How To Clean A Kettle: 3 Easy & Natural Ways

By Melinda Perry | Updated 16 July 2022

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Kettles are one of the most used appliances in our day to day lives. However after countless cuppas, kettles start getting limescale build up from the minerals found in hard water. This is why Australian kettles need some TLC from time to time.

Cleaning a kettle can be tricky though because they tend to have hard-to-reach places. This is why in this blog post you will learn how to clean your kettle quickly with three easy and natural methods!

How to clean a kettle with vinegar

Cleaning a kettle with vinegar is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to clean a kettle. You probably already have all the items you need at home too! The vinegar's acid helps get rid of the limescale build up. Below are all the items you need and steps on how to clean your kettle.

What you need:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spare scrubbing brush (or toothbrush)
  • Clean cloth

Cleaning Steps:

  1. 1
    Fill your kettle with equal parts water and vinegar and mix well with a spoon.
  2. 2
    Turn your kettle on and let it boil to completion.
  3. 3
    Once your kettle has finished boiling let it cool a bit.
  4. 4
    Then dip your clean cloth into the kettle water and use it to wipe the exterior of your kettle (might as well clean both the inside and out!).
  5. 5
    While the kettle is still full of the vinegar water mixture, use your brush to scrub and brush the inside. Make sure to get all the corners of the kettle!
  6. 6
    Now empty out the water into your sink.
  7. 7
    Rinse your kettle well with clean water.
  8. 8
    Finally, fill your kettle up again with normal water and then boil it a few times to get rid of the vinegar smell and taste. I recommend doing this at least twice or until the smell is gone. 
  9. 9
    Done! You will now have a very clean looking kettle inside and out!
Kettle being used

You can use these steps to clean a stove top kettle as well as an electric kettle.

How to clean a kettle with bicarb soda

Bicarbonate soda is a great and natural way to clean your kettle. It's also super simple to do and it will leave your kettle's insides looking fresh!

What you need:

Cleaning Steps:

  1. 1
    Place a table spoon of bicarb soda into your kettle.  
  2. 2
    Wet your clean cloth with clean water. 
  3. 3
    Now scrub the inside of the kettle. You want to make sure you scrub the bicarb soda against the sides of your kettle with the wet cloth. This will help get rid of any build ups.
  4. 4
    Once you've finished scrubbing rinse out your kettle with water.
  5. 5
    Finally, fill the kettle up, boil it, and empty it out to get rid of any loose bits from the scrubbing. And you're done! Easy!

How to clean a kettle with lemons

If you're looking for an even more natural cleaning solution, then go pick a lemon off your lemon tree and use it to clean your kettle! The natural acids within the lemon will help get rid of limescale build up and stains within the kettle. Below is how to clean a kettle with lemons and what you will need.

What you need:

  • Lemon
  • Water
  • Bicarbonate soda
  • Clean cloth

Cleaning Steps:

  1. 1
    Juice your lemon and then pour the juice into your kettle.
  2. 2
    Then slice that same lemon skin and all and place those bits into the kettle too!
  3. 3
    Fill your kettle up with water fully and mix the water with a spoon.
  4. 4
    Turn your kettle on and boil till completion.
  5. 5
    Let the kettle sit until it fully cools. This will take about an hour.
  6. 6
    Empty out the kettle and rinse well with clean water.
  7. 7
    Extra step: if you want an even better clean, put a table spoon of bicarb soda into the kettle.
  8. 8
    Then dampen a clean cloth and rub the insides of the kettle with the bicarb soda.
  9. 9
    Rinse out the kettle with clean water. Fill it up one more time to boil, pour it out, and you're done! Your kettle will be lemon fresh clean!

Conclusion

And there you have it! Three easy and natural ways on how to clean your kettle. Make sure you save this post the next time you need to give your kettle some tender loving care. If you have some tips on how to clean a kettle, leave us a comment below!