LifestyleStruggling with limescale? Citric acid can be an inexpensive and effective solution

Struggling with limescale? Citric acid can be an inexpensive and effective solution

Removing stone with citric acid is very simple.
Removing stone with citric acid is very simple.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

8:03 PM EST, January 18, 2024

Limescale on the sink and elsewhere in the bathroom and toilet is a common problem. It's difficult to sidestep, as it's caused by hard water. Achieving a thorough and complete limescale removal seems almost miraculous for many people. Often, even high-priced chemical products don't yield the desired results.

Want to remove limescale? Try citric acid

Homemade remedies for removing limescale are not only highly effective but also economical. Citric acid is the top choice in this regard. Using it is a breeze - simply sprinkle it on the area covered in limescale, and after about 30 minutes, wash it off. You can also create a cleaning paste. To concoct it, all you need is a small bag of citric acid (around five teaspoons) and a splash of water, added until the mixture achieves a thick paste-like consistency. Spread this on the sink, sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and wipe dry.

Limescale can also be eliminated using baking soda, a common household item. The usage process is similar to that of citric acid - sprinkle, let it sit, then rinse or use it as a component of the cleaning paste. Instead of water, vinegar may also be used - in this case, mix 1/3 of a cup of water with a cup of vinegar. This renders a slightly thinner consistency, but the efficacy remains the same.

Useful beyond the kitchen: Citric acid's versatile cleaning applications

Citric acid proves useful beyond limescale removal in bathrooms in many other household areas. If you're dealing with limescale in a kettle, simply add two teaspoons of citric acid and a little water, bring it to a boil, and rinse. Since citric acid is a food-grade product, it poses no safety concerns.

Citric acid also eliminates coffee and tea stains from mugs and cups. Mix two teaspoons of the powder with approximately 3.4 ounces of water and clean your ceramics with the resulting solution. You can safely use it to clean silverware, cutlery, and even tarnished jewelry - for such items, only one teaspoon is needed for around 3.4-5.1 ounces of water.

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