How to get rid of mold in a tea kettle

Can mold grow in a tea kettle?

Yes, mold can grow in a tea kettle. If your kettle has a filter, clean or changes it frequently to avoid mold. The damp interior is the place for mold to grow and thrive. That can also happen if you leave water in your kettle often. If you are not careful, the mold can make you sick.

To prevent mold, invest in a water softener. It removes limescale from your home, and you will not get new limescale build-up. 

Is mold in tea dangerous?

Yes, mold is dangerous in tea. Fungal contamination of tea at any stage can pose a serious health hazard due to the accumulation of toxic molds. Never ingest mold spores (Webmd.com). Sometimes you might have some tea bags that have gone moldy, and to be safe, you should only toss them and replace them with fresh tea bags.

You should be able to tell if your tea has gone bad. Its leaves natural oils will have evaporated, and it will not be flavorful as before. You can still drink it, but if the leaves look moldy, have an unpleasant aroma, and taste a little off. That is when you should throw it out. 

How to clean mold from an electric kettle

1. Fill around half the kettle with a 1:1 solution of water mixed with an equal amount of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice. Bring the solution to a full boil.
2. Turn the kettle off. Let the acidic solution sit for at least 20-30 minutes. Then, empty the solution into your sink.
3. Unplug the kettle.
4. Clean or replace the filter. Some filters are metallic; soaking them in distilled white vinegar diluted in hot water for five minutes. Scrub with the bottle brush and sponge, and rinse with fresh water.
5. Clean the kettle interior using a non-abrasive scrubber, sponge, or soft-bristled bottle brush to scrub the inside of the kettle. 
6. Clean the kettle exterior using a soft sponge or scrubber soaked in warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. Dip the sponge in some baking soda to loosen stubborn dirt.
7. When the dirt is removed and you are satisfied, fill around half the kettle with water and bring it to a boil.
8. Discard the water and repeat this rinsing step until the water does not taste or smell like vinegar or dishwashing liquid.

What causes black mold in the kettle

If your kettle has a filter and you fail to clean or change it frequently, the damp interior becomes a place for mold to grow and thrive. That can also happen if you leave water in your kettle often. 

How to clean an electric kettle with baking soda

Baking soda can be the most convenient way to clean your kettle since you might have it in your kitchen. That makes it an effective and practical cleaning method. Baking soda works well for descaling light deposits in the bottom of your electric kettle.

For an intense reaction, add white vinegar to the mixture. The vinegar will react to the bicarbonate of soda, and the fizzy solution removes any traces of limescale in your kettle (Britannica.com). 

Once the reaction has taken place, boil the kettle and leave it for an hour to cool. The kettle has to be filled to the three-quarter point rather than to the top. Rinse it out with water a few times to remove any residue. That way it becomes safe to use.

Steps

1. Add 1–2 baking soda to your kettle, then fill it with water. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove the kettle from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the inside of the kettle with a non-abrasive brush. Wait until the kettle is cool to the touch.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry with a dish towel.

What causes Green mold in the kettle

Limescale is a white, chalky residue that accumulates in kettles by constantly boiling water. You can easily see it on stainless steel. The problem is popular in hard water areas, where the higher concentration of magnesium and calcium causes limescale.

Removing it is not difficult, but it does not need to be frequently done to keep your kettle in top condition. If your kettle has a filter, clean or changes it. Otherwise, the damp interior is the perfect place for mold to grow and thrive.

How to clean an electric kettle with vinegar

To clean your kettle, add vinegar solution to create a paste. That will help scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime. Make sure you rinse the kettle well afterward. Cleaning with diluted white vinegar is safe and effective by descaling your electric kettle. The mild acidity in vinegar helps break down mineral buildup. Before you clean your kettle, refer to your owner’s manual for care and cleaning tips.

Once you have cleaned the kettle, dry it thoroughly. Water can cause spots and stains, so use a soft cloth to dry the inside and outside of the kettle. If there’s a detachable lid, clean and dry it well too.

Steps

1. Fill the kettle halfway with a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water. 
2. Bring the solution to a boil and let it sit for an hour. 
3. Pour out vinegar and water and rinse the kettle with water. 
4. Brush and repeat until the limescale is gone.

How to clean an electric kettle without vinegar

Use Lemon or Lime Juice

1. Squeeze the juice from 2-3 lemons or limes. Mix the juice with an equal amount of water. It has to be enough to fill half your kettle.
2. Cut up the lemon slices and add them to the solution. 
3. Bring the kettle to a boil and leave it standing for 30 minutes.

Use Coke or Soda

1. The fizzy drink can descale your electric kettle, too, since the solution is acidic and can handle mineral deposits.
2. Fill three-quarters of your kettle with the drink and bring it to a boil. 
3. Let it cool for 30 minutes before disposing of it.

Use Citric Acid Powder

1. Fill half the kettle with fresh water and boil it. 
2. Add two tablespoons of citric acid powder to the boiling water.
3. Allow the kettle to stand for 20 minutes before emptying the mixture.

Use Baking Soda:

1. Fill half the kettle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda. 
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. 
3. Pour out the solution and boil some fresh water in the kettle.

Use a Kettle Cleaning Product:

1. Pick any commercial kettle cleaner available. 
2. Follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging.
3. Dilute the cleaner with water in the kettle and bring it to a boil.
4. Let it soak, and then dispose of the solution. 
5. Boil fresh water and discard until there are no remaining odors in the kettle.