How to descale an electric kettle. How to clean an electric kettle from scale with improvised means. Store Specials
Scale (salt sediment) disrupts the operation of the appliance, and white and red flakes fall into the cup along with boiled water. At first this layer is just white coating, then it turns into a stone that is difficult to remove. I will describe effective ways to descale the kettle at home.
- Warn households that it is impossible to use the device temporarily.
- Pour water up to the middle of the container.
- Add active ingredient.
- Turn on the device.
- Wait at least half an hour.
- Wash the interior thoroughly.
To remove old petrified plaque, use several methods at once or try again.
Traditional effective methods
Cleaning an electrical appliance at home is easiest with the help of improvised means:
- Soda - softens salt deposits.
- Acids - dissolve even hardened scale.
- Brush and sponge- will not damage the surface of the kettle walls, like their metal counterparts.
So, the main sediment fighters are soda and citric acid.
Method 1: Baking Soda
Baking soda or soda ash will help restore cleanliness to any electrical appliances (plastic, metal, ceramic). There are 3 ways to descale the kettle with soda:
Image | Description |
Method 1 - with soda ash
Recipe for multilayer scale:
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Method 2 - with baking soda and vinegar
Recipe from a small layer of salts: |
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Method 3 - a powerful complex from soda ash and citric acid
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Method 2: Applying Acids
Any old deposits will easily remove acids:
Acid | Application |
Vinegar
For cleaning metal, ceramic and glass kettles:
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2 types of citric acid are used: powder and lemon.
Cleaning instruction:
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Cleaning the kettle from scale with oxalic acid:
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Lemonade contains phosphoric and citric acids, liquidating sediment:
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Organic peel acids get rid of the apple Electric kettle from scale:
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Method 3: combined (for a thick layer of scale)
After such a powerful attack, all scale will come off. This is a two-step cleanse:
- Step 1: remove with soda and acid. Pour a little soda in a saucer, add any acid from the table. Treat the entire surface with a touch of the resulting slurry. Rinse after 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove scale and odors. Cut the lemon into slices and place in the electric kettle. Boil water with lemon and leave for half an hour. Wash the device from loose residues.
A variety of household chemicals from scale
Except folk methods, you can clean the electric kettle using chemicals specially designed for this purpose.
Their main components:
- Organic and mineral acids(citric, sulfamic, adipic).
- Sodium tripolyphosphate- the main product from the processing of phosphoric acid in expensive products.
- Soda.
These tools also solve the problem of how to descale an enamel kettle. Available in liquid, powder or tablet form. Use strictly according to the instructions so as not to damage the equipment.
The general scheme of how to get rid of scale special cleaners:
- Prepare a solution.
- Boil in a kettle.
- Then pour.
- Remove scale. Softened, it can be easily removed.
- boil 2-3 times clean water to flush out the remaining chemicals.
Conclusion
We found out that the choice of ways to remove scale in an electric kettle is quite large. Home remedies are not inferior in efficiency to industrial ones, verified! Check out the video in this article, and you can ask questions in the comments.
How to descale an electric kettle - many housewives ask this question. Undoubtedly, an electric kettle is a convenient and practical thing that will always come in handy. However, from time to time scale forms inside this device, and if it is not dealt with in a timely manner, then it will be very problematic to eliminate it later. That's why descaling procedure it is important to produce on a regular basis.
Causes of scale formation
As you know, in order to deal with any negative phenomenon, it is necessary to know the causes of its occurrence. Magnesium and calcium, which are part of tap water, as a result of its boiling, form the very notorious plaque. In addition to these substances, other salts are usually present in the composition of water. From the tap to kitchen the carbonate type of water flows, which determines the degree of its hardness, which can be either medium or high.
Tap water is the main source of plaque on the kettle
The main reason for the appearance of scale is high level rigidity tap water. Because of this, when water boils, a large number of salt, which eventually settles on the inner walls and bottom of the kettle. At the same time, due to scale, the service life of electronic kettles can be significantly reduced. That is why it is advisable to clean it regularly.
