You’ve probably been there. You’re boiling some water on the stove, noticing a rusty spot on the bottom. Rusty tea kettles are a problem that can be solved. If you have a tea kettle with rust, you don’t have to buy a new tea kettle. A few quick and easy steps will make your old tea kettle look new. This article will guide you on fixing a rusty tea kettle.
What is Tea Kettle Rust?
Tea kettles are a staple in many kitchens. They keep water hot, perfect for making a quick cup of tea or even a whole pot. But what happens when this helpful kitchen tool starts to rust? Tea kettles are made of various materials, but stainless steel, copper, aluminum, porcelain, and cast iron are the most common. Copper, stainless steel, porcelain, and aluminum do not rust but Cast iron can and does rust.
Rust is a natural process that happens when metal reacts with moisture and oxygen for a period of time, the reaction is known as oxidation. If left unchecked, rust will consume the whole kettle and destroy it. Rust appears as red, brown, or orange flakes or pits on iron-containing surfaces.
Figure Out If it’s Rust or Limescale
Copper, stainless steel, porcelain, and aluminum, as previously stated, do not rust. As a result, if your kettle is made from one of these materials. Rust is not the cause of the stains. Limescale is most likely the culprit.
What is Limescale?
Limescale is typically white, but it can occasionally take on a reddish hue. The main component of limescale is calcium carbonate, which forms when water is heated and then evaporates. These hard minerals are left behind and are difficult to remove simply by washing.
What is Rust?
On the other hand, rust appears as red, brown, or orange flakes or pits on iron-containing surfaces. It forms when oxygen comes into prolonged contact with the metal. Water or water vapor introduces oxygen to the metals, and the prolonged contact causes oxidation, resulting in iron oxide (or rust).
Rust does not occur in copper, porcelain, aluminium, or stainless steel. As a result, if your kettle is made of these materials, the stain is more likely to be limescale.
How to Clean a Rusty Tea Kettle; 4 Quick Solutions
Have you ever noticed a scum build-up in your kettle? It could have been white, yellow, or even reddish. The residue is bound to occur due to the regular boiling of water or drinks in the kettle, and it usually scales, but it can also be rust.
Most of the time, rust arises in cast iron kettles due to a natural reaction of iron when exposed to oxygen and water. If your kettle exhibits signs of rust, get rid of the residue as soon as possible before it builds up and causes damage to your equipment. A rusted tea kettle can be cleaned in a variety of ways.
How to Clean A Rusty Tea Kettle With Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is very effective for removing rust. It’s low cost, non-toxic, and easy to work with. If you want to use vinegar to clean rust, ensure that you use plain vinegar.
Removing rust from the kettle is quite simple using vinegar, and it involves the following steps:
Step 1: Mix water and vinegar in a container in a one-to-one ratio.
Step 2: Add the vinegar solution to your kettle to the top fill line.
Step 3: Allow the vinegar to the kettle for the chemical reaction. The duration of the response should be from two to three hours.
Step 4: Turn on the flame or power to boil the vinegar for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Let the vinegar solution sit in the kettle for a few more minutes, say 10 minutes.
How to Clean A Rusty Tea Kettle With Lemon Juice
You can also clean using Lemon Juice, follow these steps :
Step 1: Mix one ounce of lemon juice for each half liter of water and fill the kettle.
Step 2: Boil the lemon juice solution for at least twenty minutes and after that, leave it to cool.
Step 3: Once it cools down, scrub the kettle with a brush.
Step 4: Discard the lemon juice solution and rinse the kettle about four times using clean water.
Step 5: Wipe the kettle dry using a clean piece of clothing.
Step 6 : Pour all vinegar out. First, pour half of the vinegar and shake the kettle vigorously to wash out the big chunks of rust. Then, rinse the kettle with clean cold water after pouring out all the vinegar.
How to Clean A Rusty Tea Kettle With Commercial Cleaning Products
There are many ready-made solutions for cleaning kettles and other appliances. You can purchase one of them to remove rust from the kettle. It’s versatile and easy to use.
To use this product, follow these instructions :
Step 1: Dilute the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Pour the solution into your kettle and boil it for twenty minutes.
Step 3: Leave the solution to cool and soak for fifteen minutes
Step 4: Discard it and rinse the kettle with clean water.
How to Clean A Rusty Tea Kettle With Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent rust remover.
Below is how to use baking soda powder to clean off the rust from your kettle :
Step 1: Make a baking soda and water solution.
Step 2: pour the baking soda solution into the kettle and bring it to a boil for about thirty minutes.
Step 3: leave the baking soda solution to cool and soak for about twenty minutes.
Step 4: discard the baking soda solution and rinse the kettle using cold, clean water.
Step 5: Repeat the process until your kettle is completely clean
How to Get Rid of Rust in Tea Kettle; Preventive Tips
The tea kettle is an excellent way to start your day with a hot cup of coffee. It’s a no-fuss and easy way to make yourself a cup of coffee before heading out the door for work. If you want to get rid of rust in a tea kettle, better you take precautions before getting rusted. Because if you don’t take proper care of it, the inside will rust and cause water stains on your countertops.
Here are some tips to prevent rust in your kettle.
- Before and after use, rinse the kettle with water.
- Wipe down the outside of the kettle with a vinegar solution.
- Allow your kettle to cool completely before storing it in a cabinet or drawer.
- Hand-wash your teapot rather than using a dishwasher that contains harsh chemicals.
- Rinse off any spills as soon as possible, but don’t scrub or allow them to dry on the surface.
- Don’t store your teapot next to other metal objects like silverware or utensils, as these can also cause rusting.
Final Thoughts
It can be a relief to know that you don’t have to replace your kettle just because of rust. It’s also helpful to understand how rust forms to avoid it in the future and keep your kettle clean. You are understandably concerned about this issue. After all, you don’t want any unidentified scaling or rust in contact with your beverages.