A Natural Way to Remove Limescale Without Using Vinegar

If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar but still want a natural method to remove limescale from your kettle, there’s good news for you. A popular cleaning expert on social media has just shared a simple yet powerful solution that works like magic.

Limescale not only ruins the taste of your tea or coffee, but it also makes your kettle take longer to boil — wasting both electricity and money. This stubborn buildup forms when minerals in tap water crystallize under heat, turning into a hard, chalky layer that’s extremely difficult to scrub off, no matter how hard you try.

Fortunately, Ffion Bloomfield — a well-known home cleaning and improvement influencer — recently revealed her “super simple” natural trick for removing limescale instantly. In her post on Instagram @blooms_abode, Ffion demonstrated a cleaning method that doesn’t rely on vinegar. Instead, she uses citric acid — a natural, odor-free alternative that delivers even better results in less time.

While vinegar is an effective descaling ingredient, it often requires several minutes or even hours to completely dissolve thick layers of buildup. Citric acid, on the other hand, works much faster. Thanks to its low pH level and strong acidity, it effectively breaks down mineral deposits, rust, and other stubborn residues without leaving behind a lingering smell.

In her caption, Ffion wrote:

“When was the last time you cleaned the inside of your kettle? Here’s a super quick way to get rid of all that limescale buildup — no scrubbing needed!”

How to Do It

1. Add one tablespoon of citric acid into your kettle.

2. Fill it halfway with water.

3. Bring the water to a boil.

4. Pour the hot solution out and rinse the kettle thoroughly with clean water.

The result? Your kettle will look sparkling clean and completely free from limescale — instantly.

To make the most of the solution and save water, you can pour the still-warm citric acid mixture into your toilet bowl to remove mineral stains there as well. It’s an eco-friendly double use that leaves your bathroom fresh and spotless.

If a few traces of limescale remain, simply wipe them off gently with a soft sponge — no harsh scrubbing needed.

Beyond kettles, citric acid is also a fantastic alternative to vinegar when making DIY cleaning sprays, especially for people who dislike vinegar’s strong scent. It’s highly effective for removing soap scum, water spots, and mineral stains on shower doors, faucets, and tiles.

How to Make a Citric Acid Cleaning Spray

1. Mix 500 ml of hot water with three tablespoons of citric acid.

2. Stir until the crystals dissolve completely, then pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

3. (Optional) Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil — such as lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus — for a pleasant fragrance and an extra antibacterial boost.

Spray the mixture on glass surfaces, bathroom fixtures, or kitchen counters, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe clean. You’ll be amazed at how shiny and fresh everything looks — all without using harsh chemicals or that unmistakable vinegar smell.

Citric acid proves that natural cleaning doesn’t have to be messy, smelly, or complicated. With just a few minutes and simple ingredients, you can keep your home sparkling clean, naturally.