, especially when the steps can be easily incorporated into your daily schedule. Below are some of the top tips you can incorporate to clean your electric kettle efficiently and easily.
1. Clean Your Kettle Frequently
Switch off the kettle and clean the outer part of the kettle with a clean cloth. External cleaning does not have to be done daily, but wiping will help the kettle to look fresh and clean.
2. Use Dish Wash Solution
It is recommended to clean your kettle even if you do not notice any limescale buildup on the sides of the kettle. A diluted dish soap and water solution is sufficient for regular washing of the surface. Wash the kettle with warm water and soap and let it soak for a few minutes before washing it gently. Wash it well after use to ensure that the next time you use it, it does not have a soapy taste.
3. Lemon Juice for Natural Descaling
If you are looking for a replacement for vinegar, then lemon juice might be your solution. Being less acidic in nature, it easily dissolves the residue without harming the material of your appliance. You just have to squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into your kettle, add water, and bring the solution to a boil. Let the lime solution sit in the kettle for a few minutes, as lime helps remove all the residue and any kind of smell from the metallic appliances when used well.
4. Stubborn Stains? Use Baking Soda
You can easily clean your stained kettle with the help of baking soda. All you have to do is mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste out of it. Now apply this paste all over the stains and stubborn residues to clean them out. Use a brush with soft bristles to clean the inside of the kettle, and rinse with water to ensure nothing is left behind. This method not only cleans the stains but also eliminates any smell that may be associated with the stain.
5. Use Citric Acid for Deep Descaling
Citric acid is one of the methods in the list of tips to maintain your kettle. It is usually in the form of powder and is one of the best descaling agents. Take your kettle and mix a tablespoon of citric acid with water in it. Allow the solution to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This will allow the citric acid solution to break all the stubborn limescale and will not leave any residue smell or taste. The citric acid cleaning method is used when there is a need to clean your heavily used kettle, which arises occasionally if you live in an area where there is a hard water supply.
6. Use the Right Amount of Water
To ensure that your kettle works efficiently and lasts as long as possible, always fill it with the right amount of water. Most electric kettles come with a measuring scale on the side of the kettle to ensure that the right amount of water is added. It is important not to fill the kettle beyond its capacity, as this may cause spillage and also put a lot of pressure on the kettle.
7. Regular Cleaning With Vinegar Solution
One of the common problems associated with electric kettles is the formation of limescale, which is particularly prevalent in regions with hard water. To address this, one can use a solution of vinegar and water to great effect. Pour a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water into your kettle and boil it for 15-20 minutes. This will disintegrate any mineral deposits that may be present. Subsequently, you should wash your kettle with water to ensure that there is no vinegar left inside it.
Conclusion
With the help of these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can extend the service life of the electric kettle, ensure its proper functioning, and always get clean water. Whether you decide to go for natural remedies such as vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda or go for the ready-made descaling solutions, maintaining your kettle is not as complicated as it may seem.