Many Americans use Brita filter kettles as part of their water filtration system. Filtering limescale, lead, chlorine, and other contaminants from your water using a Brita filter can improve the taste of your hot beverages. However, it is important to clean your Brita Filter kettle to ensure optimum filtration and great tasting water.
To clean your Brita filter kettle, open the lid and gently remove the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge should be rinsed with warm distilled water, while the kettle is cleaned with warm, soapy water. Wipe the outside of the kettle with a damp cloth and reassemble the kettle by gently returning the filter cartridge in the kettle and closing the lid. The kettle should be filled, boiled and the water discarded at least once prior to use after cleaning.
This article will take you through how to clean a Brita filter kettle, including the Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards Brita kettles, as well as how to descale a Brita filter kettle, how long a Brita filter kettle lasts, and whether you can use a Brita kettle without a filter.
How to clean a Brita Filter Kettle
There are different types of Brita filter kettles, with each requiring a slightly different method of disassembly and cleaning.
Although for all Brita filter kettles, it is important to unplug the kettle and gently remove the filter prior to cleaning.
Keep reading below for instructions on how to clean your specific Brita filter kettle.
How to clean the Russell Hobbs Brita kettle
STEP ONE: Disassembling
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before handling your Brita filter – this will help prevent contamination.
- Begin disassembly by opening the lid by pressing the lid release button.
- Remove the filter cartridge by clasping the top of it with one hand and dragging it up and out with the other.
- Pull upwards and raise the rim and lid assembly off the kettle with your fingertips inside the kettle (under the lid hinge).
- Lift the funnel out of the kettle and remove it from the kettle.
Note: To avoid any electrical dangers remember to unplug the unit from the electrical outlet/socket before cleaning.
STEP TWO: Cleaning
- Slide the Brita filter up and out of the guides on either side of the spout to clean it.
- Rinse the filter in warm, clean water – distilled water is ideal, but cooled boiled water can also be used.
- Allow the filter cartridge to dry thoroughly.
- Do not wipe the filter cartridge, either during cleaning or drying.
- Rinse the kettle to remove any limescale particles that may have deposited inside.
- Wipe the funnel’s surfaces, body and stand clean using a warm soapy cloth, making sure no water gets into the appliance or the stand while you are doing so.
- Rinse these surfaces with a clean (non-soapy), moist cloth.
STEP THREE: Reassembling
- Replace the funnel and filter cartridge after cleaning by sliding the filter down into the guides.
- As you do that, the tab at the top of the spout filter should face the back of the kettle.
- Place the bottom of the filter in the groove at the spout’s bottom (inside the kettle).
- Slide it down into the filter housing’s guides. Double check that it is firmly attached.
- Close the lid.
Note: Before turning the kettle back on, double-check that the lid is completely closed; otherwise, it may not turn off. Ensure all connectors and sockets are dry and do not submerge the kettle or stand in water.
How to clean the Morphy Richards Brita kettle
STEP ONE: Disassembling
- Before disassembling or cleaning the Brita, be sure the plug is unplugged and the kettle is cool. To minimise the risk of contamination, make sure you wash your hands in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Remove the kettle from the power connector and press the lid release button to open the lid.
- Once the lid is open, remove the filter cartridge by dipping your hand in the kettle. Be sure to do that by holding the kettle’s handle.
- Remove the packaging from all other filter cartridges.
STEP TWO: Cleaning
- Rinse your Brita filter by with clean distilled water, or cooled boiled water, and allow to thoroughly dry before reassembling it for the next usage.
- Clean the inside of your Morphy Richards’s Brita kettle with warm soapy water, rinse and then wipe the inner surfaces with a clean cloth.
- Clean the outside of the kettle with a warm soapy cloth, and then rinse by wiping with a clean (non-soapy) cloth or sponge.
- Using a wet cloth, wipe the outer half of the funnel. Don’t forget the body, stand, and handle.
- Please ensure that no water goes into the appliance through the spout or into the stand while you wipe it with a damp cloth.
STEP THREE: Reassembling
- Once everything is clean and you have ensure it is dry you can reassemble your filter kettle.
- Replace everything, including the filter cartridge. Push the filter cartridge firmly into the BRITA Hopper before gently pushing it down the kettle.
- Make sure the Brita filter is securely installed.
- Put the lid back on.
- If you wish to test your kettle after cleaning it, fill it with water but do not pour it down the spout or beyond the max line. Place it on the cordless base and turn it on and off with the on/off switch. If reassembled correctly, the kettle will turn off automatically once the water is boiled.
Note: To avoid mishaps and the destruction of your kettle, please also read and follow all of the directions in your user manual.
