Here’s the cool part: the World Health Organization says a rolling boil for just one minute is enough to kill the bad guys—bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. That’s it. One minute.
But wait, if you’re hanging out above 6,500 feet in elevation (hello, mountain dwellers!), let it roll for three minutes instead. Water boils at a lower temperature up there, so the bugs need a little extra dance time in the heat.
Why Is This Even That Interesting?
Think about it: your kettle is basically a microbe death-metal concert happening on your counter. At 212°F (100°C), you’re giving those germs a one-way ticket to melt city.
It’s kind of wild that a simple rolling bubble show can turn questionable tap water into a sterile buddy—no lab coat required. You’ve got more power in your kitchen than you probably realize.