Initially, scale during its formation has a porous structure. In this state, it can be easily removed with the help of improvised means. But if you do not regularly clean the kettle, then this greatly increases the difficulty of cleaning it. Thus, the more times we boil water, the faster scale will form in the kettle. In critical cases, scale covers the walls and bottom of the kettle in several layers, which are difficult to get rid of.
Classic ways to clean the kettle from scale
Scale is mainly formed on heating objects inside the kettle, as well as on it and the bottom. These are the parts that need to be cleaned.
There are several ways to quickly descale an electric kettle. Traditionally, the following means are used to combat annoying scale: vinegar, soda, salt, citric acid. supporters over modern approaches suggest using Coca-Cola. Useful on the farm and brine, and even potato peelings. When using these funds, you do not have to spend extra money.
Other, more modern, options for dealing with scale involve the use of purchased chemical compounds, such as, for example, Antinakipin. In this case, you will already have to spend money on their purchase. To begin with, consider folk ways to deal with scale.
Some folk remedies for getting rid of scale
Perhaps the most famous folk remedy for scale is the use of citric acid. It's simple and at the same time quite effective way. First you need to pour a tablespoon of citric acid into the kettle and fill it with water. Then boil the water. Next, you need to thoroughly rinse the kettle under running cold water and boil it again.
With this tool, you can perfectly clean the walls of the kettle, however, many "testers" this method complain that in this way you will not be able to overcome the scale that has formed at its bottom. It all depends on the kettle and the scale level.
Descaling an electric kettle with citric acid is a reliable and proven way to get rid of plaque. However, if the described methods do not suit you, or you do not have the necessary "incidents", then there is one more folk way descaling. Consider how to descale an electric kettle with vinegar. By the way, this tool can also be useful in.
Tip: for these purposes it is better to use 9% table vinegar.
Pour 1.5 liters of water and 200 ml into the kettle. vinegar. Let the resulting mixture stand for about 20 minutes. Then boil water with vinegar. Then the kettle must again be rinsed with water. Pour in fresh water and boil it several times. Drain and rinse the kettle again to remove any residual vinegar. As a result, you will get an absolutely clean and shiny teapot from the inside. However, if the scale has been formed for a long time and hardened too much, then it may not be completely removed. However, this method has one drawback - this is the smell formed when boiling vinegar, which fills the entire kitchen. Unlike vinegar, citric acid does not leave an unpleasant odor after its use.
Folk remedies against scale using soda
Another folk way to deal with scale involves the use of soda. As in the previous "recipe", we will need one tablespoon of the ingredient (i.e. soda). Fill it with water exactly as far as the kettle allows. Then water with soda should be boiled and be sure to rinse the kettle with tap water.
Tip: for best effect if necessary, rub the scale with a sponge with a rough side.
Then you need to pour water into the kettle again and boil it. It is better to boil the water and drain it twice so that the last remnants of soda disappear.
Thanks to this method, the scale on the walls and bottom of the kettle becomes looser, which makes it much easier to remove. However, this method does not guarantee complete descaling. Nevertheless, the effect will be noticeable. For the next descaling option, in addition to soda, you will also need salt. Pour two tablespoons of baking soda into your kettle. Fill it with water and add a spoonful of ordinary table salt to the resulting solution. Then the water in the kettle should be boiled. For the best effect, leave the resulting solution in the kettle for about 10 minutes, then pour out all the water.
Then the kettle should be rinsed from the inside with tap water. And boil the kettle several times, after filling it with new water. So you finally remove the remnants of the mixture. It is enough to do this a couple of times.
Almost any cookware that is used to heat and boil water develops a thick layer of plaque over time from the minerals found in hard water. This raid appears in washing machines, in dishwashers and, of course, in any teapots. And to cope with it will help effective and safe means cooked at home.
In almost all regions of our country, water is very hard due to the presence of magnesium and calcium salts in its composition. As the water heats up, the salts interact and disintegrate, resulting in a white or yellowish coating on the walls of the kettle.
