Kettle limescale will disappear with unusual ingredient that 'easily' breaks it down

By Phoebe Cornish, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

Kettle limescale will disappear with unusual ingredient that 'easily' breaks it down (Image: Getty)

Keeping your kettle clean ensures limescale-free water and maintains the appliance's efficiency, saving you from unnecessary energy wastage.

White vinegar, known for its acidic properties, is famous for combating limescale, a common waste product that can be repurposed for the same purpose.

The staple condiment contains diluted acetic acid, which reacts with calcium carbonate (limescale), causing it to fizz and break down the mineral residue. The same ingredient can be found in a jar of gherkins.

Dean Davies, a cleaning supervisor at Fantastic Services, suggests gherkin water as an unconventional yet effective method for tackling limescale in kettles.

"The citric acid found in the marinate easily breaks down limescale deposits, leaving you with a squeaky-clean and ready-to-use kettle," he said.

Kettle limescale will seep into your hot drinks if left uncleaned (Image: Getty)

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While it may leave a stronger smell than alternatives like lime juice, it offers a zero-waste solution, meaning you don't have to pour the flavourful liquid down the drain once the gherkins are gone.

Dean explained the process: "The scheme is as simple as: boil the device full of pickle-water and set aside to cool down. Finally, rinse thoroughly."

In addition to pickle juice, coca-cola is another surprising household item that can combat limescale, particularly in kettles. Dean explained that just 500ml of the fizzy drink is needed to create a natural cleansing agent.

For the best results, let the cola sit in the kettle for about half an hour to dissolve the limescale - but avoid boiling the liquid.

"Never, ever boil Coca Cola in your kettle—the soft drink contains copious amounts of sugar which, once the water evaporates, might stick on the vessel's walls", warned Dean.

Whatever the tool you call upon to clean your kettle, it's important to rinse it thoroughly afterwards. Otherwise, you risk leaving the chalky deposits settled at the bottom of the kettle and a lingering taste of gherkin juice, white vinegar, or cola.