Hello AT,
I have a metal stove kettle that i let boil dry and now there are spots all over it, how can i remove them from the surface? Also there is a "mystery substance" inside that i would like to eliminate, it seems to be some sort of metal composite.
thanks for your help, Joe
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Could the metallic "composite" deposits be build-up from hard water? if so, boiling a light vinegar solution in it, should do the trick.
The mystery substance INSIDE the kettle is mineral deposits left behind when all the water boiled out -- a good soaking in vinegar (white) will loosen those deposits, then a normal cleaning with dish soap.
Would need to know more about outside surface: eg is it aluminum or stainless steel. Once you have determined that, follow typical cleaning directions for that material. I assume a good brillo-type cleaning would work, but I wouldn't want to ruin your designer stainless steel kettle!
The discoloration, if it's due to the heat, is permanent. You'll have to live with it or replace the kettle. Simplex makes the best.
A good metal polish for use on stainless (Noxon?) might remove the discoloring. I once boiled a pot dry (it just had water in it) and it blackened. I scrubbed and scrubbed with cleanser, and nothing worked. Then I just decided to try POLISHING the thing before I threw it out ... and voila! Like new!
while we're on the topic, i have been looking high and low for a beautiful kettle but can't find anything beyond the boring variety. anybody know of any design-worthy kettles?
Polish vigorously with Extra Fine (00) Steel Wool on the outside to remove discolouration or staining.
great question. can the metal deposit in the inside hurt me. A friend of mine said no. no big deal. can someone tell me because i still use my tea pot all the time
No, it won't hurt you. Well, I wouldn't take it out and eat it, but just left in the kettle it's harmless, as far as I know.
It is a good idea to use the white vinegar + water solution to clean it out though. A build-up just reduces the lettle's efficiency.
BTW white vinegar (full strength) is what I use to clean the coffee maker. Then I just run wate rthrough it about three times to get rid of the smell.
If it's an aluminum kettle, baking soda works like a charm. I apply mine with a dishrag--no toxic substances, easy, effective for removing spots and discoloration, no danger of scratches.
Bar Keepers Friend is the best cleaner/polisher for stainless steel I have ever used. It is available at any grocery store.
I love my tea kettle, but it may be too tradish for you people. It's the Windsor Whistling Teakettle from Williams-Sonoma. I shine it with tenderness every day. If I wanted something more modern I would check Bodum.
I second baking soda. I use it on tea kettles, but on all of the bathroom fixtures. Works really really really well.
Stainless responds especially well to steel wool and of all things vinegar - or any acid. All that nasty spotting just vanishes, works on my grill every Spring too.
I use SOS pads on my tea kettle. I think it's aluminum, though I also use SOS on my stainless steel pots. Is that bad? I had no idea. SOS takes all the scorch marks off and keeps it all shiny and clean.
I have a stainless steel kettle and to remove the scale deposit, I juice & strain a lemon and put in the juice, skin and fill with water. I let it come to the boil then remove the lid and open the valve so the whistle doesn't drive me nuts.
I put a timer on so I don't forget it and check from time to time to see if the scale has gone. Doesn't take long, but havent timed it.
Then I let it cool for a bit, remove the skin & pour out the lemony water, and rinse.
The house smells nice from the lemon and I use metal polish to buff up the outside. This removed the colour from the lid, but I dont mind.
It is my PERFECT KETTLE - removable lid, flip up whistle (nothing can crawl into it and no burns to pour), easy to clean and not electric. It was a gift voucher from the gas company, and was so popular they ran out and had to order in another batch.
I never leave water standing in it. With the terrible drought we have here (Sydney's dams have re aforested) I keep leftovers for plants.
PS
If you burn a pan fill with water, add baking soda and bring to the boil - cook for a bit & the black comes off.
Scrubbing just scratches the pan.
Try cream of tartar (stores sell it with the spices, of all things, in a small jar). I think it's vaguely acidic, left over from wine production. It takes stains off lots of things, metal and ceramic.
Thanks for the tips Deb! I try and reuse water for my plants wherever possible, and am looking forward to reconditioning my pans after several unfortunate incidents involving rice and insufficient water
I'd like to make a personal pitch for electric kettles. I got an Oster one at Target on clearance years ago for $7. I know that Bodum makes some and that there are some cool ones out there...I never turned back. Water boils quickly, and there's no danger of letting it burn dry because there's an auto turn off feature!!
re: Mar, beautiful kettles, I have a great one from Chantal that is both beautiful, works well, and has a GREAT whistle. It's pricey - about $100, but I found ours at Marshalls for $40. Its so great I would pay full price to replace it though.
http://www.chantalcookware.com/shop_teakettles.asp
the second one down, "ProDesign™ Teakettle"
As far as cleaning goes, I second the recommendation for Barkeeper's Friend. The most amazing cleaning product I've ever used.