In Indian kitchens, oil kettles or small containers are used on a daily basis for cooking purposes. While pouring oil, a few drops frequently spill onto the outer surface of the kettle. Over time, dust and dirt settle on these oil droplets, making the entire utensil look sticky and unhygienic. Cleaning such a kettle can be quite challenging, especially when it is full of oil. However, certain simple home remedies can effortlessly dissolve and eliminate this sticky residue.
Using Baking Soda and Lemon
Baking soda and lemon make an excellent combination for cleaning an oily kettle. To start this process, take some baking soda in a bowl and mix half a lemon juice into it to form a thick paste. Apply this prepared paste thoroughly onto the sticky and dirty areas on the outside of the kettle. Leave this mixture applied on the vessel for about 5 minutes so it can break down the grease. Afterward, scrub the bottle well using a squeezed lemon peel or a sponge, and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This method easily removes stubborn oil and accumulated grime.
The White Vinegar and Warm Water Method
If baking soda is not available, a second effective method involves white vinegar, warm water, and dishwashing liquid. Take a large container filled with warm water, and mix a little white vinegar and dishwashing liquid into it. Empty the oil bottle completely and let it soak inside this solution for approximately 15 minutes. Following this, clean the bottle gently using a sponge and wash it thoroughly with water. This eliminates all the grease effortlessly.
Simple Warm Water and Dishwash Solution
If neither vinegar nor baking soda is available at home, you can still reduce the stickiness using just warm water and liquid dishwash. Take a large vessel filled with lukewarm water and mix a small amount of dishwash liquid into it. After emptying the kettle, submerge it in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, clean the bottle with a sponge or scrubber and rinse it well with clean water to restore its shine.
Important Precautions During Cleaning
While home remedies make it simple to clean grease and dirt from oil containers, certain precautions must be kept in mind. Avoid using excessively boiling or very hot water while cleaning the kettle, especially if it is made of steel. After cleaning, ensure the kettle is completely dried before using it again, as lingering moisture attracts dust and dirt much faster.