Salt deposits significantly affect the quality of water and give it an unpleasant aftertaste. The most unpleasant thing in the presence of scale is that, during subsequent boiling, it can break off from the walls of the dishes and its pieces get into the drink.
And besides this, scale forms on the electric heater, the basis of the electric kettle, and disables it, significantly reducing the service life. And this happens because a thick layer of scale makes the kettle work under high voltage, which leads to damage to the device.
How to descale an electric kettle
Any scale in the electric heater is afraid of acids, so its removal necessarily requires the use of detergents with added acid.
On the modern kitchen you can find electric kettles for every taste:
- glass
- ceramic
- plastic
Let's take a closer look at how quickly and effectively you can clean all these devices.
Glass teapots look very stylish, but the presence of even a thin layer of scale greatly spoils their appearance.
We offer several effective ways that deal with such pollution.
Vinegar and water
The ideal way to clean glass electric kettles is with a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Pour a mixture of vinegar and water in equal parts into the kettle and boil it, leave this water in the kettle for another 3 hours.
- Then drain and rinse the inside of the appliance with cool water and a soft sponge.
If you are afraid to use regular table vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative, it is not as aggressive.
Plastic kettles are most often equipped with disc heaters, which are also prone to scale buildup. In addition, scale accumulates on the walls of the device. Home remedies can help you deal with it.
Lemon acid
For cleaning this type of teapot, citric acid or a quarter of a lemon is perfect.
Pour water into the kettle and boil it. Then pour 1 or 2 tbsp into boiling water. l. (depending on the amount of scale) citric acid or put a piece of lemon and leave to cool.
Fresh scale will go away by itself, and in order to remove old growths, you will have to repeat the process. After that, be sure to pour fresh water and boil again and drain.
The ceramic teapot has a very delicate coating that cannot be damaged by acids or mechanical impact.
Therefore, pickle from cucumbers or a tomato, which we often do not know what to do with, is best suited for cleaning them.
Cucumber pickle
Make sure that there is nothing superfluous in the brine: pieces of vegetables or herbs. It is better to pass it through a strainer or gauze.
Pour it into the kettle and boil, and then leave for another two hours.After that, you can remove the scale with a simple sponge, and rinse the kettle cold water.
Apple or potato peel
Light scale deposits can be removed with apple or potato peels.
We put the peel from apples or potatoes in a kettle and fill it with water to the top.Boil and leave to cool for 3 hours.After that, drain the liquid, and wash the kettle with a hard sponge.
How to clean an enameled teapot
Enameled teapots are beautiful, easy to use and very popular with many housewives.
Important: when cleaning the kettle, you should forget about sharp metal objects, sandpaper and metal brushes. Strong friction can cause scratches that will ruin the coating.
How to remove scale inside
Over time, during operation, scale also forms inside the enameled kettle. And there are several ways to deal with it.
Vinegar
Fill the kettle with water, add acetic acid per 1 liter of water - 5 tablespoons of vinegar.
Then bring the solution to a boil and continue to boil over low heat for half an hour.
When the kettle is completely cool, drain the solution and rinse with cold water.
And then, to get rid of the corrosive smell, boil water in a vessel two or three times.
Lemon acid
If you decide to clean the kettle with citric acid, then prepare a solution: for 2 liters of water - 3 tbsp. l. citric acid.
And to speed up the process, you can boil the solution, and then leave to cool for 8 hours.
Soda
If your kitchen has an ordinary enameled or aluminum kettle, then you should use soda to descale it.
- Mix 0.5 liters of water with 1 tbsp. soda.
- Then pour the solution into the kettle and boil it.
- After that, let it stand on low heat for half an hour.
- After that, drain the water and pour clean water. We boil it and pour it out, and rinse the kettle with cold water again.
soda and salt
If the scale has already grown in a thick layer in your kettle, then use salt and soda to clean it.
Fill the kettle with water to the maximum, pour two tablespoons into it baking soda and one tablespoon of table salt.
Boil this mixture and leave for a quarter of an hour, then drain and rinse the inside of the vessel with running water.
