How to clean your kettle? (cheap and effective way!)

Can you imagine your mornings without a cup of coffee or tea? Probably not. Not only because hot drinks brighten up our mornings, but we also hear more and more on how necessary hot drinks are for us in effect of hydration, digestion and our gut health. However, you can only benefit from this if your drinks are brewed perfectly in a clean kettle.

Cleaning the kettle is a MUST. The more often you do it, the better your drinks will taste and you will save your health. Regular maintenance will also ensure that your kettle lasts much longer, a minimum maintenance once a month will extend the life of the kettle.

Cleaning a kettle: quick or efficient way?

There are a wide range of products available on the market to help you clean your kettle, they are very convenient as it only takes a few minutes. However, these products are not always safe for us and many of us are always looking for a quick solution. We recommend that you use natural products mentioned in this blog to clean your kettle, these are affordable and you are most likely able to find them in your own kitchen.

The holy grail: white vinegar and baking soda

You have probably heard many times that white vinegar can be used to clean serious stains and cleaning the limescale in the kettle is one of them. It not only removes harmful limescale, but also polishes the surface. And because white vinegar is for human consumption, you can be rest assured it is suitable and safe to use and you won’t be impacted if there are any traces of product left in the kettle.

How do I use the mixture?

1. Fill the kettle with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water. It’s important that you use 1 part of vinegar as some people find that using higher amount of vinegar can leave a smell behind which can be difficult to remove.

2. Turn on the kettle and wait for it to boil.

3. When it’s done boiling, DO NOT rush to pour out the mixture. We recommend that you leave the mixture for at least 30 minutes or longer if there is a lot of limescale. After waiting, pour it out and rinse the kettle a few times until the vinegar smell is gone.

4. You will then need baking soda, of which we recommend a maximum of a few tablespoons. Use a sponge to clean the inside of the kettle, covering as much of the surface as possible.

5. Leave it for a few minutes and then rinse the baking soda with plain water.

6. Now you are all done. The kettle should be completely clean. If there is any limescale left, which may end up in your drink, repeat the same process again and again. You can add more vinegar to increase the effectiveness.

Kettle cleaning using citric acid

Citric acid can be used to remove dirt from both the dishwasher and washing machine, as well as the kettle. Citric acid is generally one of the most effective agents used in the cleaning process. Most importantly, it leaves no odour and at the same time makes the surface shiny.

It is very easy to use. You can either use plain lemon, citric acid or lemon juice. Simply place the fruit or its product in a kettle and cover with cold water. If the kettle is very limey, then turn it back on again and again once it boils. If the water has boiled off a lot, add more and turn it on again. The power of the electric kettle does not affect the performance of the lemon. Just repeat a few times, taking a minute break each time, so that it does not overheat.

The citric acid will remove even very heavy limescale. Regular boiling will ensure that the limescale does not accumulate.

Another method: salt

Natural remedies are increasingly replacing expensive products, and one of them is salt. It can also be used to clean limescale and, in general, to remove a wide range of dirt. The first thing to note is that salt is very good at killing various micro-organisms that very often breed in the area because of the constant moisture. Place a little salt on the sponge and slowly clean the surface. If there is a lot of lime or other dirt, you may have to scrub a little, but you will be very pleasantly surprised by the result, so be patient.

Salt kills pests by putting it in a kettle and adding water. Bring the water to the boil. Do this several times for greater effect. Then pour out the water and there you go - the kettle can be used very successfully.

NOTE: Cleaning the kettle requires patience. But if you do it at least once a month, you'll prevent limescale build-up. Also, the older the kettle, the faster limescale builds up. So if you believe the cleaning is not helping, maybe it’s time to buy a new kettle and keep up with the maintenance. If you don't have time to clean the kettle or if you are unsure to try these tips yourself, we suggest that you contact a professional who will do the job for you. Our tips should only be used as a guidance as it’s based on research. We don’t recommend mixing products for health and safety reasons.

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New year cleans in September!

by Danielle Navarro • 3 September 2025

New year cleans in September!

Should I prep for my cleaner?

