Say goodbye to stubborn kettle limescale without affecting the taste of your beloved brews or morning cups of coffee. Plus, it works in less than minutes and requires minimal efffort
Are your brews or morning cup of coffee tasting a little tangy lately?
Those living in hard water areas will understand the perpetual struggle of trying to keep limescale off their taps, shower heads, and kettles. Over time, the minerals in our water – such as calcium and magnesium – can build-up, creating a chalky residue on our appliances that looks unsightly and can reduce their efficiency.
While limescale isn’t dangerous to your health, it can leave your beloved brews and caffeinated beverages with a slightly sour and bitter taste. Luckily, there is a ‘life-saving’ hack to banish the stubborn build-up without ruining your cuppas. Taking to the popular Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group, one woman named Jo posted a picture of her work’s limescale-riddle kettle, explaining that the company refuses to purchase a new appliance. “Any ideas where to start, please?’ she captioned the post. “I’d like to have a cup of tea!”
While some users were quick to hail white vinegar for its anti-limescale properties, many argued the natural cleaner leaves your kettle smelling a bit like a fish and chip shop. Instead, a slew of cleaning enthusiasts recommended using citric acid. “Citric acid is natural and has no chemicals,” one member raved. “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.”
Another agreed, commenting: “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,” while a third added: “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.”
Jo ended up trying the hack and was thrilled with the results. According to reports, she posted an update stating: “It’s amazing – put water in the kettle just above where the limescale stops, boil it then add three tablespoons of citric acid and let it sit for eight minutes, then rinse – no scrubbing required.” Citric acid is a natural compound often used in professional cleaning. Unlike lemons and white vinegar, it is odourless and much more potent. You can pick a box up from a slew of retailers including B&Q, where a 250g pouch will set you back £2.25.
What’s your top cleaning hack? Let us know in the comments section below