How to clean the kettle from the outside
Contamination on an enameled teapot appears not only inside, but also outside. Grease splashes from cooking periodically fall on its surface. And ordinary baking soda will help to cope with such pollution.
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to a soft damp sponge and wipe the teapot. Then rinse it with running water.
The following solution will cope with the old fatty coating:
- vinegar - 1 tbsp. l.
- baking soda - 1 tbsp. l.
- salt - 1 tbsp. l.
Mix all the ingredients in a container and use a soft sponge to apply the product on the walls of the kettle.
Rub lightly, rinse with water and dry the kettle with a soft cloth.
How to clean a stainless steel kettle
Teapots made of stainless steel look very stylish and elegant. They always decorate the interior of the kitchen, but only if they are clean and shiny.But, sometimes, water streaks leave ugly stains on their shiny walls, which over time can turn into scale growths.
And then the question will arise before you: how to clean the kettle and return it to its former brilliance?
Of course, you can wash the delicate surface of the kettle with any dishwashing detergent, but this may not lead to the desired result. Therefore, we propose to use the budgetary and proven method, known to our grandmothers.
For cleaning you will need:
- large basin or tub
- hard washcloth
- old toothbrush
- soft towel
- baking soda
- tube of toothpaste
Salt and soda
If you want to clean the kettle both inside and out at the same time, you can do this with salt baths.
- Pour into a bowl or tank of water.Add salt and soda at the rate of 2 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water, place the kettle there so that it is covered with water on all sides and boil for half an hour.
- Then cool, wipe with a sponge, rinse with cold water and be sure to wipe dry with a towel, otherwise stains will remain on the surface.
Toothpaste
Cleaning the surface of the teapot with toothpaste using an old toothbrush gives excellent results. Put some paste on the brush and rub in hard-to-reach places, and then with paste and a stiff brush, treat the entire surface of the kettle.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply too much force, otherwise you may scratch the delicate surface.
Do not let the paste dry out, but immediately rinse with warm and then cold water and wipe again with a dry towel.
Experts recommend cleaning stainless steel teapots, be sure to preheat them, but do not overdo it and beware of burns. In addition, if you overheat the kettle without water, the heating device may burn out and it will be impossible to restore it.
Since scale not only quickly disables electrical appliances, but is also very harmful to health, you should follow some simple rules for using household appliances:
- Be sure to rinse the kettle every day after use with a sponge under running cold water.
- Use only filtered water or, in extreme cases, let the water stand for several hours
- Do not leave previously boiled water in the kettle, especially overnight. Drain all water after each boil.
- Remove even a thin layer of scale, do not wait until it becomes powerful and thick. To do this, you can use fruit peels or brine.
Conclusion
It's nice when all the appliances in our kitchen work like clockwork and do not cause unnecessary trouble. But for this it is necessary to operate them correctly, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions, clean them in time and not subject them to excessive loads.
Using untested cleaning products can achieve completely different results, so determine for yourself best option in accordance with the correct technical specifications appliance and use it only.
On the heating element the teapot and its walls form a plaque, which is an ordinary salt that has settled on the surface. Before cleaning, you need to figure out what is the cause of limescale. Sometimes it's about the quality of water: then it is necessary to replace it with a better one.
In order to remove scale, you will need the most simple products, which are in the kitchen of most housewives.
1. You will need 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 50 g of citric acid: pour vinegar into the kettle and then pour lemon, boil the kettle and leave it with this mixture for 60 minutes. After the specified time, the plaque can be easily washed off with a sponge. If the first time there is a plaque, then you can repeat the procedure. Sometimes lemon is used instead of citric acid.
2. Baking soda is an excellent tool for cleaning the kettle. First, pour water into the kettle, then pour 1 tablespoon of table salt there, boil the water and leave for 30 minutes, then pour water into the kettle again, add 0.5 teaspoon of citric acid and put it on fire again. After the water has cooled, you can start washing the kettle with a kitchen sponge.
