Please use the following steps to clean your Stagg EKG:
• Prior to cleaning, be sure the base is unplugged and the kettle has cooled completely. Empty any remaining water from the kettle.
• Wash the inside of the kettle with soapy water and rinse. NEVER SUBMERGE THE KETTLE IN WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS.
• Do not place in a dishwasher. Neither base nor kettle is dishwasher safe and both include electrical components that could become damaged.
• Wipe the exterior of the kettle and base with a damp cloth or sponge and allow it to dry. Do not use abrasive soaps, cleansers, or scouring pads on any part of the kettle as it may damage the finish.
Calcium, Limescale, and Rust
Over time, the kettle may heat up but won’t boil; this may be due to scaling and mineral deposits that can build up inside the kettle. If you notice a stain on the bottom of your kettle's interior that resembles rust, don't worry. It's likely not rust, but a harmless buildup of minerals called limescale (comprised of mainly calcium carbonate). Limescale is a direct result of heating up water and thus inevitable in all kettles. Depending on the mineral concentration in your water, it will show up sooner or later.
To get rid of limescale, mix a 1-to-1 solution of water and white vinegar (250 mL of each) and pour it into your kettle. Let it sit overnight and in the morning, heat your kettle to a boil for 5 minutes (turn the hold switch off if it's on) and let sit for at least another half-hour. Afterwards, rinse out the kettle with fresh water to get rid of residual vinegar. If you notice lingering traces of vinegar, fill your kettle and add a tablespoon of baking soda before heating again. Baking soda does a good job of neutralizing the scent of vinegar and will also help remove stubborn limescale stains.
If limescale stains remain after this process, citric acid is a more powerful, and safe, alternative to vinegar and should remove any residual limescale.
Caution: Scrubbing the bottom of your kettle with steel wool or an abrasive brush will ultimately make limescale worse and could also result in the development of rust. Please use a sponge or soft brush to clean the inside of your kettle.