Whether you're using an electric kettle, glass kettle, or stainless steel kettle, cleaning and descaling follow the same simple steps. To clean and descale a kettle: Fill the kettle with equal parts water and vinegar. Boil the solution and allow it to sit in the kettle for about 1 hour. Empty the kettle and rinse it thoroughly with water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the interior and exterior of the kettle. For stubborn scale buildup, scrub with a mixture of water and baking soda. Rinse the kettle again with water to remove any remaining vinegar or baking soda residue. Your kettle is now clean and descaled.