Limescale, that pesky mineral deposit primarily made up of calcium carbonate with its tell-tale chalky appearance, is a notorious culprit for reducing the efficiency of household appliances, particularly kettles. It’s most commonly found in hard water areas and loves to attach itself to heating elements inside kettles, causing them to expend more energy and take longer to heat up water.
Even kettles designed with concealed elements can’t escape limescale, as it forms at the base, dragging down the time it takes to boil water. Jo Besant, exasperated with her workplace’s refusal to swap out their scale-ridden kettle, took to the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group to share her triumph.
She uploaded before and after snaps of what is now a spotless kettle, extolling the virtues of citric acid for its quick limescale-dissolving capabilities: “So this is the kettle at my work, they won’t buy a new one.
“Before and after pics – citric acid is defo a winner. Limescale disappeared in under two minutes. The kettle boils so much faster now.”
Many have turned to citric acid powder for a cost-effective, potent, and user-friendly option. The process simply involves boiling a mix of water and a few tablespoons of this powder followed by thorough rinsing of the kettle, reports the Express.
Fellow Mrs Hinch enthusiast Maxine Taoka concurred with Jo’s assessment, remarking: “Citric acid works wonders on kettles.”
A user has shared a handy tip for descaling kettles using citric acid, a product found in stores like Wilko and Poundland. “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 Wilko, and I’m sure I’ve seen it in Poundland too,” they explained.
“Boil the kettle, add half a box and it dissolves all the limescale in 15 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.”
Anna Witowska concurred with this method’s effectiveness: “Citric acid – natural and no chemicals. Works better than anything I’ve tried.”
Bethany Hickman also recommended this approach: “Add a little citric acid and some water and boil. It comes up brand new. Worked a treat for my glass kettle.”