How to Clean Electric Kettle | Midea Canada

The good thing is that cleaning a kettle is simple. You can use things you already have at home, like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda.

In this guide, we will show you how to clean an electric kettle step by step, when to do it, and a few easy tips to help it stay clean longer. Let’s get started. 

How Often Should You Clean an Electric Kettle? 

It’s a good idea to give your kettle a deeper clean about once a month. If you use it every day, you can also follow the cleaning schedule shared by the brand to keep it in good shape. 

Those light marks that look like water spots are usually limescale. It’s a harmless mineral layer made from calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in your water. Descaling removes this layer and keeps the inside smooth. 

If you live in a place with hard water, the mineral layer builds up faster, so you may need to clean your kettle more often. And with more than 198 million electric kettles sold worldwide in 2024, this kind of simple care has become a normal part of kitchen life. Regular cleaning helps your kettle last longer and gives you clean, fresh water every time you use it. 

How Do You Clean an Electric Tea Kettle Step-by-Step?  

When you clean an electric water kettle, the first thing to learn is how to descale electric kettle safely. Mineral buildup is the most common thing inside a kettle, and it’s the main part you need to remove. 

Here are the steps for using some simple items to clean an electric water kettle, depending on what you have on hand. 

1. Using Vinegar

You can start with vinegar because its mild acid can break down mineral buildup easily. It works well on hard water residue and helps loosen the thick layers inside the kettle. It may leave a light smell at first, but a quick rinse or one boil with clean water clears the scent. 

Steps: 

• Fill your electric kettle with 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it sit for 20 minutes (or overnight for bad buildup) to allow the acidity to dissolve mineral buildup.
• Fill the kettle with clean water, bring it to a boil, and drain. Repeat this step twice to fully remove any leftover vinegar smell or taste. 

2. Using Lemon Juice or Citric Acid

You can also clean electric tea kettle with lemon juice or citric acid. Both are simple household items that work well on mineral buildup. Lemon juice has natural acids that break down the hard water layer inside the kettle, offer antibacterial benefits and it also leaves a fresh smell. Citric acid powder works in almost the same way, and it mixes into water quickly, so it reaches the buildup fast. 

Steps: 

• Fill the kettle halfway with water, then add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or citric acid.
• Boil the mixture, turn off the kettle, and let it sit for about 20 minutes. 
• Pour the water out, and use a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean the inside and loosen any buildup. 
• Rinse the kettle well with clean water so it’s ready to use again. 

3. Using Baking Soda

Another easy way to clean an electric tea kettle is with baking soda. Many people already have it at home, and it works well on light mineral buildup. Baking soda softens the residue so it’s easier to wipe away, and it’s gentle enough for the inside of the kettle. 

Steps: 

• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the kettle, then fill it with water until it reaches about halfway. 
• Turn the kettle on and let the mixture boil. Switch it off and leave it sitting for about 20 minutes. 
• Pour the water out, rinse with clean water, and wipe the bottom with a soft sponge or cloth. 
• Rinse one more time to wash away any baking soda left inside. 

How to Clean the Exterior of an Electric Kettle? 

After you clean electric water kettle inside, it’s just as important to care for the outside. A clean exterior keeps the kettle looking neat on your counter and helps reduce fingerprints, smudges, and water marks. This applies to both regular kettles and newer options like a folding electric kettle, which also needs gentle care on the outside. 

You only need a simple routine.  

1. Unplug the kettle and let it cool down.

2. Mix a little dish soap with warm water and dip a soft cloth or sponge into it.

3. Wipe the outside of the kettle, including the handle, base, and any spots that look dirty.

4. Use a soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in the soapy water to clean around the spout.

5. Wipe everything again with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap, then let the kettle air-dry. 

Maintaining Tips to Keep the Kettle Cleaner for Longer

Regular care helps your kettle stay cleaner between deep cleaning sessions. After you know how to clean the electric kettle both inside and out, a few small habits can keep it working well. 

• Never put the kettle in water. The inside of the base has electrical parts, and water can damage them. 
• Keep the kettle and the base out of the dishwasher. They are not made for high heat or strong water pressure. 
• If your kettle has a removable filter, rinse it under running water to clear any sediment. Dry it with a clean cloth before putting it back. 
• Do not use rough brushes inside the kettle. They can scratch the surface or harm the heating part at the bottom. 

Conclusion

Keeping your kettle clean is easy once you get the hang of it. When you know how to clean electric kettle the safe way, your tea and coffee taste better, and the kettle stays in good shape for a long time. Regular cleaning removes the mineral layer that builds up inside, and it also keeps the outside looking neat on your counter. 

A few small habits make daily use smoother and help the kettle work the way it should. If you’re looking for a kettle that holds up well with simple care, take a look at Midea for options that fit your everyday kitchen needs. 

FAQs 

What is the best thing to clean an electric kettle with?

The most effective options for cleaning an electric kettle are vinegar and citric acid because their natural acidity dissolves mineral deposits quickly. Lemon juice works well for light residue and leaves a fresh scent, while baking soda is suitable for mild buildup. Choosing the right ingredient depends on how heavy the scale is inside your kettle. 

Is it okay to boil vinegar in the kettle? 

Yes, boiling a mixture of vinegar and water in the kettle is safe and helps loosen stubborn limescale. The acidity breaks down mineral buildup that collects over time, especially in hard water areas. After boiling, rinse the kettle thoroughly and boil clean water once or twice to remove the vinegar smell before using it again for drinking. 

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar for descaling? 

Distilled vinegar and white vinegar both work well for removing limescale in an electric kettle. Distilled vinegar is clearer and has a softer smell, but the two are very similar. Both have acetic acid, which breaks down mineral buildup inside the kettle. You can use either one, depending on what you already have at home. 

How long to leave vinegar in kettle to descale?

You can leave the vinegar mix in the kettle for a few hours or even overnight if the buildup is thick. The extra time lets the vinegar soften and loosen the limescale on the bottom and the sides. After soaking, pour it out, rinse the kettle well, and boil clean water once to clear any leftover vinegar smell.