£1.80 household drink ‘doubles as an effective Limescale remover’

Cola isn’t just for drinking – it can also be an effective home remedy for removing limescale from kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures…

Plumbworld, the bathroom and kitchen expert, has explained why cola works as a £1.80 solution for tackling limescale. The procedure involves applying cola to affected areas in your bathroom or kitchen, making it a simple and affordable option for regular maintenance.

Why Cola Works for Limescale

The key reason cola is effective at removing limescale lies in its phosphoric acid content. Phosphoric acid is commonly used in descaling and cleaning products because it reacts with calcium carbonate, the main component of limescale, and dissolves it. While cola isn’t as strong as commercial descalers, it contains enough phosphoric acid to handle light to moderate limescale build-up, making it a viable, low-cost solution.

Additionally, cola is widely available and inexpensive, making it a convenient choice for quick fixes. While it may not replace dedicated limescale removal products for more severe build-ups, it’s a handy remedy for regular maintenance and light cleaning.

For Kettles and Coffee Machines

Cola works well in appliances like kettles and coffee machines, which are prone to limescale build-up due to frequent exposure to hard water. The process is simple and effective:

• Step 1: Pour enough cola into the kettle or coffee machine to fill it about halfway. The amount you need depends on the size of the appliance. Cola contains phosphoric acid, which reacts with calcium carbonate (the main component of limescale) to dissolve it over time.
• Step 2: Let the cola sit inside the appliance for at least an hour. The acid needs time to break down the build-up. If the limescale is particularly stubborn, leaving it overnight can yield even better results.
• Step 3: After letting it sit, run the appliance (boil the kettle or run a coffee brewing cycle) to allow the cola to move through the internal components. This helps to dislodge any remaining deposits.
• Step 4: Once the cola has done its job, pour it out and rinse the appliance thoroughly with clean water. It’s crucial to get rid of any residual cola, as it can leave a sticky residue. Boil fresh water or run clean water through the machine a couple of times to ensure it’s completely clean.

Using cola in this way is not only easy but can also extend the life of your appliances by keeping them free from limescale build-up.

For Taps and Showerheads

Taps and showerheads are other common areas where limescale builds up, especially in homes with hard water. The phosphoric acid in cola can be a powerful ally in dissolving this build-up and restoring the shine of your fixtures.

• Step 1: To target limescale on taps, showerheads, or other small fixtures, pour some cola into a bowl or cup. Soak a cloth or sponge in the cola so it’s thoroughly saturated.
• Step 2: Wrap the cola-soaked cloth around the affected area of the tap or showerhead. Ensure the cloth is in full contact with the limescale, as the acid needs direct exposure to work effectively. For showerheads, you can also submerge the head directly in a bowl of cola if it’s detachable.
• Step 3: Leave the cloth or submersion in place for about 30 minutes to an hour. This gives the phosphoric acid enough time to start dissolving the limescale. For more severe cases, you may need to leave the cola on for longer.
• Step 4: After soaking, use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the area. By this point, the limescale should be significantly loosened, and scrubbing will help lift off any remaining deposits.
• Step 5: Rinse the tap or showerhead thoroughly with water to remove any cola residue. It’s important to ensure that no sticky residue is left behind. A quick wipe with a clean cloth will also help restore the shine to your fixtures.

By using cola in this way, you can maintain a sparkling, limescale-free appearance on your bathroom and kitchen fixtures without the need for harsh chemicals.

For Toilets

Toilets are notorious for limescale build-up, particularly around the waterline where mineral deposits accumulate over time. Cola can help here too, providing an effective, natural solution.

• Step 1: Pour an entire can or bottle of cola directly into the toilet bowl, making sure to pour it around the inner rim where limescale tends to be most concentrated. The phosphoric acid will begin reacting with the calcium deposits, softening and dissolving the limescale.
• Step 2: Leave the cola to sit in the toilet bowl for at least an hour. If the limescale is particularly thick, you can leave it overnight.
• Step 3: After the cola has soaked for a sufficient time, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, focusing on the areas where limescale build-up is heaviest. The cola should have softened the deposits enough to make them easy to scrub away.

• Step 4: Once you’ve finished scrubbing, flush the toilet to wash away the cola and the limescale. You should notice a much cleaner bowl, free from unsightly build-up.