How to remove the smell of plastic from a new electric kettle by additionally disinfecting and deodorizing it?

When you turn on a new electric kettle for the first time, you often hear an unpleasant chemical smell. If the product is of high quality, it quickly disappears if the instructions for use are followed. If not, you can treat it with folk or special remedies that can remove the smell of plastic from the kettle. The electrical appliance is rubbed with coffee grounds, a solution of citric acid is boiled, vanillin and activated carbon are used. You will find all the most effective recipes below.

Why does my new kettle smell like plastic?

Today the market is overflowing with electric kettles made of all kinds of materials: stainless steel, plastic, glass, ceramics and various combinations. Often people choose stainless steel, believing that it is the most reliable and safe, and certainly “will not stink.” Unfortunately, most models emit a plastic smell.

The reason is simple - an electric kettle smells like plastic because it contains plastic parts. The lid and handle of the device are made of a lightweight material called carbolite (bakelite).

This type of plastic heats up slightly and cools quickly, is resistant to temperatures up to +300 degrees, does not burn, does not melt. The basis of carbolite is phenol-formaldehyde resin, which, in turn, consists of phenol and formaldehyde - highly toxic substances. If the manufacturing technology is followed, the plastic in the electric kettle does not pose a health hazard.

A new device can “smell” for two reasons:

• A slight plastic smell is considered normal. Components of dyes, oils and plasticizers remain on the material. Manufacturers recommend boiling water in a new electric kettle twice, draining it, and only then using it for its intended purpose.
• A strong, pungent, corrosive chemical smell from a new electric kettle indicates the use of low-quality and cheap plastic. When heated, it can intensify many times over. Operating such a device may be harmful to health.

10 folk remedies to get rid of the smell of plastic in a teapot

If the electric kettle is new, then there is every chance to get rid of the unpleasant smell of plastic by simply boiling it. The rules for the first activation are described in the instructions.

Necessary:

1. Fill the device with water to the top line.
2. Close the lid.
3. Boil the water.
4. Drain the boiling water.
5. Repeat the procedure 1-2 more times.

In cases where the standard method does not help, folk remedies are used. They are, to varying degrees, capable of destroying, absorbing and masking unpleasant odors.

The most popular are 10 products that are always at hand:

• table vinegar;
• coffee;
• lemon acid;
• soda;
• vodka;
• sparkling water;
• bread crusts;
• newspapers;
• Activated carbon;
• citruses.

Vinegar

9% table vinegar works well to remove the smell of plastic. Need to:

1. Wash the electric kettle well with detergent.
2. Fill with 9% vinegar and close the lid.
3. Leave overnight.
4. Pour the vinegar into an empty container. It can be reused for cleaning the house.
5. Wash the kettle again with detergent.
6. Rinse with clean water.
7. Dry.

Lemon acid

A solution of citric acid helps get rid of plastic odors, mustiness, and plaque. Need to:

1. Fill the kettle with water to the “MAX” mark.
2. Pour in 15-30 g of citric acid (1-2 tablespoons).
3. Boil.
4. Wait 12 hours. Do not open the lid.
5. Bring the solution to a boil again.
6. After cooling, drain the liquid, rinse the product and wipe dry.

Soda powder

Baking soda is an inexpensive and time-tested assistant in the fight against chemical odors. Necessary:

1. Mix soda powder with warm water in a ratio of 1:2.
2. Stir thoroughly.
3. Rub the electric kettle inside and outside with the resulting slurry.
4. Leave for 10 hours.
5. Wash with tap water.

Citrus

Lemons, tangerines, oranges, grapefruits - any citrus fruit will do to neutralize the smell of plastic from a new electric kettle.

You can use them in different ways:

• Squeeze the juice from citrus fruits, wipe the walls and inside of the lid of the electric kettle. Fill with water and boil. After the liquid has cooled, rinse.
• Cut 1 lemon or orange into thin slices (including the peel). Place inside the electric kettle. Add water to the top mark. Boil. Leave overnight. In the morning, pour out the broth and wash the device.
• Remove the zest from 1 kg of citrus fruits.Mix with 1 liter of cold water. Boil in an electric kettle. The broth will be very fragrant. You need to leave it for 12 hours with the lid closed, then drain it, and wash and dry the kettle.

Coffee grounds

Coffee lovers can remove the plastic smell from the electric kettle and additionally deodorize it with their favorite drink. Need to:

1. Brew a strong drink from 3 tbsp. spoons of ground natural coffee and 150 ml of water.
2. Rub coffee grounds onto the inside of the appliance.
3. Place the kettle in the freezer for a day.
4. Rinse with cold water.

