How to clean the kettle from scale?
It is known that the quality of the water used affects the taste and aroma of tea. Lime deposits, rust, unpleasant odors in the kettle - all this will be felt in the taste of the drink. But plaque, salts and fats have a negative impact on human health. How to quickly and easily clean the kettle from scale, extend the life of this product and prevent plaque buildup, you will learn from this article.
Features of pollution
The composition of any water contains salts that contribute to the formation of scale. The higher the percentage of salt content, the faster a layer of scale forms on the walls of the kettle. Of course, the use of special filters allows you to soften the water, but this practically does not save you from lime deposits.
In addition to the fact that drinking water from such a kettle is dangerous for health, salt deposits adversely affect the operation of the device itself. This leads to slower heating of water, respectively, the cost of electricity increases. Electric kettles may start making a loud whistle when boiling, and boiled water will have an unpleasant aftertaste. A layer of scale inside the kettle can damage the walls and working mechanisms of the device.resulting in malfunctions and even failure of the device.
Long-term operation of the kettle can lead not only to the formation of salts inside the product, but also to the appearance of red rust spots on the walls, which are very difficult to get rid of.
If the kettle is on the stove all the time, then there is a high probability of the formation of yellowness, soot, fat layer, dark spots. In addition, the once snow-white teapot can darken from prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially for plastic products.
There are many ways to clean the kettle from various contaminants. The main thing is to choose the best tool for yourself and use it correctly.
Removal of contaminants can be carried out in the following ways:
- mechanical;
- chemical.
Using the mechanical method requires considerable physical effort and accuracy of the procedure, otherwise you can easily damage the kettle.
Ready-made purchase funds
In the housekeeping departments, you will find a wide range of ready-made cleaning products that will help you quickly and easily remove scale and other dirt.
Especially popular are powder products, such as "Antinakipin", Ecozone. The latter is positioned by manufacturers as an environmentally friendly product, boiling which does not emit harmful fumes. No less popular can be called tablets filtero, designed for cleaning electric kettles.
Not only powder formulations are available for sale, but also liquid substances. They also contain acids, which are an excellent anti-scale agent. Some liquids such as Luxus Professional, during application, color the water, reporting the presence of chemistry in the solution.
Start using these products only after reading the instructions for use. Despite the fact that all products are aimed at eliminating scale, methods of application may vary. Some function only with prolonged boiling, while others require prior exposure to hot or cold water.
In any case, after using chemicals, the kettle must be thoroughly rinsed and boiled several times, draining the water to eliminate the smallest particles of chemistry.
Folk methods
Store-bought preparations can be safely replaced with more affordable products that are sure to be found in every kitchen. The most powerful means of dealing with scale at home are considered soda, vinegar and citric acid.
Mixing these components is a "shock" mixture against any, even old-fashioned limescale. We will need: 1⁄2 cups of soda, 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid and 1⁄2 cups of vinegar. Add soda to a kettle of water, bring to a boil and soak for about half an hour. Drain the dirty water and fill the kettle with fresh water. Add citric acid and vinegar and boil the water again. The scale remaining on the walls can be easily removed with a soft kitchen sponge.
If a more gentle solution is required, use only one soda: pour soda ash into hot water and leave to cool completely. This will make the lime deposits looser and can be easily removed with a dish sponge.
Acetic solution is a universal remedy that helps with various contaminants. With it, you can eliminate even a thick layer of deposits.It is enough to mix vinegar with water in a ratio of 2: 1 and pour into a full and preheated kettle. Leave the solution until it cools down, then rinse and wash the product thoroughly. This method is suitable for both simple and electric models of kettles.
The only downside to using vinegar is that it has a strong smell that is hard to get rid of. Therefore, after cleaning with vinegar solution, you will have to ventilate the kettle and kitchen for some time.
If the deposits on the walls are too large, you can use the "three in one" method. It is worth noting that it is only suitable for metal products and should be used if the use of more gentle products did not help.
The essence of the method is as follows - you need to alternately apply three cleaning methods: first with baking soda, then with citric acid, and lastly with vinegar. At the end of the procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse the kettle and boil several times, changing the water.
