Heating water in a tea kettle contributes to a chalky mineral buildup in the kettle over time, left behind when water evaporates. When soapy water isn’t potent enough to remove the residue, there’s no need to resort to chemical-based mineral removers. Rather, use apple cider vinegar and baking soda — the vinegar consumes the mineral deposits while baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to remove stubborn buildup.
Swish-and-Swirl Cleaning
To get a small mineral deposits within the kettle, limited to the bottom and reduced regions of the sides, pour several tablespoons of baking soda into the kettle; subsequently insert 1/4 inch or so of apple cider vinegar atop the powder, sufficient to cover the stained area. Allow the mixture to bubble for at least 30 seconds; then swirl the kettle around a little to enable the mixture to rub a few of the vitamins away. Dump the solution down the drain and rinse the kettle thoroughly, using a clean dishcloth to wipe it out. If any vitamins remain, put more vinegar within the kettle and allow it to soak for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. White vinegar might be utilized in place of apple cider vinegar for kettle cleaning.
Steam Cleaning
If mineral deposits influence the entire interior area of the kettle, a good steam cleaning may resolve the problem. Pour 1 part apple cider vinegar and 4 parts water from the kettle — sufficient to fill it with an inch or two of total liquid. Heat the kettle and allow it to create steam for several minutes — boiling isn’t vital. If the whistling is a little too much to handle, turn down the heat so the kettle still creates steam while making little noise. Swirl the kettle around; then enable the liquid to cool to room temperature. Dip a dishcloth into the liquid, then sprinkle baking soda on the dishcloth. Dump the liquid down the drain and use the soda and dishcloth to wipe off any remaining residue. Rinse the kettle thoroughly.
Super Soak
If the kettle is caked with fragile mineral deposits inside, a mixture steam cleaning and soak helps eliminate the stubborn residue. Pour 1 cup all apple cider vinegar and water into the kettle, along with 2 tablespoons of salt. Swirl the kettle around; afterward heat and allow the liquid to boil for 15 minutes, checking the kettle during that time to ensure the liquid hasn’t disappeared entirely. Allow the liquid to take a seat at the kettle overnight or all day; then pour the liquid down the drain. Wipe the interior of the kettle with a damp dishcloth, adding a little baking soda to the fabric in case some residue remains in the kettle. Rinse the kettle thoroughly.
Clean and Shine the Outside
The outside of the kettle gets dirty too — splatters from boiling and standard dust build up only from leaving the kettle sit atop the cooker. Spritz the outside of the kettle with apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on a soft, damp cloth; subsequently rub the kettle down with the cloth. If the outside of the kettle is brushed steel or a metal that resembles it has a texture or “grain” for it, follow the direction of the marks to avoid scratching the alloy. Rinse the cloth and rub off the baking soda deposits in the kettle, or rinse it under tap water. Dry it immediately to avoid mineral buildup from evaporating water.