If you have discoloured stains at the bottom of your kettle, then it is likely limescale (Image: Getty)
If you notice some hard, crusty stains at the bottom of your kettle, then it is likely limescale, and it can be cleaned away in 15 minutes if you use the right product.
, also known as hard water deposits, is a discoloured stain made up of minerals left over when water evaporates, and over time, they will build up on a surface.
It is important to with limescale as soon as you spot it. It can damage the heating element on your kettle and make it take longer to boil water, which can add to your energy bills.
Limescale is harmless but should also be removed. It has a horrible bitter taste and will spoil a cup of tea or coffee if you use your limescale-ridden kettle to make it.
Holly Brook, an expert from the hardware store , has shared there is a fast way to dissolve kettle limescale – all you need is citric acid.
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The best way to clean a kettle is with citric acid which naturally comes from lemons (Image: Getty)
She 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.”
How does it work?
Limescale can be tricky to get rid of. It is a hard crystalline substance that binds itself to a surface, and if left alone, it will continue to harden and become even more difficult to clean.
To remove limescale, you need an acidic item that can dissolve the minerals in limescale, which is why citric acid is so effective.
Citric acid is a weak organic acid which will break down limescale without having to scrub the kettle and is safe to use in kettles without damaging the metal material.
Holly added: “Citric acid is an acid found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. It is non-toxic and naturally sourced.
“For cleaning purposes, citric acid is an excellent natural descaler. Perfect for kettles, washing machines, dishwashers and even toilets!”
Your kettle will be clean and stain-free in just 15 minutes (Image: Getty)
Lemon juice contains citric acid, so you can use it to clean a kettle if you wish. A stronger crystallised version can be found in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets.
How to use citric acid to remove kettle limescale
To begin, fill the kettle halfway with water and then add one to two tablespoons of citric acid.
Boil the kettle and then leave it alone for at least 15 minutes. You need to give the citric acid time to break down the limescale minerals.
Once the time is up, pour the boiled water down the sink, and the limescale should mostly be gone.
Use a clean cloth to wipe any leftover limescale, and rinse the kettle with tap water to remove any citric acid.
Your kettle should now be sparkling clean, limescale-free and ready to make a cup of tea.