Soda is a universal remedy that can wash almost any dirt. To remove grease from the outside of the teapot, sprinkle a little baking soda on a dish sponge or hard cloth and rub the teapot. Remember that nickel and painted surfaces require delicate cleaning.
Another effective remedy in the fight against lime deposits is citric acid. It is suitable for stainless steel products, glass, as well as for electric kettles. When cleaning metal and enameled dishes, it is better to refuse citric acid. In addition, this method cannot be called too effective, it is more suitable for removing a small layer of limescale.
To begin, fill the kettle with water 2/3 and add citric acid at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. Boil the resulting solution. If the layer of plaque is small, just rinse the kettle. Old deposits are well removed by vigorous cleaning with a sponge. If the desired result is not achieved the first time, repeat the procedure.
Having achieved the desired result, type fresh water into the kettle and boil. At the end of the procedure, thoroughly wash the kettle. Tip: you only need to pour citric acid into cold water, otherwise a chemical reaction will occur - the acid will begin to hiss and foam.
A similar procedure can be carried out without the use of this food preservative; instead, many use ordinary lemon. It helps to get rid of even old deposits. It is ideal for cleaning glass teapots and stainless steel. Like citric acid, it cannot be used to clean metal and enameled items.
We will need one or more large lemons. Cut it into a semicircle, put it in a kettle filled with water and boil it. When the water boils, lower the fire and keep the kettle on the stove for about half an hour. For greater effect, after cooling the liquid, you can let it brew. Then the dirty water must be drained and the walls of the kettle cleaned with a sponge. This method is the most popular among all the others due to its harmlessness and environmental friendliness.
If we talk about the most effective kettle cleaners, carbonated drinks stand out in particular, the result of which is simply stunning. Usually Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite are used. Soda is not suitable for cleaning electric kettles and enameled products, since it contains dyes, which, when boiled, firmly eat into the walls.
To eliminate plaque, fill a kettle with one of the above drinks and bring to a boil. After boiling, turn off the kettle and leave it to cool for 20 minutes. Pour out the dirty water, rinse the walls and rinse the kettle with clean water.
Few people know, but in the past, household products such as apple and potato peels, which contain some acids, were often used to clean dishes. This method is still relevant today, however, in the fight against a thick layer of plaque, it will be ineffective. Most of all, it is suitable for removing only the plaque that has appeared.
Put the cleanings in the kettle, fill with water and put on the stove. Boil the kettle and leave for about 2 hours, then drain the water with the peel. Wipe the inside of the kettle with a soft cloth and rinse the product.
One of the highly effective products is Calgon for dishwashers. It effectively fights calcified deposits and softens formations well. Using it to descale your kettle, you can quickly and easily remove limescale deposits. The method of application is simple: dilute 1 teaspoon of powder in 3 liters of water and boil in a kettle. After that, be sure to wash and boil the device several times, changing the water.
Folk methods also help well when removing fat on the outer walls of the kettle. The most effective remedy can be called ordinary toothpaste. Apply some paste to an unnecessary brush and clean the outside of the kettle. If the pollution is old, then it is better to use baking soda by mixing it with 9% vinegar. The components should be taken in a 1: 1 ratio and mixed thoroughly before use. Apply the resulting slurry to the sponge and rub the problem areas, after the procedure, remove the residue with a soft towel.
How to clean?
To date, there are many means to remove plaque and other contaminants from the kettle. However, it should be borne in mind that each of them is intended for a specific device model.
The kettle is almost always on the stove or nearby and often gets dirty with grease during cooking. Removing it from the surface is not at all difficult. To begin with, the kettle should be warmed up a little, thanks to which the dirt will be easily separated from the walls. Place it on a stable surface and gently rub the stained areas with the sponge. At the end of the procedure, wash the product in the usual way and wipe dry with a dry towel.
Enameled
Enameled teapots require special care when cleaning. Limescale can be removed in two ways:
- mechanical;
- with the help of special tools.
The mechanical method involves the use of special devices that easily remove plaque. Often, a metal brush and cleaning paste act as tools.
Despite the obvious advantages of this method, it is better to use it to remove old formations or a large layer of plaque. In addition, it takes time and effort. The main disadvantage of this method is the rapid formation of cracks in the teapot enamel. And too frequent use will lead to the erasure of the enameled layer, in place of which a new layer of scale will quickly appear, which will be problematic to remove.
