Limescale is almost guaranteed to develop inside your kettle the more you use it, whether you own an electric or stovetop one.
These white calcium deposits inside the kettle are both unsightly and unsavoury – if neglected for long, they can be destructive.
Limescale is an old-age inconvenience that is unlikely to be done away with any time soon.
It may not harm you directly but will ensure that you replace your kettle repeatedly.
While the use of white vinegar is a common cleaning suggestion for removing kettle limescale, many are put off by the smell it leaves behind.
Instead, cleaning enthusiasts may have found a product that “works faster” leaving absolutely no odour behind.
Taking to the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page, one woman asked what to use to descale her work kettle with.
Jo Besant wrote: “So this is the kettle at my work, they won’t buy a new one. Any ideas where to start, please?! I’d like to have a cup of tea!”
While some group members suggested the use of white vinegar overnight to lift the hard water stains, a quicker option was suggested – citric acid.
Anna Walker said: “Citric acid is natural and no chemicals. Just mix with a bit of water and put it on to boil.
“It’s like very concentrated lemon juice. I usually leave it for about 10 minutes. I have hard water here and it is a lifesaver.”
Maxine Taoka wrote: “Citric acid is a descaler and works wonders on kettles. I work in a lab, and we use it for our industrial water still and our kettle in the office.
“You can buy boxes of it in B&Q, and I’m sure I’ve seen it in Poundland too. Boil the kettle, add half a box and it dissolves all the limescale in 10 minutes.
“Stuff a bit of kitchen roll soaked in the solution for the spout. Remove the filter and chuck it in the main kettle as it works.”
Jess Holmes said: “Citric acid is what I use on my kettle and it works a treat. Would recommend using two tablespoons. Don’t like the smell of vinegar.”
Dan Moore claimed: “I’ve found citric acid works faster than actual lemons and white vinegar.”
After giving citric acid a go on her work kettle covered in limescale, Jo said: “It’s amazing – put water in the kettle just above where the limescale stops, boiled it then added three tablespoons of citric acid and let it sit for eight minutes, then rinsed – no scrubbing required.”
Citric acid can be picked up from B&Q for £2.25 and is currently on sale for just £1.83 from Natural Collection.
Alternatively, households can purchase a specialised kitchen descaler like Oust Decaler which retails for £4.46 on Amazon. Customers in the comments mention it’s exceptionally effective, good value for money, and gets rid of limescale, however, opinions are mixed on smell.
