An electric kettle is among the most useful kitchen appliances in our kitchens. It is possible to make tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate with it. Whether used for cooking or heating water, they can quickly become stained with rust. So, it is vital to wash the kettle frequently to prevent any issues, like rust, stains, or other problems. Rust stains can be a pain to remove from electric kettles. But with a few simple steps, you can remove rust stains from electric kettles. This guide will show you how to remove rust stains from electric kettles using different methods.
What are Rust and Stains?
Rust is a mineral found in the earth’s crust. It is a reddish-brown powder found in soil or on rocks. Rust can form when metal objects contact the earth’s surface. This can happen when water and air come into contact with the metal, causing it to oxidize. When rust forms, it can cause spots on metal objects and make them look old and worn. It can cause corrosion in metal surfaces, and can generally be removed with heat, detergent, or acid.
Stains are colorless or slightly brownish liquids that form when food, drink, sweat, or other substances mix with blood, bodily fluids, or other substances. They can be removed with soap and water. They can be hard to remove and leave a permanent mark on the material. Some stains are easy to clean, while others may require professional assistance.
Why Electric Kettles Rust?
Electric kettles are one of the most popular kitchen appliances. They’re small, lightweight, and convenient. But why do they rust? The metal in an electric kettle can rust over time if exposed to water and electricity. This happens because the water molecules cause the metal to form positive and negative ions. The positive ions attract the negative ions, which causes the metal to lose its shine and rust.
How to Remove Rust Stains from Electric Kettles?
If you have rust stains on your electric kettle, there are a few ways to remove them. You can use a commercial rust remover, or you can use a home remedy. Before trying either of these methods, test a small area to ensure the solution will work on the stain. Let’s look at the efficient ways to get rid of rust stains from your electric kettles.
Dishwashing Liquid and Hot Soapy Water
The first step to eliminating a rusty look is cleaning your kettle correctly. To do that, simply cleanse your electric kettle with dishwashing liquid. After that, wash it thoroughly using hot soapy water and allow it to dry for a few minutes. You can also use scrubbers that are abrasive to scrub your kettle.
Sometimes, rust builds on electric kettles and is extremely difficult to remove. In this case, just scrubbing won’t be enough to get the rust off for proper cleaning. If your kettle has an enamel finish, avoid using any abrasive scrubber to prevent scratching.
Home Remedy: Vinegar Based Solution
Vinegar is one of the most effective options to get rid of scale or corrosion in your kitchen. It’s inexpensive, non-toxic, and efficient at the same time. Any type of vinegar will work perfectly to wash tough stains off the kettle. However, we recommend white vinegar for the most efficient performance. To use the vinegar solution, follow these steps:
Step 1: Firstly, fill your electric kettle with vinegar until it reaches the “maximum fill” level. Then, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. It is essentially a chemical reaction. Therefore, you must give the chemical time to react with the corrosion. A few hours of waiting is okay. Avoid stirring and rubbing with anything. As it will not bring any benefits.
Step 2: The next step is to turn on the kettle and then bring it up to the point of boiling. It should take about 3-4 minutes to bring the kettle to a boil. It’s beneficial to let the liquid be swirled around. This procedure will shake the small corrosion particles and release them into the boiling kettle.
Step 3: Following the boiling process then, pour the vinegar out. Be cautious as it is going to get hot to the touch. Then, you can use clean water to wash the kettle.
If you find areas of rust after having completed the above steps, repeat them until your electric kettle is free of rust stains.
Home Remedy: Baking Soda Based Solution
Baking soda is another beneficial ingredient if you’re not happy with the vinegar-based solution. It will keep your kettle in good order. The steps below will help you to get rid of rust stains from electric kettles using baking soda:
Step 1: In the beginning, prepare one teaspoon of baking soda into water. Then, you pour it into the boiling kettle and let it come to a boil.
Step 2: Give twenty minutes to allow the solution to sit within the kettle.
Step 3: Then, pour out the solution and clean the kettle’s interior with clean & cold water.
Home Remedy: Lemon Based Solution
Are you lacking baking soda or vinegar within your home? Instead, you can make use of lemon. Learn how to get rid of electric kettle rust stains with lemon:
Step 1: Create a water-based lemon solution by mixing one spoonful of lemon juice or lemon squash with water. Mix it up and then pour it into an electric kettle.
Step 2: Then boil the solution for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the rust to separate from the kettle.
Step 3: Take out the remaining water and wash the kettle with clean water.
Commercial Cleaning Products
Alongside baking soda, vinegar or lemon, there are alternatives too. For instance, commercial cleaning products can clean rust off of various kitchen equipment. Therefore, you can utilize any commercial cleaner that works with your kettle.
Begin by diluting the cleaner with water, and then mix the two in the correct proportions. It is best to read the important instructions on the packaging. After that, let the solution heat up in your kettle, and then let it sit at a steady temperature for a while. The solution will begin to remove the rust from the kettle when it is done. When the procedure is complete, wash your kettle with water, and you’ll have the kettle’s interior sparkling, similar to a new kettle.
Why does my Kettle go Brown inside?
There are many reasons why a kettle can turn brown inside. They are known as “limescale” and are formed by boiling water. Limescale is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. The quantity is minimal and non-harmful to the body. The limescale forms on the heating element and lowers the efficiency of heating. As a result, more energy is needed to boil a kettle of water. Over time, this will cause the metal parts of the kettle to rust. Other causes of a brown interior in a kettle include dirty filters, clogged spouts, and damaged heating elements.
How do I get rid of Brown Spots in my Kettle?
If you’re getting brown spots on your kettle, you can do a few things to prevent it:
- Make sure that the water is clean. Dirty water can cause spots.
- Make sure that the kettle is appropriately ventilated. Overheating can also cause spots.
- Make sure that the kettle is not overfilled when using. Overfilling can cause the water to boil too quickly and create spots.
If you already have brown spots on your kettle, there are a few ways to get rid of them.
- The first is to use a stainless steel scrubber. Gently rub the scrubber over the spots and then rinse with water.
- The second is to use a degreaser. Pour degreaser onto the spot and scrub with a brush. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.
- The last way is to use a polish. Polish the spot until it is clean.
Final Thoughts
The accumulation of rust isn’t something you want to find inside your electric kettle. Each time you use your kettle to make tea or coffee, it worsens. In addition to the fact that you do not clean it often, the problem could worsen. Ensure that you keep your kettle neat if you don’t want to be constantly worried about the kettle’s rust building up. Make sure you take care of your electric kettle and begin with a healthy hot beverage every day.