Glass kettles are gaining popularity, and for good reason! They’re sleek and pretty, especially if you use a flower-based tea – it’s so satisfying to watch the flowers unfurl in the boiling water.
However, they can be a bit trickier to maintain since you can see the limescale and dirt build up on the surfaces. Glass can also discolour and stain from prolonged use.
How to clean a glass kettle? It’s best to use citric acid, vinegar, or lemon juice. You can also use bicarb soda to remove burn marks or grease residue.
Don’t let limescale and stains ruin the aesthetic of your glass kettle. Keep it clean so your tea routine is always Instagram-worthy – not a speck of dirt in sight!
How Often to Clean a Glass Kettle
This depends on how often you use your kettle, but regular cleaning is essential! It ensures the kettle works efficiently and keeps it hygienic.
Rinse and dry the kettle after every use (or at the end of the day). Avoid leaving water inside of the kettle for long periods.
Spot clean the exterior a few times a week to minimise dust and mineral buildup from drips or spills.
Clean or descale the filter (if it has one) once every two months, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Descale a glass kettle every 2-3 months with regular use, or at least every 4 months. If you see limescale or stains on the kettle’s surface, clean it ASAP!
Glass Stovetop Kettle vs Electric Kettle
Glass kettles can be either electric or stovetop! Glass stovetop kettles are less common, but they do exist. Look for ones that say they’re “stove-safe” or “high-heat safe.”
Stovetop glass kettles must be made out of borosilicate to withstand both extreme temperatures (up to 180ºC or 330ºF) and sudden temperature changes without cracking or fracturing.
A glass electric tea kettle heats water faster, though, and is easier to use. They can be made of borosilicate (which is more durable), tempered glass, or ceramic glass.
The main difference will be in cleaning – for glass electric kettles, you should never get the heating element wet. This means not submerging the kettle or putting it in the dishwasher.
No matter the heating type, keep in mind that glass kettles can chip or crack if mishandled – and any damage could cause the kettle to break when used.
What to Use to Clean a Glass Kettle
Acid-based cleaning agents are best for cleaning a kettle since the acid cuts through hard water stains and other dirt.
When cleaning a glass stovetop or electric kettle, you can use:
- Citric acid
- White vinegar
- Lemons
- Bicarb soda (baking soda)
You’ll also need a soft-bristled brush, such as an old toothbrush or bottle brush. Other cleaning supplies include a non-abrasive sponge, a thin brush (like a straw cleaner), and some dish soap.
Avoid metal brushes and abrasive cleaners, since these could scratch the glass – and no one likes seeing scuff marks on glass surfaces!
How to Clean Inside a Glass Kettle
If you’re cleaning your glass kettle after using it, no need to discard the remaining water! You can just top up as much as needed.
Once your cleaning solution has boiled, remove the kettle from the stove or switch it off and unplug it.
Take out the filter if there is one, and clean it separately. For gooseneck glass kettles, use the accompanying brush or a flexible pipe brush to clean the spout.
Remember: for electric kettles, avoid getting the heating elements wet!
Cleaning a glass kettle with citric acid
This is a popular method for keeping a glass kettle clean! Citric acid powder is a great product to keep handy, since it can clean lots of surfaces around your home.
Fill the kettle halfway with water, then add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid (depending on the volume of the kettle). Bring it to a boil, then take the kettle off the stove or let it switch off.
Allow the mixture to sit for 10-20 minutes, then swirl it around a bit before pouring it out. Then use a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub the interior clean.
Rinse the kettle, then boil some fresh water to remove any taste or residue. Dry the kettle with a soft cloth.
Cleaning a glass kettle with vinegar
When cleaning with distilled white vinegar, make sure to open the windows and switch on the exhaust – boiling vinegar smells really funky.
(You can use apple cider vinegar for a nicer smell.)
Fill the kettle halfway with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. If you want a less pungent mix, go for 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
Bring the vinegar and water mixture to a boil, then remove the kettle from heat or switch it off. Let the solution sit while the kettle cools – about 10-20 minutes.
