Limescale can be an annoying problem to deal with, but one cleaning fan has sworn by one ingredient that’s better than vinegar. Cleaning and home hacks creator Georgia, who goes by Clean with Georgia on TikTok, recently shared how she banishes tough limescale in minutes without the need for intense scrubbing.
Limescale occurs when hard water evaporates or is heated up, which contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. When the water evaporates, the minerals left behind as a hard, chalky deposit, primarily calcium and magnesium carbonate. Over time this builds up even more to leave unsightly chalk in various nooks and crannies.
Georgia’s go-to ingredient is citric acid, which can also be found in ingredients such as lemons. The cleaning fan instructed to add two tablespoons of citric acid into the kettle, add enough water, and then leave to boil.
Once boiled, allow the water in the kettle to stand for 15 minutes. Georgia promises that the limescale build-up will be gone.
Make sure to give the kettle a thorough rinse when pouring away the limescale deposits.
Citric acid works as a natural descaling agent, helping to dissolve mineral deposits and limescale build-up. It’s a good alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and offers several benefits, including its ability to disinfect.
Citric acid removes limescale by reacting with calcium carbonate, the main component of limescale, and dissolving it. This reaction then produces water and carbon dioxide, effectively breaking down the limescale and mineral deposits.
Citric acid is a natural, relatively weak acid, making it a good option for cleaning various surfaces, including kettles, coffee machines, and showerheads. However it should not be used on surfaces and items made from glass.
Good Housekeeping’s Katie Mortram put citric acid to good use all around her house, testing out its versatility. She wrote: “After a long day’s cleaning, I was converted. Citric acid has so many uses all over the home, especially when it comes to limescale removal. It’s a handy general surface cleaner, cutting through soap scum as well as grease with ease.
“Stainless steel sinks and appliances were shining by the time I finished, needing just a couple of scrubs to remove watermarks. The only surface I won’t be using citric acid on again is glass, where you want to avoid smudges and smears.”