3. Vinegar also helps to clean the kettle: pour a third of vinegar and two parts of water into the kettle, then boil the water and leave it to cool. Scale in the kettle under the influence of acid will dissolve, then it can be easily washed off.
4. One of the most non-traditional methods cleansing is the use of ordinary sparkling water. Pour water into a kettle, bring to a boil, and then drain. After this manipulation, the limescale should move away.
5. Keep in mind that there are a large number in stores household chemicals for limescale removal. Sometimes such funds are quite expensive, and the result is not so effective, so you can use the methods.
Consider the following points:
1. After carrying out the cleaning procedure, the electric kettle must be rinsed, otherwise the substances that you used for cleaning may enter the body along with drinks.
2. Most the best remedy in the fight against scale - this is the daily care of your electric kettle.
"Cleanliness is the key to health." This catchphrase from the Soviet cartoon "The Tale of the White Ice" has not lost its vitality in our time. Hygiene dictates the rules of health protection to us, including in the kitchen. The main appliance in the place of cooking - the kettle - pollutes scale, rust and soot. How to quickly and effectively clean an electric kettle at home, you will learn from our article.
What is scale and why is it dangerous
Part drinking water salts are always included, this is its benefit for living organisms. Water without salts is called distilled, it is sold in auto shops and pharmacies. But we do not recommend anyone to drink "ideal" water.
Scale is a solid deposit that appears over time inside the kettle, on the bottom or on the heating element. Deposits are water-insoluble salts of calcium and magnesium. The content of these salts determines the hardness of water - the harder the water, the more salts it contains. Partially, the hardness of water is reduced by filtration, but it is still impossible to completely eliminate the formation of scale.
Scale does not conduct heat well, so the heating element in the salt “case” heats the water longer, does not cool enough and overheats. In the worst case, it will burn out.
If you do not follow the kettle, over time it will be covered with a salt "cover"
Another trouble is that insoluble salts from the kettle get into the cup. Thin flakes nasty crunch on the teeth and spoil the pleasure of tea drinking. Swallowing them is dangerous for the kidneys and the excretory system of the body.
Proven ways to remove scale at home
The first thing that comes to mind is to scrape the scale with a hard object - a knife, fork or a metal brush. We categorically do not recommend such a mechanical cleaning method - ruin the kettle in no time. All the methods described below are chemical, based on the interaction of scale with acids and the formation of soluble precipitates.
The main helpers in the kitchen are soda, vinegar and citric acid
Vinegar
The most extreme way. With the help of acetic acid, deposits are removed in industrial boilers and pipes. In our case, it is suitable for caring for metal teapots with a thick layer of old scale.
Procedure:
- We take acetic acid, dilute it in a ratio of 1:10, and pour it into the kettle. The reaction starts immediately, the liquid hisses and bubbles.
- We turn on the kettle and heat it up to about 60 degrees, the process is accelerated.
- We observe and see that soon the reaction stops - the water calms down and becomes transparent. Let the kettle stand for five minutes, pour out the solution and rinse the flask thoroughly.
- Then pour clean water into the kettle and bring to a boil to wash off the remaining vinegar.
You may have to repeat the procedure to get rid of the specific smell.
Attention! The method is not suitable for plastic teapots, acetic acid is too caustic. When boiling the solution in the kitchen, it smells strongly of vinegar: ventilate the room during and after the procedure.
Video instruction: cleaning an electric kettle with vinegar
Lemon acid
Citric acid is not as aggressive as acetic acid. Handles light to medium sludge. The method is suitable for kettles with metal, plastic or glass flasks.
Procedure:
- Pour half a liter of water into the kettle, turn it on and wait for it to boil.
- We take 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid and fall asleep in hot water.
- Turn off the device and wait until the solution cools down.
- Pour out the waste water, fill it with clean water from the tap, bring it to a boil again.
Note to the owner. Instead of citric acid in powder, you can use lemon - the fruit contains a large amount of this substance. It is enough to cut one lemon with a peel into a teapot and boil it for ten minutes. Bonus - lemon flavor throughout the kitchen.