Add a few drops of dish soap into the mixture, then use a soft brush and scrub the inside. Discard the mixture, then rinse the kettle thoroughly.
Boil one or two batches of fresh water to remove any lingering odour or taste from the vinegar. Dry with a clean cloth.
NOTE: Unlike stainless steel, you can boil plain vinegar in a glass kettle as vinegar does not etch glass. However, you probably shouldn’t – just for the sake of your nose and everything else in your kitchen.
Cleaning a glass kettle with lemon juice
Lemons and lemon juice don’t just give you a clean kettle – they’re great for removing stains as well!
Cut a lemon in half, then squeeze all the lemon juice into the kettle and fill it halfway with either warm or cold water. Bring the lemon water to a boil, then remove the kettle from heat or switch it off.
Let the lemon-water mixture sit until the kettle has cooled. Take a soft sponge or bottle brush to scrub the kettle clean, then drain kettle before rinsing.
You can also sprinkle some bicarb soda or corn flour on one lemon half, then use it to scrub the inside surfaces.
Boil a batch or two of water to remove the citrus taste.
How to Clean the Outside of a Glass Kettle
You can spot-clean the outer surface of a glass kettle with a mix of vinegar and water, or warm soapy water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, then wipe the exterior.
Follow with a damp cloth to “rinse” off any residue, then dry the kettle.
If your kettle’s gotten some grease splatter or food residue, make a thick paste of bicarb soda and water! Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth or some paper towels. Follow with a clean cloth to dry.
NOTE: Do not use glass cleaner on a kettle unless it’s food-safe, even on the outside. You risk leaving a residue that will contaminate your water.
Cleaning a Glass Kettle Filter
If your kettle has a filter, follow the manufacturer’s manual to remove it. While you’re cleaning the glass kettle, leave the filter to soak in a mix of hot water, vinegar, and dish soap.
Afterwards, scrub the filter with a sponge or soft brush in the soapy water. Rinse, then reinsert it into the kettle.
How to Descale a Glass Kettle
Descaling a kettle is a form of deep cleaning! If you live in a hard water area (or don’t have a water softener), limescale will build up in your kettle over time.
Limescale comes from mineral deposits in hard water, and looks white and gritty.
To descale a kettle, use citric acid, white vinegar, or lemon juice!
Simply boil water with your chosen descaler and let it sit in the kettle for up to 20 minutes. Then use a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush to scrub off all the limescale.
Discard the dirty solution, then rinse the kettle with fresh water.
NOTE: It’s generally recommended not to use commercial descalers and harsh chemicals on glass kettles. Opt for homemade solutions instead.
How to Clean a Burnt Glass Kettle
If you’ve accidentally burnt the glass, you can clean a glass kettle with bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). This also works to remove soot or discolouration on the kettle’s bottom.
For a stovetop kettle without a heating element, you can soak it in hot water and dish detergent for 20-30 minutes.
Make a paste with bicarb soda and hot water, plus a few drops of dish detergent. Use a sponge to apply the paste to the burnt area, then let it sit for up to an hour.
With a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush, scrub off the burn marks. Work in small, circular motions and rinse the sponge/brush as you go.
Follow with a damp cloth (electric kettle) or rinse the kettle (stovetop) to remove the residue, then dry.
If that doesn’t work, add a tablespoon of citric acid to 500ml of water in the kettle. Boil it, then let it soak for 10 minutes. Scrub off the burn marks afterwards.
Tips for Maintaining Your Glass Kettle
Don’t let water sit in a glass kettle for too long. Even if glass accumulates limescale less quickly and easily than stainless steel, it’s still best to minimise the exposure to water.
Be mindful when handling the kettle, especially on a stove! Any crack, chip, or scratch on the glass could lead to the kettle breaking when heated – and that’s an even bigger mess to clean up.
When you clean an electric kettle, be mindful of the metal components, as they could rust with exposure to moisture. Lemon juice will help remove any rust.
Dry your kettle thoroughly after use to minimise limescale build-up and prevent water spots! Use a microfibre cloth and work in circular motions to give your glass kettle an Instagram-ready shine.
