Kettles are essential appliances, especially in tea-loving nations like Britain. However, regular use can lead to limescale buildup, a chalky white substance that can affect the kettle’s heating element. While harmless, limescale can reduce the efficiency of your kettle and ultimately require a replacement.
Cleaning the bottom of a kettle can be tedious, but luckily, Lynsey Crombie, the Queen of Clean, offers a simple and effective solution. She suggests using lemon to effortlessly remove limescale without harsh scrubbing. In an Instagram post, Lynsey explained that lemon’s citric acid effectively dissolves calcium, the main component of limescale. The heat from the boiling water further helps loosen the limescale from the kettle’s walls.
To descale your kettle, simply place half a lemon in a half-full kettle of boiled water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterwards, pour out the water, dispose of the lemon, and thoroughly rinse the kettle with cold water.
While white vinegar is also acidic and can be used for descaling, it’s not recommended as it can leave a lingering bitter taste that may take time to dissipate. Lemons, on the other hand, are a natural and safe way to clean your kettle without leaving behind any unwanted residues.
Beyond kettles, lemons are a versatile cleaning agent. They can also be used to wash dishes, as their citric acid effectively cuts through grease and food buildup. Lynsey suggests adding a lemon to your dishwasher to clean it naturally and leave a fresh scent.
The effectiveness of lemon as a descaler has garnered praise from many individuals who have adopted this method. Users on Lynsey’s Instagram post shared their positive experiences, highlighting the natural and efficient approach to cleaning their kettles.
So, next time you’re battling limescale in your kettle, remember this simple and effective cleaning solution. A lemon, a few minutes, and a clean kettle – it’s as easy as that!
