Limescale is a hard, milky substance that is made up of dissolved minerals in water and begins to build up in areas with heated water. While limescale is harmless to drink it will have a bitter taste and will eventually break down your kettle if it grows over the heating element.
What can be frustrating about limescale is that it can be incredibly difficult to remove once it settles on a surface, as it hardens over time and will not scrub away like dirt or grime. Luckily, Holly Brook, an expert from Brook’s Basics, has shared there is a simple way to completely remove limescale from kettles without having to clean for ages.
Holly said: “Descaling a kettle is really quick and easy. Simply fill it with enough water to cover the heating components in the base, add one tablespoon of citric acid and boil.
“One time should be enough but if the limescale is stubborn you can repeat until it shifts.”
Citric acid is a powerful and natural cleaner which originally comes from the juice in citrus fruits like lemons but a more potent crystallised version can be found in most supermarkets.
The key to getting rid of limescale is an acidic substance as it will quickly dissolve the limescale and break it down to stop it clinging to the bottom of your kettle.
However, citric acid is also very gentle and will clean your kettle without needing to use a descaler product filled with harsh chemicals.
You can also use white vinegar to get rid of limescale if you wish but it has a very strong smell which can linger so you will need to rinse out your kettle thoroughly if you use it.
Citric acid can be bought at Tesco and ASDA for £1.75 but can also be bought at B&Q for £2.25.
How to use citric acid to clean a kettle
All you need to do is fill the kettle halfway, and then also add one heaped tablespoon of citric acid.
Turn the kettle on and let the water boil. It may be best to keep the lid of the kettle open to make sure the solution does not bubble over the top.
Once the kettle has boiled, leave it alone for 10 minutes to give the citric acid time to break down the limescale.
When the time is up simply pour away the water and give the inside of the kettle a quick wipe with a damp cloth so get rid of any remaining residue leftover.
Give the sprout a wipe and rinse the kettle once with cold water, then the limescale should be completely gone.
You may need to add more citric acid and reboil again if you are a particularly stubborn case of limescale, but then your kettle will be sparkling clean without having to scrub it at all.