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How to Clean an Electric Kettle and Remove Hard Water Buildup

Valerie Albarda

By Valerie Albarda
Published June 28, 2023

Electric kettles are popular small appliances found in many kitchens. They’re a quick and convenient way to boil water for tea, hot chocolate, coffee and more. However, cleaning is a chore that many may overlook. We’ll show you several ways to easily clean and descale your electric kettle.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

A red Courant electric kettle, cookies and a mug all sitting on a countertop.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

  • Distilled White Vinegar

  • Dishwashing Liquid

  • Lemon Juice

  • Baking Soda

  • Commercial Kettle Descaler

Note
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Electric Kettle

The view looking at the stainless steel insides of a Betty Crocker metallic red electric kettle.

Some people may use their electric kettle without giving much thought to the cleaning that it needs to keep the water fresh and pleasant tasting. However, cleaning is a key step in maintaining the kettle. It helps combat limescale buildup as well as the potential for bacteria or mold that may accumulate. The chances of your kettle developing limescale buildup are increased if you have hard water, which is why it’s important you know how to clean an electric kettle. We’ll show you three ways you can easily clean your electric kettle, and we’ll also show you how to descale a kettle.

What is Limescale?

Hard water buildup, also known as limescale, is a mineral deposit that builds up when an excess of calcium and magnesium separates and solidifies during boiling. Although not pleasant looking, limescale isn’t harmful to you. It’s a crusty off-white, gray or brown substance that accumulates in spaces where hard water flows, including electric kettles. 

The longer the limescale sits in a kettle, the more difficult it may be to remove. A heavy limescale buildup can corrode the kettle’s heating element. 

To combat limescale buildup you need to descale the kettle. Descaling helps keep your electric kettle functioning as it should. Descaling should be done every two to three months. However, if you use your electric kettle daily, consider descaling once a month to reduce the chance of limescale buildup.

Good to Know
Our resource guide will help you learn more about hard water and limescale, how to identify the signs around your home, and testing for hard water.

Cleaning and Descaling an Electric Kettle

A person holding a black NutriChef electric kettle while pouring boiling water into a mug.

There are several effective ways to clean and descale an electric kettle using various ingredients that you may already have in your home: distilled white vinegar; lemon juice, which is high in citric acid and baking soda. However, before you clean the inside of your electric kettle, focus on cleaning the outside.

First, ensure that the kettle is turned off and unplugged. Use a wet nonabrasive sponge or washcloth with dishwashing soap to wipe down the kettle, including the base and spout. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth. Next, descale the inside of the kettle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your electric kettle model, but here are a few general tips to help you descale.

Good to Know

For each method below, make sure the kettle is turned off and unplugged before descaling.

Descaling an Electric Kettle with Vinegar

Descaling an Electric Kettle with Lemon Juice

Descaling an Electric Kettle with Baking Soda

Signs That It’s Time to Descale Your Electric Kettle

Whether you use your electric kettle daily or only occasionally, you should still think about cleaning it. How do you know when it’s time to clean or descale your electric kettle? Below are a few signs.

  • You see visible signs of mineral deposits in the kettle.
  • A hot beverage isn’t as pleasant tasting as it used to be.
  • There’s a gritty sediment at the bottom of your cup.
  • You don’t remember the last time you descaled.

Helpful Tips for Maintaining Your Electric Kettle

A glass Elite electric kettle on a counter with mugs, tea bags and tea towel.

Keeping your electric kettle well-maintained is essential to giving you a great hot beverage. Here are some tips to help with the maintenance of your electric kettle.

  • Clean the kettle regularly.
  • Never immerse the kettle in water or other liquids.
  • Avoid using abrasive soaps or cleaners on the inside or outside of the kettle.
  • To avoid overuse of the heating element, only boil the amount of water you need.
  • Don’t fill the kettle above the fill level. This could result in the kettle overheating.
  • To help prevent limescale buildup, use distilled water instead of tap water.
  • If your water is very hard, try installing a whole house water softener which helps remove the harsh minerals that would otherwise make their way into your water lines.
  • Empty any unused water from the kettle after every use. Don’t allow water to sit in the kettle when it’s not in use.
  • Don’t turn the kettle on when it’s empty. 
  • Regularly inspect the electric kettle for things like cracks, a frayed cord, etc.
  • When using the kettle, be mindful of the spout position as the steam could cause burns and damage to surfaces. It’s recommended to place the spout away from walls, furniture or other surfaces that may be damaged.