Vanillin

The spice helps to eliminate the slight smell of plastic from a new electric kettle. Need to:

1. Fill the kettle with water to the top line.
2. Add a packet of vanillin.
3. Stir.
4. Boil water.
5. Leave the aromatic liquid in the kettle for 3-4 hours.
6. Rinse with tap water.
7. Wipe the device with a paper towel.

Activated carbon

Inexpensive activated carbon tablets absorb not only toxic substances, but also unpleasant odors.

You can remove them from a new electric kettle as follows:

1. Remove 10-15 activated carbon tablets from the packaging.
2. Place inside the kettle.
3. Close the lid.
4. Wrap the device tightly with cling film.
5. Wait a day.
6. Remove the film and take out the tablets.
7. Pour water into the kettle and boil.
8. After the water has cooled, rinse.

Vodka

Using vodka, you can remove any remaining dyes and other substances from the electric kettle. The smell of plastic will also disappear with them. You should:

1. Pour 100 grams of vodka into the kettle. Rubbing alcohol diluted half and half with water will also work.
2. Close the lid and hold the spout with your palm.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Blot a clean cloth with vodka.
5. Wipe the outside of the plastic parts.
6. Rinse with clean water.
7. Wipe dry with a paper towel.

Rye bread

Dark rye bread absorbs all unpleasant odors like a sponge. It is best to use dry crusts. Necessary:

1. Fill the electric kettle with small slices of rye bread.
2. Close the lid.
3. Leave overnight.
4. In the morning, take out the bread.
5. Rinse the kettle and use it for its intended purpose.

Newsprint

If there is an old unnecessary newspaper in the house, consider that the smell of plastic from a cheap kettle is over. Necessary:

1. Tear or thoroughly wash the newspaper sheets.
2. Wet the inside of the electric kettle (rinse with water).
3. Pack tightly with newsprint.
4. Close.
5. Wait 4-5 hours.
6. Rinse with baking soda.

Soda

Carbonated water such as Sprite and Coca-Cola are good for cleaning dishes and utensils from plastic odors. Cleaning should be carried out as follows:

1. Pour 1 liter of soda into the kettle.
2. Boil.
3. Leave overnight.
4. In the morning, drain the drink and rinse the container with warm water.

Special remedies for the smell of plastic in the kettle

The electric kettle does not have a strong plastic smell. At least one that does not disappear after boiling two or three times. Therefore, manufacturers of cleaning products do not produce special preparations. But there are universal store-bought products aimed at eliminating unpleasant odors - these are the so-called neutralizers and absorbers.

Important! To eliminate plastic odors, only non-toxic products can be used.

You should choose universal neutralizers that can be used to clean household appliances and dishes. Examples of special tools:

• Topperr odor absorber for refrigerator. It is a capsule with holes filled with gel granules. Approximate cost: 250 rubles.You can put it in a teapot and leave it for a day.

• Odor remover TRASH BUSTER has neutralizing and disinfecting properties. Can be used on any surface. Available in spray and detergent form. The price for a 500 ml spray is 420 rubles.

• Universal odor eliminator spray OdorGone removes any odors at the molecular level, including it is effective against chemicals. Leaves no traces after processing. The cost of a 500 ml bottle is 600 rubles and more.

Questions and answers

Which electric kettles do not emit a plastic smell?

Electric kettles from well-known companies Bosch, Tefal and Philips contain high-quality and safe plastic parts. The devices do not smell, are durable and reliable. But they cost much more than Chinese models - from 2000 rubles and more.

Is it possible to return a kettle to the store if it smells like plastic?

Most often not. According to the Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, only a defective kettle or a kettle of inadequate quality, manufactured in violation of the specifications, can be returned to the store. According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 924 dated November 10, 2011, you cannot return a working electric kettle to the store. In addition, it cannot be exchanged for another similar product, as it is a technically complex product.

The only opportunity to return a kettle with a strong plastic smell is for those who purchased it remotely. Government Decree No. 2463 dated December 31, 2020 states that an electric kettle purchased remotely can be returned provided that the consumer qualities and presentation of the equipment are preserved. To return, it is advisable to have documents confirming the fact and terms of purchase.If the consumer has signed upon delivery of the goods, the kettle can be returned within 1 week, and if there is no receipt, within 1 month.

An unpleasant plastic smell from an electric kettle is a common problem. This can usually be easily resolved by simply boiling water. Cheap Chinese teapots may require more procedures. Folk remedies and special store-bought preparations will help speed up the process. Until then, it is not advisable to use the device.