Using citric acid as a natural alternative for home cleaning
What is citric acid?
It is an organic acid with a low pH, yet acidic enough to descale persistent alkaline substances. When used, it penetrates and dissolves minerals, fats, and other substances, making them water-soluble.
Citric acid is very effective in removing rust and limescale stains, and it's also an excellent polisher for stainless steel, ceramics, glass, etc., without scratching surfaces.
It has a dual function as it is both a degreaser and a disinfectant, and it is also a non-toxic and ecological alternative because it is biodegradable.
Here are some examples of how and where to use them.
Cleaning dishwashers with residue
As we have told you several times before, citric acid is a very versatile product with multiple uses for cleaning and disinfecting our home.
To remove dirt and accumulated residue in the dishwasher (and if you live in areas where the water is hard and causes detergents not to dissolve well and accumulate residue) that can become a breeding ground for bacteria and bad odors, add two teaspoons of citric acid and one of baking soda and run a hot water cycle.
Unclogging washing machine dirt
Another very common problem, especially in areas where water is hard or very hard, is that the washing machine has clogged dirt and we don't know how to fix it ourselves. Here's a quick and easy trick to help you solve it.
Put two teaspoons of citric acid together with one of baking soda in an empty hot water cycle once a month. This should be enough to keep clogs in your washing machine at bay.
As a fabric softener
Mix 10g of citric acid with 100ml of warm water and pour the mixture into the fabric softener compartment.
Ecological carpet cleaner
Mix 90g of citric acid with one liter of warm water, transfer it to a spray bottle, spray onto the carpet and scrub with a stiff brush or vacuum.
How to remove limescale from faucets/sinks?
To clean them, simply mix two tablespoons of citric acid in half a liter of warm water and mix well. Transfer to a spray bottle and spray on faucets, sinks, etc. Let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping with a cloth.
Another natural and sustainable way to remove limescale from faucets and showerheads is to use lemons and rub their juice to make them sparkling clean and shiny.
You can also unscrew the faucet and immerse it in cleaning vinegar, then rinse it well to descale it.
For coffee makers with limescale
Fill the coffee maker with water up to where the stains end, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of citric acid and boil. Then, rinse and check. If any stains remain, repeat the process.
It is important to rinse very well with water afterward.
How to clean hard water stains from the toilet?
To remove these unsightly stains, we use the same mixture as for faucets. We spray it on the toilet bowl every time it is cleaned to keep those stains at bay.
Disinfection of household surfaces
Citric acid is a powerful antimicrobial, making it very useful for cleaning kitchen countertops, tables, or other surfaces where we prepare food or eat.
We will mix a few tablespoons with warm water and atomize the surfaces, then wipe with a cloth to remove any residue that may remain.
Polishing stainless steel equipment and surfaces
Simply spray a little citric acid cleaner and wipe with a cloth to make it shiny.
Deep cleaning oven racks
Soak the oven rack in hot water and citric acid for 1 hour, then scrub with a loofah or copper scourer.
Descaling a water heater
Add 275g of citric acid to the cold water inlet, let it sink to the bottom and dissolve, then heat the water and let the acid work its magic for 6-8 hours, then completely drain the tank.
Cleaning the bottom of pots and pans
Pour water into the base of the pot/pan along with two tablespoons of citric acid, heat until it boils and... the dirt will come off.
_______________________________________________________________________
Mixing instructions for spraying:
Mix one part citric acid with two parts warm water (preferably distilled) in a non-metallic container and stir with a wooden spoon to avoid any reaction with the metal, then pour into spray bottles.
You can add lavender or tea tree essential oil for additional antibacterial properties.
And if there's a stubborn stain, you can also add baking soda.
Precautions before use:
Store in a dry place, away from heat and humidity
Always mix with warm water to ensure complete dissolution
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Read instructions beforehand
Avoid contact with eyes as it causes eye irritation
Do not ingest
Do not mix acid with bleach
Do not mix with sodium percarbonate or carbonate
We are not responsible for improper use or undesirable effects (we advise you to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first)
