If tea or coffee are essential parts of your day, then a kettle is something you can’t live without.
Stainless steel kettles are amazing – they’re durable, rust-resistant, and great at sustaining heat. On the downside, the metal accumulates limescale and other dirt easily.
How to clean a stainless steel kettle? For the interior, boil some water with vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid. Then you can clean the exterior with soapy water or diluted vinegar.
Don’t let dirt and limescale ruin a good brew! Keep your kettle clean and hygienic so you can have your tea every day, just how you like it.
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Cleaning the Inside | Cleaning the Outside | Cleaning the Filter | Polishing | Disinfecting | Removing Stains
Stovetop vs Electric Stainless Steel Kettles
There are two types of kettles: stovetop and electric. Both can be made of stainless steel – the difference comes in the heating method.
Stovetop kettles go on top of a burner, whether gas or induction. The heat then spreads through the surface and boils the water.
A stovetop kettle takes longer to boil and does not have an automatic shut-off, so you’ll need to listen to that iconic “whistle.” However, they don’t require electricity and don’t take up a socket in the kitchen.
On the other hand, an electric kettle has two parts: the kettle and the base, which houses the heating element. Electricity passes through the element, heating it up.
Electric kettles heat water much faster and many automatically switch off once the water has boiled. More sophisticated models even have temperature settings!
When it comes to cleaning a stovetop vs an electric tea kettle, the main difference is the base – you cannot get the base of an electric kettle wet.
How Often to Clean a Stainless Steel Kettle
When cleaning a kettle, how often you clean depends on how often you use it!
Empty, rinse, and dry the kettle after every use (or at least at the end of the day). Avoid leaving water inside of the kettle for long periods.
Spot clean the kettle’s exterior a few times a week to remove limescale and dirt from drips and general use.
If something splatters or spills on your kettle though, clean it ASAP! Stainless steel can still stain (despite the name).
Wash or descale the filter at least once every 2 months (or as frequently as the manufacturer recommends).
Descale your kettle every 2-3 months if you use it regularly, or every 4 months at least. If you notice an odd taste in your tea, though – clean it ASAP!
If you’ve booked your kitchen for professional cleaning, see if you can ask your cleaner to do the kettle too.
Before Cleaning a Kettle
Before you apply any cleaners, take the kettle off the heat and let it cool completely.
To clean a stainless steel tea kettle, you’ll need:
- A soft-bristled brush (like a bottle brush)
- A non-abrasive sponge
- A soft cloth
- Dish soap
- Cleaning agent of choice
Check the manual or manufacturer’s websites for how to remove the filter if your kettle has one. Set it aside to clean separately.
For stainless steel gooseneck kettles, look for the cleaning tool or use a straw brush to clean that signature spout.
Avoid abrasive cleaners such as scouring pads or steel wool, since these can scuff stainless steel. Do not use bleach, ammonia, and similar harsh chemicals as these will degrade the metal.
How to Clean Inside a Stainless Steel Kettle
Regularly cleaning your kettle is key to a good brew. A dirty kettle can affect the taste of the water or even become a health hazard.
Citric acid powder and baking soda are both safe for stainless steel as the powders are fine, so the paste is only mildly abrasive. You can do a test on an inconspicuous spot to check.
Besides the interior surfaces, don’t forget the spout!
Using dish soap
For routine cleaning, just wash your kettle with regular dish detergent and water! Make sure you dry it thoroughly afterwards to prevent water spots.
Do not put your stainless steel kettle in the dishwasher unless the manual says otherwise.
Using baking soda
Baking soda paste is an old-school cleaning method, but it can be messy! Have paper towels or a dish towel handy to catch any drips.
Make sure the kettle is switched off and completely cool. Make a slightly thick paste out of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part warm water, plus a few drops of detergent.
Use a damp sponge to apply the paste all over the kettle’s interior, then let it sit for 5 minutes. Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the kettle clean.
Rinse the kettle thoroughly, then boil one or two batches of water to remove any lingering residue and taste.
Using white vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is effective for removing limescale buildup and other dirt in a stainless steel kettle. However, it will smell very funky when boiled, so open a window and switch on the exhaust.
Half-fill the kettle with vinegar and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Wait a few minutes, then remove the kettle from the heat or switch it off.
Let the vinegar solution sit for 10-20 minutes, then use the bottle brush to scrub off any dirt. You can add a few drops of dish detergent for extra cleaning power.
Pour out the dirty mixture, then rinse the kettle a few times. You can remove the vinegar odour and taste by boiling water with 1-2 tbsp of baking soda, then washing the kettle.
NOTE: Don’t let the vinegar solution sit for longer than an hour, as it can etch the metal or degrade any seals.
Using lemon juice
Lemons are a good alternative to white vinegar since they won’t leave a funky scent. However, wear rubber gloves so the lemon doesn’t irritate or dry out your skin.
Fill the stainless steel kettle halfway with equal parts lemon juice and water. If you’re short on lemons, you can reduce this to 1 part lemon and 3 parts water.
Alternatively, slice half a lemon into wedges and put them in the kettle. Fill it halfway with water – make sure the lemons are covered.