How to descale a Brita Filter kettle
Limescale is a hard, chalky coating that forms within kettles and is primarily composed of calcium carbonate.
When you notice a hard, chalky coating on the inside of your filter kettle, it is time to descale it. Although the scale is not hazardous, it does alter the flavor of water and makes your kettle less efficient hence shortening its lifespan.
There are two ways to descale your Brita filter kettle:
- Using natural ingredients
- Using chemical descalers
Descaling using natural ingredients.
Descaling using natural ingredients is simple and inexpensive. It is also the most recommended method for filter kettle descaling. There are two primary alternatives to choose from when cleaning your kettle with everyday household items made from natural ingredients.
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
For vinegar:
- Remove the Brita filter cartridge from your kettle.
- Fill your kettle halfway with white vinegar and halfway with water, and soak overnight.
- In the morning, the limescale will easily peel or flake off.
- Before using the kettle, give it a thorough cleaning with warm, soapy water. Then fill and boil once, discarding the batch of water as you do so.
- Allow the kettle to cool completely before rinsing and re-boiling the kettle to ensure there is no aftertaste, as this method of descaling can make your Brita filter smell.
- Re-install the Brita filter cartridge in your kettle.
For lemon:
- Remove the Brita filter cartridge from your kettle.
- Place 30ml/1oz lemon juice and 500ml/17oz water into your kettle. Wait for at least 1 hour of standing time before bringing the liquid to a boil.
- Discard the lemon and water mixture.
- Wash the interior of the kettle with warm soapy water, before rinsing with clean water.
- Fill the kettle and boil the water at least three times, discarding each batch of water as you do so.
- Re-install the Brita filter cartridge in your kettle.
- Allow the kettle to cool completely before rinsing and re-boiling the kettle to ensure there is no aftertaste, as this method of descaling can make your Brita filter smell.
Note: Make sure the kettle is turned off and that no one unintentionally uses it while it is still steeped in lemon or vinegar.
- After descaling, clean the outside of the kettle with an antibacterial multi-purpose cleaner and a moist cloth.
Descaling using chemical/commercial descalers.
A wide range of descaling products is available in stores. Some are made for metal kettles, while others are made for plastic kettles. These descalers include Calsolve multipurpose descaler and Quickshine kettle descaler sachets and are found in stores and also on Amazon. Always confirm if they are compatible with your appliance before purchasing.
In general, chemical descalers are harmless to the environment, and your kettle. They are usually simple to use and are very effective. For example:
- To use Quickshine descaler bags, just boil the kettle, add one of the three descaler bags, and wait for it to fizz before rinsing.
- As for CalSolve’s descaler simply fill your kettle with water, bring it to a boil, then add two teaspoons of it and let the solution bubble for 30 minutes before bringing it back to a boil. Empty, rinse, and repeat until your kettle’s interior is clean.
However, these descalers do have the drawback of imparting their own flavor to your water (not a nice one) and are more expensive than natural solutions. For this reason, rinse your kettle with a lot of clean water after cleaning it with commercial descalers.
How long does a Brita filter last in a kettle?
Brita Maxtra and Brita Maxtra+ filters should be replaced every four weeks (or 100L) in a Brita Filter kettle. Brita Maxtra and Maxtra+ are the only filters that should be used in a Brita filter kettle. An electronic reminder is installed with each filter to remind the user to replace it.
Each week, a bar will vanish to reveal the cartridge’s remaining life. All four bars will disappear after four weeks, at which point the cartridge needs to be replaced immediately.
How long a Brita filter will last in a Brita filter kettle is also dependent on the quality of the treated water and the amount of water consumed. The recommended four weeks is based on hard water – water high in calcium and magnesium ions, so you may find your filter can last longer if you live in an area without hard water.
If you think you do not use 100L of boiled water in 4 weeks, then another option is to calculate how often you should replace your filter by tracking how much water you drink per day.
However, your water is no longer filtered if you do not change the filter in your Brita filter kettle. So it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can you use a Brita kettle without a filter?
A Brita Filter Kettle will still operate (boil water) if used without a filter. However, using a Brita Kettle without a filter can result in the kettle not immediately switching off, and hot water spitting from the funnel. Your hot water will also be unfiltered, defeating the purpose of the Brita filter kettle.
The Brita kettle’s filter serves various purposes, including improving the taste and appearance of water and beverages. These features not only benefit the user but also make the kettle last longer. If you use the Brita kettle without a filter, you risk contaminating your drinks and jeopardizing the kettle’s durability by spilling water and failing to turn off automatically.