Video instruction: how to get rid of scale with citric acid
Baking soda
Crystalline sodium bicarbonate powder also helps in the fight against scale. It is a weak alkali, the scale does not dissolve, but only makes loose.
Procedure:
- Pour half a liter of water into the kettle and bring to a boil.
- Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda, pour into boiling water and let cool. During this time, the scale will become softer, it will not be difficult to wash it.
In the spouts of many electric kettles, a mesh is installed so that scale particles do not fall into the cup. When caring for the kettle, do not forget to rinse the filter.
soda ash
Unlike food, soda ash has a strong alkaline reaction. This chemical is used for cleaning tiles, washing and boiling clothes, softening water in washing machines.
Procedure:
- First we prepare the solution. To do this, take 1 tablespoon of soda ash and knead in a small amount of water.
- Pour 1 liter of water into the kettle, bring to a boil.
- Pour the prepared soda ash solution into the kettle, and then leave the kettle to cool.
- After cooling, remove the scale with a sponge. Do not forget to thoroughly rinse the kettle.
- The first boil after the procedure should be "empty", the water is drained into the sink.
Attention! Soda ash is caustic. When handling it, be careful, do not touch it with your hands, use gloves, avoid contact with eyes.
Special funds
Special descaling products are available - tablets, liquids and powders. The composition of the preparations includes organic acids that dissolve scale (sulfamic, adipic, citric and others). Read the instructions for your device carefully. Follow the dosage strictly. Follow the process so as not to spoil the device. If the teapot flask begins to change color, stop the procedure and rinse the container with water several times in a row.
The special agent Antinakipin combines all the necessary properties
Attention! Use such products with caution. They contain harmful chemicals. Thoroughly rinse the kettle after cleaning, repeat the cycle of boiling and draining the water several times before use to wash away the remnants of the “chemistry”.
soda + vinegar
If you have a neglected kettle covered with a thick layer of scale, a combination of baking soda and vinegar will help bring it back to life.
Procedure:
Fill the kettle up to the top mark.
- Pour soda into it at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water.
- Bring the kettle to a boil.
- Drain the water, fill the kettle again with water, add a tablespoon of acetic acid and bring to a boil again.
- Due to the reaction between alkali and acid, carbon dioxide is released, which loosens the sediment. Cleaning the kettle will be easier.
Attention! Remember to ventilate the room while boiling the vinegar. Rinse the kettle thoroughly after the procedure several times.
Folk remedies
Coca Cola
The active ingredient in this drink is phosphoric acid, a moderately strong inorganic acid. This property of Coca-Cola is used on the farm to remove scale. Note that the method, although handy, is not very cheap - soda or citric acid cost less than bottles of soda.
Attention! The drink may stain the plastic case.
Procedure:
- We open a bottle with a drink and set it to stand for several hours so that the gases come out.
- Pour Coca-Cola into the kettle to half, bring to a boil and leave for 10-15 minutes.
- Drain the infusion and rinse the kettle.
Video: is it possible to remove scale with Coca-Cola?
Attention! If gases are not released from the bottle, the expanding bubbles will displace the liquid during boiling. “Cleaned” will be not only the kettle, but also the table under it, and the stove next to it, and the floor in the kitchen.
Brine
Procedure:
- Fill the teapot with brine.
- Bring to a boil and wait until it cools down.
- Drain the liquid, rinse the kettle.
- The first boiled water is also poured into the sink.
Potato peelings
Another home remedy helps keep the kettle clean by removing a thin layer of scale. These are potato peels.
Procedure:
- We wash the potato peel, put it in a kettle, pour water and boil.
- Cool for two hours and pour out the contents.
- We wash the flask, wipe it with a soft sponge.
Removing soot from the walls of the kettle
Carbon deposits form when food is burned at high temperatures. It is hard to imagine how this can be in an electric kettle. However, in student hostels this does not happen. Nagar emits an unpleasant odor and releases carcinogens. You can remove it in several ways.
wet salt
A small burnt place is wiped with wet salt. A more active remedy is a solution of salt in vinegar, the proportion of 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Gently apply the mixture to the sponge and wipe.
