Electric kettles have become an essential appliance in every household, saving time compared to traditional methods of boiling water. However, there is a common mistake that most of us make when using electric kettles, and if we don’t change this habit, it can lead to significant consequences for both health and the lifespan of the appliance.

While using an electric kettle to boil water is very simple, many people still make mistakes that shorten the appliance’s lifespan and can harm their health. Below are five common mistakes, and 9 out of 10 households tend to make them.

1. Buying Any Type of Electric Kettle

The main function of an electric kettle is to boil water, and many people think any kettle will do, even the cheap ones, as long as it can boil water. In reality, when buying an electric kettle, you should choose one made from stainless steel.

Stainless steel actually comes in different grades. The best choice is a kettle made from 304 stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. Kettles made from this type of steel ensure that the water boiled in them is safer.

2. Filling the Electric Kettle with Too Much Water

Many people have the habit of filling the kettle to the top. This is actually a risk. When the water boils, it can spill over and even flow into the base of the kettle, causing short circuits or damage.

In fact, there is a maximum water level marked inside the kettle. When boiling water, you should not exceed this level to ensure electrical safety in your home.

3. Turning On the Power Before Filling the Kettle with Water

Some people have the habit of turning on the power of the kettle before filling it with water. This can damage the kettle, as it will run dry if there is no water inside.

Although the kettle won't be dry for long, prolonged use in this condition can cause it to overheat, potentially leading to a burnt kettle or even a short circuit. Therefore, always make sure to fill the kettle with water before placing it on its base and turning it on.

Also, make sure there is no water left on the base when placing the kettle on it. If there is any water, wipe it dry to avoid short circuits. After each use, unplug the kettle.

4. Pouring All the Water Out After Boiling

After boiling water, we often pour it into a water jug or thermos for later use. However, you should not pour all the water out of the kettle. It’s better to leave a little water inside.

The reason is that right after the kettle turns off and the base is still hot, pouring out all the water can cause the thermostat relay to dry out, affecting the kettle’s lifespan. It’s better to leave a bit of water in the kettle, discard it the next time you boil water, and clean the kettle. This ensures the longevity of the kettle and prevents it from breaking down too quickly.

5. Rarely Cleaning the Electric Kettle

We should clean the inside of the kettle regularly. If you don’t clean it, a layer of yellowish scale will form over time. Using a kettle like this to boil water can affect the quality of the water and even harm your health. So, cleaning the kettle is essential.

To remove the scale, pour white vinegar into the kettle and add half a cup of water. Then, turn the kettle on to boil the water.

After the water has boiled, leave it for about 10 minutes, then pour out the water. You will notice that the scale at the bottom of the kettle has significantly reduced. Next, wipe it clean, and the scale inside the kettle will be completely removed.

Vinegar helps remove scale because it neutralizes the alkaline properties of the scale with its acidic content, making it easy to clean the inside of the kettle.