It’s no secret that tea is the most popular drink in the UK with over 100,000,000 cups consumed per day. Brewing the perfect cup is as much a science as an art. Whether you prefer tea bags or loose leaf tea, milk or no milk, you take tea time seriously. A clean tea kettle to heat your water to the right temperature is essential for a proper brew. Following is a step-by-step guide that will teach you how to clean your tea kettle so you always get the best possible cuppa.
Cleaning a Tea Kettle in 5 Easy Steps
Tap water in the UK tends to be “hard”, which means that it has minerals suspended in it. Over time, those suspended minerals deposit inside your tea kettle. Not only is it unsightly, but mineral buildup can also alter the taste of your tea. Rust can develop if water is left in the kettle too long and it can also affect your tea. Luckily, you can clean a tea kettle by following these simple steps:
Gather Your Materials
You won’t need special chemicals, tools, or equipment to clean your tea kettle. In fact, you likely have everything you need in your pantry already. Gather the following:
- Mild Dish Detergent
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Lemon
- Salt
- Hot Water
- Rags or Towels
Everyday Tea Kettle Cleaning
Ideally, you’ll wash and dry your tea kettle after each use and never leave water in the kettle overnight. Not only does this keep the kettle fresh, it also helps deter rust and mineral build-up. For daily cleaning, simply use a mild dish detergent and warm water to clean the pot and store it empty.
Cleaning Grease from a Tea Kettle
If the exterior of your tea kettle sits near the stove when not in use, it’s likely covered in grease. For an enamel or stainless steel kettle, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda and enough white vinegar to form a paste. Use this mixture to scrub away grease and grime. If you use a copper tea kettle, dip a lemon cut in half in salt and rub it on the surface of the kettle. After using either method, rinse thoroughly and dry.
Removing Tea Kettle Mineral Scales
If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your tea kettle, minerals may have begun to deposit on the interior surface. Just take a peek inside your tea kettle if you dare. Don’t fret if you find mineral scales, simply pour ¼ cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water into the kettle. Boil for 20 minutes, empty the pot and wash and dry per the instructions above. Repeat as needed to remove all the mineral scales
Deep Cleaning Your Tea Kettle
Are there rust stains and mineral scales inside your tea kettle? You may be tempted to toss it in the bin, but try this trick instead to make your tea kettle sparkle like new. Simply combine 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 cups of water in your tea kettle. Bring to a boil and maintain it for 30 minutes adding water occasionally to ensure it doesn’t boil dry. Let the liquid cool, rinse thoroughly and dry.
For a Better Cuppa, Clean Your Tea Kettle Regularly
Tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s an institution in the UK and if you’re going to brew a cup you had better do it right. That begins with keeping your tea kettle fresh and clean. So, before your next tea time, take a moment and follow the instructions above to bring your tea kettle up to the standards a proper tea time deserves.