Bring the lemon-water mixture to a boil, then take it off the stove or let it switch off and unplug it. Wait about 20-30 minutes, then use a soft brush to scrub the interior surfaces.
You can also use the cut lemons to directly scrub off any stubborn stains and residue.
Rinse the kettle a few times, then boil some fresh water to remove any lemony taste. Wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
Using citric acid powder
Citric acid is one of the best ways to clean a stainless steel kettle – and other items in your home, too.
Fill the kettle about halfway with water, then add 1-2 tbsp of citric acid powder (depending on the volume of your kettle). Boil the solution then take it off the heat or let it switch off.
Leave the solution to sit for 10-20 minutes, then scrub the interior with a bottle brush.
You can even make a thin paste with citric acid powder and warm water to tackle stubborn stains. Apply with a soft sponge, then carefully scrub the stainless steel surface.
Rinse the kettle afterwards and boil fresh water to check the quality and taste.
How to Clean Outside a Stainless Steel Kettle
The outside surfaces of your kettle can collect dust and dirt over time. Water can drip from the spout, or maybe your fry-up causes some splatter.
Don’t neglect the outside of your kettle – it needs cleaning, too!
Cleaning a stovetop kettle exterior
For a stovetop kettle, soak it in a sink with hot water and some dish detergent. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub it clean, then dry.
If there are stains or water spots, spray on some diluted white vinegar and scrub them off.
Cleaning an electric kettle exterior
Never submerge an electric kettle in water as that can damage the heating element or internal circuits!
Instead, clean an electric kettle’s exterior with a damp cloth. Use diluted white vinegar or water and dish detergent, and wipe with the grain of the metal.
Follow with a cloth dipped in clean water to remove any residue, then dry.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Kettle Filter
Once you’ve removed the kettle’s water filter, let it soak in equal parts hot water and vinegar, plus a bit of detergent.
Leave for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub the filter clean with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Dry before returning it to the kettle.
If the mineral buildup is too tough, check if the filter can be replaced.
Polishing Stainless Steel Kettles
This is an optional step, but you can polish a stainless steel kettle to make it look extra good.
Pour a little olive oil on a soft cloth or paper towel, then apply a thin layer all over the kettle. Give it a minute, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Buff the kettle dry and admire that shine.
How to Disinfect a Stainless Steel Kettle
Say you’ve accidentally left water inside the kettle and it’s looking a bit funky. Or maybe you boiled some lemon peels and then forgot about them – oops.
If you’ve found mould or other unpleasant grime in your kettle, you’ll need to disinfect it! You can use 3% hydrogen peroxide (just 3%!) or vinegar.
For hydrogen peroxide, rinse the kettle with cold water and wipe it dry with paper towels. Spray the 3% hydrogen peroxide on affected surfaces and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Wash the kettle clean with soap and water a few times, then rinse and dry. Do not use hot water as this could react with hydrogen peroxide to corrode the metal.
For vinegar, boil a mix of equal parts vinegar and water in the kettle, then let it sit for at least an hour. Wash the kettle, then boil another batch or two of water to get rid of the vinegar funk.
NOTE: Never combine vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, since the resulting reaction can be hazardous, even in low concentrations.
How to Remove Stains from Stainless Steel Kettles
Mineral deposits from hard water, scorch marks, rust – many things can leave stains and marks on your kettle.
Thankfully, they’re easy to clean off!
How to remove limescale from a stainless steel kettle
Boiling vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid with water in a kettle will remove limescale.
However, you can also descale a kettle with commercial descalers. These come in liquid, powder, and tablet form – and some may even be recommended by your kettle’s manufacturing brand.
How do you get burn marks off a stainless steel kettle?
Have you left your stovetop kettle on too long, or scorched something onto an electric kettle’s surface? Don’t panic!
For a stovetop kettle, soak the bottom in some hot water and detergent for 20-30 minutes first.
To remove burn marks on the outside of a kettle, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply it with a soft sponge, then let it sit for a few minutes.
Use the sponge to carefully scrub off the burn marks, then wipe off any residue with a damp cloth. Wash the kettle afterwards.
If you’ve burnt the kettle’s interior, fill your kettle halfway and add a tablespoon of citric acid. Bring it to a boil, then let it soak for 10 minutes.
Swirl the solution around before pouring it out, then scrub off any burn marks with a sponge or bottle brush and a bit of detergent.
Rinse your kettle and dry it thoroughly.
How to remove rust from a stainless steel kettle
High-quality stainless steel is rust-resistant, but prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the metal to oxidise and rust.
For rust inside the kettle, boil equal parts water and either vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure the rusted parts are submerged in the solution.
Switch off the kettle or take it off the heat and leave the solution to sit until it’s fully cool – about 20-30 minutes. Pour out the mixture, then use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub off the rust.
For exterior rust, make a thin paste out of citric acid powder and water. Use a damp sponge to apply the paste onto the rust spots and scrub them off.
Rinse the kettle, then dry it thoroughly.
To minimise the risk of rust and other issues, don’t leave water in the kettle for long! Try to boil only as much water as you need – and maybe get a giant mug so you get more tea in one go!