You can buy kettle cleaner at any hardware store.The composition of the so-called "decalcifiers" includes acids that do a good job of removing plaque. You can also use folk remedies - vinegar, citric acid, baking soda. They also effectively help in the fight against fat and other contaminants.
Electric kettle
In order to return the electric kettle to its original appearance, in no case should you use the mechanical method of removing plaque. It is strictly forbidden to scrape off plaque from the walls and the heating element with knives and other sharp objects. Otherwise, this may lead to breakage of the kettle, damage to the body or coil. Even if the layer of lime deposits is too large, such manipulations can become destructive.
A much more effective way of cleaning can be called chemical. The use of special tools, which include reagents, allows you to quickly soften the scale layer, which can be easily removed. Before you start cleaning the kettle, rinse it from the inside by carefully rubbing the walls with a hard washcloth (not metal).
Folk remedies can also be used as reagents:
- citric acid;
- apple or table vinegar;
- vinegar essence.
The listed products are suitable for dealing with scale in metal, plastic and glass kettles.
Models from different materials
Aluminum teapots are very popular among consumers, which, like all other devices, need regular cleaning. In such cases, activated charcoal helps well, which you can buy at the nearest pharmacy.
To do this, you need about 13-15 activated charcoal tablets per 1 teapot. Crush the tablets into a pulp and apply to the slightly damp surface of the teapot. Leave for 1 hour.Rinse with lukewarm water and remove any residue with a soft towel.
Stainless steel teapots are no less popular due to their futuristic design. However, every housewife knows that they need careful care. When choosing a stainless steel kettle, be prepared for the fact that the procedure for removing contaminants will have to be carried out almost every week.
To return the product to its original appearance, use the following method. In a deep metal container, mix heated water with soda at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of liquid. The kettle must be immersed in the basin so that it is completely under water. Put this design on medium heat and boil for about half an hour. After cooling the product and wipe with a soft sponge.
For greater effect, 9% vinegar can be added to hot water with soda. Remember, the container must be chosen so that the kettle completely goes under the water.
All kitchen utensils should be washed from time to time, including the teapot. It is not always possible to wash plaque from tea leaves with an ordinary detergent. This is especially true of the strainer, the washing of which often turns into a laborious and unpleasant process. We offer an easy way, after which your teapot will be as good as new.
Take one to two teaspoons of citric acid or the juice of one lemon, baking soda, 5% or 8% vinegar and make a hot solution. Pour it inside the teapot and let it brew. These acids break down even stubborn dirt well.
If you need to remove a small layer of tea inside the teapot, you can use soda. However, this tool is not suitable for a French press, as soda grains can get into the small holes of the sieve, which will not be easy to rinse.
Few people know that tea plaque is well removed with simple kefir. This method works well for cleaning glasses and cups. Soak the dishes in kefir overnight, this will allow you to wash even long-term pollution.
When using vinegar solutions, lemon, citric acid, or purchased chemicals, be sure to use protective gloves and a respirator.
Vinegar is an excellent cleaner for glass teapots. It is quite effective in the fight against scale, moreover, it is often used as a disinfectant. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar at the rate of 1 cup of vinegar to 4 cups of water.
To remove dirt, mix vinegar with water, heat the kettle a little and let it cool to room temperature. Gently rub the sides of the teapot with a soft cloth. Repeat if necessary.
It is believed that the most difficult to clean a copper kettle. However, knowing effective methods, you can easily cope with this task. A small layer of dirt can be easily removed with a regular detergent. But a lemon can be called a more effective remedy. Rub the stained areas with lemon and scrub well with a soft brush.
To give the product shine and shine, you can use vinegar and coarse salt. Mix these ingredients and rub the teapot, and the copper will sparkle with colors again.
Helpful Hints
In order not to have to deal with stubborn scale, prevent its appearance, following simple rules:
- use filtered or settled water for boiling;
- boil water only once, for the next boil, fill in fresh water;
- rinse the kettle before each boil to prevent white lime flakes from settling in it;
- as a preventive measure, clean the kettle once a month using one of the above methods.
For information on how to easily and effectively clean the kettle from scale, see the following video.