by Danielle Navarro • 4 August 2025

Whether you're welcoming a cleaner for the first time or having a regular clean, knowing how to prepare your home for a cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and improve results. As an established cleaning company serving homes across East Anglia, we’ve compiled our top recommendations to help you get the most from every visit. We understand that not everyone is able to prep and you definitely don't have to, it's your own preference but it does save time, therefore money and your cleaner can complete more cleaning rather than tidying. Why Preparation Matters Hiring a professional cleaning service doesn’t mean you need to scrub before they arrive—but a few simple steps can help cleaners focus on the cleaning. Our customers often ask: Do I need to tidy up before a cleaner arrives? Should I leave out my own cleaning products? Will they clean around clutter or organise things? This blog answers those questions and more. 1. Tidy Up, Don’t Deep Clean You don’t need to clean before the cleaners—that’s our job! But light tidying is highly recommended. What to do: Pick up toys, clothes, paperwork, or other clutter from floors and countertops. Wash up any dishes and put away. Remove personal items from bathroom counters. Why? Tidying frees up surfaces and floors so cleaners c an vacuum, dust and polish eff iciently without needing to move lots of items. 2. Clear Kitchen & Bathroom Surfaces Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most time-intensive areas to clean—especially in UK homes where limescale and grime build up quickly. What helps: Remove dirty dishes and food items from counters. Take toothbrushes, razors, or cosmetics off the sink area. Keep on top of stray hairs. Pro tip: use a squeegee after showering to remove the water and reduce limescale building up. 3. Secure Pets & Provide Access At Cleaning Queen we love pets—but they can be distracting. On the day of cleaning: Let us know if pets will be home (especially if they’re reactive or nervous). Keep pets in a separate room or garden if possible. Ensure keys, alarm codes, or access instructions are communicated in advance if you won’t be in. Some clients also leave out pet-safe floor sprays—we're happy to use these when requested. 4. Make Special Requests in Advance Want us to focus on skirting boards, deep bathroom scrubbing, or skip a certain room? Just let us know. Best practice: Message or email requests or you can let your cleaner know on the day if you wish as long as it fits within the timescale booked. Label any areas that should be avoided (e.g. work-from-home offices) 5. Leave Out Products (If Required) While Cleaning Queen bring their own products, clients w ith allergies, eco concerns, or pets may prefer to supply their own. We use our clients vacuum and mop so please either advise us where these are kept or leave them out for your cleaner. Options: Leave out preferred products (e.g. Method, Ecover, Zoflora) and tools (like your own mop or vacuum). Speak to your cleaner or leave a note if certain products should or shouldn't be used in certain rooms. If you’d like us to use your own products just let us know—we’re happy to do this. 6. Prep Payment & Instructions (If You're Out) If you won’t be home during the clean: Provide us with detailed instructions on access and any specific requests in advance Leave payment (if paying by cash) in a clearly labelled envelope. Ensure doors, gates or alarm systems can be operated easily. 7. Don’t Worry About Perfection! Your cleaner isn’t judging your home. We’re here to make life easier, not harder. Life gets messy—especially with children, pets, or a busy schedule. That’s exactly why you asked us to help. We recommend: Keeping open communication. Letting us know what’s most important to you. Booking regular cleans (weekly or fortnightly) for consistently clean results. Preparing for your cleaner’s visit doesn’t need to take long—but a small effort can make a big difference. With a clear space to work and clear instructions, your cleaner can deliver the sparkling results you’re paying for.

The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks

by Danielle Navarro • 29 June 2025

The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks: What TikTok Won’t Tell You! In the age of social media, cleaning has gone from a chore to a trend. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of cleaning hacks, DIY solutions, and “CleanTok” time-lapses that promise miraculous results with minimal effort. But while some of these tips are genuinely helpful, others are risky, misleading, or even dangerous. As a professional domestic cleaning company, we’ve seen first hand the consequences of viral cleaning advice gone wrong. Here’s what you—and your home—need to be cautious about. 1. Mixing Chemicals = Hidden Danger One of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes seen in viral videos is mixing household cleaners without understanding the chemical reactions involved. Examples: Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas (toxic when inhaled) Bleach + toilet cleaner = fumes that can burn the lungs Baking soda + vinegar = dramatic fizz, but neutralizes both and does little actual cleaning Just because it foams or smells fresh doesn’t mean it’s effective—or safe! 2. TikTok = Entertainment, Not Expertise Many creators aren’t cleaning professionals. Their content is often designed for views and likes, not safe or effective results. Unvetted advice : Some “hacks” are based on myths or half-truths. One-size-fits-all tips : Using lemon on stone surfaces, for instance, can etch and damage natural materials like marble or granite. Overuse of products : Soaking fabric in disinfectants may lead to skin irritation or fabric damage. Your home deserves more than internet guesswork! 3. Damage to Surfaces & Appliances What looks satisfying in a 15-second video can cost you in repairs. Common Issues: Magic erasers scratch glossy or delicate surfaces if used too harshly. Toilet cleaning bombs (often with blue food dye) stain ceramic and plastic. Foil in the dishwasher trick (to make cutlery “shinier”) can void your warranty or harm filters. What seems like a “cheap trick” can become an expensive mistake! 4. Wasteful or Overcomplicated Routines Some viral hacks involve multiple steps or excessive use of products you don’t need: Using six products where one will do Cleaning routines that take 3–4 hours daily —unrealistic for most Highly fragranced items that trigger allergies or asthma in small homes with poor ventilation Minimalism often wins. Less product, more technique! Safer Alternatives: What We Recommend Instead of jumping on the latest trend, try: Microfibre cloths + warm soapy water for most surfaces Using eco-certified, fragrance-free products for kitchens and bathrooms Following manufacturer guidelines for ovens, floors, and furniture Consulting a professional (like us!) for deep cleans, limescale build up and maintenance cleans Final Thought TikTok hacks might look impressive—but they’re no substitute for real knowledge, experience, and care. At Cleaning Queen, we love innovation—but only when it’s safe, proven, and actually effective. Let’s leave the entertainment to influencers and the elbow grease to the experts!