Electric Kettle Maintenance Tips – Electric kettles are just amazing at home and anywhere else. Whenever you’re in the mood for some cocoa, coffee, or tea, you can quickly heat water using this appliance.
Because of their size and versatility, you can use kettles not just in the kitchen but outside of it as well.
As a matter of fact, the electric kettle is an appliance that can be used in any situation that necessitates hot water: baths, cleaning of dirty objects or surfaces, and the like.
And because they can be plugged in directly to any electrical power source, you won’t need to take your stove along with you anywhere just because you need some hot water.
Because of how valuable the electric kettle means to us, the least we can do is to take proper care of it.
You can keep your appliance in tip-top shape by following these pretty simple electric kettle maintenance tips below.
Electric Kettle Maintenance Tips
1. No Extra Water
Avoid leaving extra water in the electric kettle after using it. This is because leaving water inside after using the appliance is one of the biggest reasons for mineral buildup inside it.
The chances of this happening are particularly high if the source of the water is from the tap. The reason is that tap water more often than not contains hard water.
Whenever you have to use the electric kettle, only boil enough water for your specific need.
However, if there’s still some water left in the kettle, simply pour it into another container that can withstand the hot temperature of the water, or wait for the liquid to cool before transferring it.
2. Cleaning Inside and Outside
Over a period of time, certain elements will build up on the electric kettle ensuring that it requires thorough cleaning.
So, you’ll have to clean not just outside, but inside the appliance as well. Be sure to check the kettle’s interior for particles that need to be scrubbed off, such as mineral deposits that build-up due to hard water.
If you have not made use of the appliance in a while, quickly check its surface for any sign of dust or cobwebs.
If you recently used the appliance, please check its temperature and lower it if it is still high.
To avoid potential scalding, do not wash the kettle unless it has cooled down sufficiently. Once unplugged and cool enough to handle directly, you can use a clean cloth to wipe the surface and a bottle brush to sweep impurities that have gathered inside.
You can also make use of a toothbrush to scrub off tough stains and messes.
3. Lemon or Vinegar Solutions
Generally, mineral buildup inside kettles can be pretty difficult to clean and it could especially be a hassle if it is your first time dealing with it.
Cleaning experts recommend vinegar solutions or even lemon juice as being effective ways of descaling the kettle.
The reason behind this lies in the acetic acid of the vinegar or the citric acid in lemon both of which are known to dissolve mineral deposits that may clog or hamper contraptions.
As soon as the kettle becomes free of mineral deposits, it can heat water properly once again.
You can make a vinegar solution by following this simple process:
- Get an empty bowl and mix equal parts of water with equal parts of vinegar.
- Now, pour the solution into the kettle.
- Plug or connect the kettle to a power source and turn it on to boil.
- Next, rinse the solution and scrub it.
- You should also use the solution to clean the exterior of the kettle with the aid of a microfiber cloth.
- Do this by dipping the cloth inside the solution and then wipe parts of the surface that show visible impurities.
4. Avoid Switching the Kettle on while Empty
There’s no point in turning on the kettle if there’s no water in it. If you have been leaving your electric kettle on while empty, aside from the fact that its lifespan will decrease, you’ll be putting yourself at risk of a potential fire hazard.
Fortunately, there are newer electric models that now come with an auto-shutoff feature that automatically turns off the power once it senses the chamber is empty.
We recommend getting any of these types of electric kettles if you have been constantly forgetting to turn off your electric kettle. You can check them out later in this article, so keep reading.
5. Proper Spout Position
The electric kettle’s spout position also matters when using it. The reason is that the steam that comes from it could potentially damage surfaces that cannot tolerate the heat.
This is why many experts recommend placing the kettle spout away from walls and furniture.
If you have little kids at home, it also helps to keep the kettle out of their reach by having the spout positioned directly away from their reach regardless of whether it is in use or not.
This can help you prevent accidents leading to burns or potential fire hazards.
The Best Electric Kettle to Buy
Electric kettles have become one of the most essential appliances you can find in most households today.
Because of their flexibility, some models are so portable and come in the form of electric jugs such that they can be taken with you if you have a trip.
This means your hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa is never beyond reach. With the available variety of electric kettles in markets today, you can compare each one and select which best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Below are some of our recommendations if you’re looking to buy the best electric kettle.
Royal Electric Kettle (RPEK-1803RB)
Royal Electric Kettle (RPEK-1803BW)
Royal Electric Kettle (RPEK-1803BLW)
Conclusion
Generally, it’s not that hard to care for your kettle, provided that you follow the instructions that come in its package and use the appliance as intended.
As long as you maintain it by cleaning it regularly, keeping it out of the reach of kids, and protecting it from steam damage, you should be able to use heated water whenever you need it without stress.
