Common £1 kitchen ingredient removes limescale from kettles in minutes

Limescale is a common problem in kettles, especially around the spout, where mineral build-up is easy to miss. It often shows up as white flakes or a chalky film and can affect both the taste of your tea and how well your kettle works. But there's a quick fix using something many people already have in their kitchen cupboards, and it costs just £1.

Citric acid, a natural ingredient found in citrus fruits, has been hailed as a fast and affordable way to remove stubborn limescale. It works by breaking down the mineral deposits that form when hard water is boiled, especially in areas with high levels of calcium and magnesium in the tap water.

When added to hot water, citric acid reacts with the build-up and dissolves it into particles that are easy to wash away.

Unlike vinegar, it doesn't leave behind a strong smell and is gentle on your kettle's metal or plastic parts.

Kitchen and bathroom experts at Plumbworld say it's particularly useful for cleaning kettle spouts, a spot that many people overlook.

"The kettle spout is often overlooked, but it collects scale quickly, especially if you live in a hard water region. That chalky film you see? It's mineral residue, and it affects both taste and performance," they said.

According to the experts, an estimated 60% of UK homes are in hard water zones, which means regular descaling is important to keep kettles running efficiently.

To use citric acid, boil your kettle with plain water first, then switch it off. Add one to two tablespoons of citric acid powder to the hot water and let it sit for around 15 to 20 minutes.

You can then gently scrub the spout with a soft brush or an old toothbrush if needed.

After pouring the water away, rinse the kettle well and boil fresh water once or twice to remove any leftover residue.

Experts say this simple treatment can be repeated once a month to prevent further build-up, especially if you notice white marks on your taps, sink or glassware at home.

Other quick tips include emptying any unused water after each boil, wiping the spout and rim to remove steam deposits, and using filtered water when possible.

Fresh lemon juice can also be used as an alternative, but it's not as strong or consistent as powdered citric acid, and can cost more over time.

"Limescale doesn't just make your kettle look bad, it reduces heating efficiency, shortens the life of the appliance and affects the taste of your tea," experts at Plumbworld added.

"A £1 citric acid treatment every few weeks is a small step that makes a big difference."