Activated carbon
An aluminum kettle is saved from soot with activated carbon. Crush a dozen pills activated carbon, moisten with water, apply to the surface and leave for an hour. Then wipe off the dirt and rinse with running water.
How to remove rust?
Iron water rust eats into steel and plastic
- Coca Cola. We defend the drink so that the gases come out, pour it into the kettle, boil, after a while drain and rinse, wipe off the rust with a soft sponge.
- Pickled cucumber pickle. Fill the kettle with brine, heat to a boil. Cool, drain the brine, rinse the flask, wipe the rust with a sponge.
- Washing powder plus potatoes. We moisten the surface, pour washing powder on the rusty stain, wait 20 minutes. We cut the potato, wipe the wall of the teapot with the cut on top of the powder. We rinse the kettle well with running water - detergents are poorly washed off, so we repeat several times.
Eliminate the unpleasant smell of a new kettle
Plastic, steel, glass - regardless of the material, the new kettle will smell. Factory, box, warehouse, plastic or metal. The manufacturer knows about this: the preparation of the device for operation is written in the instructions.
We recommend smelling your purchase while still in the store: you should refuse to purchase if you do not like the smell. Poor-quality material comes across even from well-known companies, not to mention the crafts of Uncle Liao.
A good kettle is enough to pour, boil and drain the water into the sink (repeat if the factory recommends). If the result does not suit you, here are some more tips.
- Baking soda. Pour water into the kettle. Add 3 tablespoons of soda to it, bring to a boil, leave to cool. Drain the water, rinse under the tap. The smell should be gone.
- Lemon acid. Boil water in a kettle and add citric acid. If there is no powder on hand, it will do. lemon juice. We leave it overnight, warm it up again in the morning and drain the infusion. Rinse with clean water.
- Sugar. The method is suitable for steel kettles, eliminates the specific smell of steel. Pour water, bring to a boil. We throw two or three pieces of refined sugar into boiling water. We wait half an hour, drain the sweet syrup and rinse the flask. Fill the kettle again with clean water, boil and drain the water.
If the smell of plastic from the kettle does not disappear, we recommend that you return the product to the store. Bad-smelling plastic probably contains hazardous substances.
How to prevent the formation of scale, soot and rust
We reduce scale
It is impossible to completely get rid of scale. Ideal water that does not contain salts is unhealthy. The following methods reduce the formation of scale and facilitate its removal.
soft water
Pay attention to the water you take from the tap. If it is too hard, it is better to pass it through a filter. You can buy softer water for tea drinking, which is sold in bottles. If this is not possible, let the water stand for at least a day.
Bottled water manufacturers indicate the hardness on the label. Water hardness is measured as the amount of magnesium and calcium salts per unit volume, the unit used in Russia is milligram equivalents per liter (mg-eq / l).
Here is a table for assessing the hardness of water. Soft to moderately hard water is suitable for a kettle.
Comparative assessment of water hardness (table)
Fresh water
After drinking tea, drain the water, do not leave it overnight in the kettle, the salts fall out slowly. Always use fresh water in the morning. Rinse the kettle regularly from the precipitated sediment, wipe it until the layer has become thick.
Taking care of the electric kettle
At least once a month, use the methods proposed in our article, for example, the repeatedly proven option - boiling with citric acid.
Rust Prevention
chipped enamel
If chips have formed on the inner or outer surface of the enameled teapot, it is better to replace it. The metal from which such a kettle is made is not intended for contact with food, chemical compounds from the metal enter the water and harm your health.
Poor quality water
If rust gets into the kettle from the water, you should deal with the source. The reason may be old pipes, an incorrectly selected aquifer of the well, and terrain features. We recommend filtering the water or taking it elsewhere.
The scale is formed from the useful salts contained in the water, so it is impossible to completely eliminate the precipitation that falls in the kettle. But growing stalagmites on a heating element is not good either - ruin both the device and your health. If you want your kettle to serve you for many years, take care of it regularly.