Limescale is a harmless chalky substance that builds up over time in kettles and can ruin the taste of your favourite hot beverages until thoroughly cleaned away.
The biggest issue with limescale is that it can shorten the lifetimes of kettles as it can damage the element, which means it takes more power and time to boil water.
While limescale is not harmful, it only takes minutes to completely clean away and is best done regularly to help save energy, therefore saving money on household bills.
Wendy Graham, a sustainability expert, has urged people not to let limescale “ruin a perfectly good cup of tea” and you can get rid of limescale using ingredients you likely already have in the kitchen.
On her website Moral Fibres, Wendy said: “It’s really easy to descale your kettle. You can buy expensive and chemically dubious kettle descalers. However, I say save your money and use these natural yet effective methods to descale your kettle:”
READ MORE: Get rid of limescale when vinegar won’t work – cleaners share ‘miracle cleaner’
How to Descale A Kettle With Citric Acid
Citric Acid is the acid found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes, and is one of the most effective ways to descale a kettle.
Wendy said: “Citric acid is, I have to say, my preferred method to descale a kettle naturally.”
She added: “It’s an amazing natural cleaning product that packs a mean punch against limescale.
“This is because it’s a highly concentrated fruit acid, and as such citric acid is a key element in my green cleaning arsenal.”
Simply add one tablespoon of citric acid to half a kettle of water, then allow the water to boil.
Leave it to sit for an hour and then pour the water out. Check the kettle of any limescale residue, but it should brush off easily.
Finally, give the kettle a rinse and you should be done.
Wendy said: “Citric acid won’t leave an aftertaste, so there is no need to reboil the kettle again. Less faff equals more time for tea drinking!”
