7 genius ways to clean with citric acid
When I talk about green household cleaners, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda will most likely come to mind. But we’re not restricted to these two; in fact, there are other green cleaners that have just as many uses around the home and, in some cases, provide better results.
With a name like citric acid, this alternative green cleaner might unnerve you at first. But it’s a popular acidic household solution that’s been around for centuries – it was first isolated from lemon juice back in the late 18th century. But how do you clean with citric acid? We’ve rounded up 7 uses around the home so you can take full advantage.
What is citric acid?
Before we get into the uses, we should break down exactly what citric acid is. Derived from citrus fruits, this powder offers the same, but concentrated, cleaning power. It’s acidic, which makes it handy for removing limescale, and it has bleaching properties, too. In fact, it’s often recommended as a suitable replacement for distilled white vinegar.
But there are differences between the two. Dr Joanna Buckley, education coordinator at the Royal Society of Chemistry, says: ‘Citric acid and vinegar are the active ingredients in many household cleaning products, and both are effective. Vinegar has a pH of somewhere between 2 and 3, making it a strong acid – the lower the pH, the stronger the acid. The pH of citric acid, such as that found in citrus fruits, is slightly higher, so it’s a slightly weaker acid. Therefore, there’s marginally less risk it will damage fragile surfaces, with the added bonus that your house will smell zesty and not of a chip shop!”
However, citric acid is still corrosive, so you can’t use it on every surface. Just as there are 7 places you should never clean with vinegar, you shouldn’t use citric acid on natural stone or wooden floors or surfaces. Aluminium isn’t suitable, either.
In addition to household cleaning, citric acid can also be used in cooking, for flavouring and food preservation. However, you should always check whether the brand you choose is suitable for use in cooking beforehand. Dri-Pak is a popular brand, but it is not packed on a ‘food safe’ line, so it should only be used for cleaning purposes.
While citric acid is relatively safe to use, it’s recommended that you wear gloves as you clean with citric acid, to protect your skin. You should also wear eye protection and a face mask to prevent yourself from breathing it in.
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7 ways to clean with citric acid
1. Cleaning countertops and surfaces
Just as with distilled white vinegar, you can dilute citric acid to create a surface cleaner. Simply mix 2 ½ tablespoons of citric acid with 500ml warm water in an empty spray bottle, shake to combine and use it to spritz laminate, plastic and stainless steel counters around the home.
Just remember, it’s a corrosive solution, so don’t use it on any natural stone or wooden surfaces.
2. Descale your kettle
Vinegar is a well-known kettle descaler and citric acid can be just as handy. Start by filling your kettle to half capacity, then switch it on to heat it up. Switch it off before it boils; you’re aiming for a lukewarm temperature.
Unplug your kettle, then carefully add 2 tablespoons of citric acid to the mix and leave it to work its magic for 15-20 minutes (be sure to leave a note so no one uses it during this time!) Empty out the solution and boil a fresh batch of water to remove any traces.
3. Brighten whites
If your whites are looking a little grey and you don’t have lemons to hand, citric acid can come to the rescue here, too. Simply combine three tablespoons of citric acid with about four litres of warm water and stir to dissolve. Then soak your clothes overnight and machine-wash the next day. This can help to pre-treat any stains at the same time, too.
Just don’t use citric acid on your colours, as it will dull them.
4. Cloudy glassware
Use citric acid to restore your misty, limescale-prone glassware. Simply fill the detergent dispenser in your dishwasher with citric acid, then run it on a normal wash cycle with no detergent and your glassware placed on the upper rack. The glasses should be restored once it’s finished, and there’s the added bonus that it descales your dishwasher at the same time.
5. Clean your toilet
To remove hidden limescale in your toilet, simply tip a bucket of hot water into the toilet, then add a cup of citric acid. Leave it to dissolve and work its magic for at least an hour – ideally overnight – then flush away the next day.
6. Mirrors and windows
Make your mirrors and windows sparkle as if you’ve used white vinegar, but without the smell! Simply make up the surface cleaning solution mentioned above and spritz it over your mirrors and windows, then wipe them clean from top to bottom in a circular motion with a glass microfibre cleaning cloth. If limescale is a problem, leave it to work for a couple of minutes before wiping away.
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7. Microwaves
Lemons are a well-known solution for cleaning grimy microwaves, and citric acid is no different! Grab a microwave-safe bowl and mix 2 tablespoons of citric acid with 500ml hot water. Stir to dissolve, then heat in the microwave until the inside is covered with steam. Leave the door closed for 5-10 minutes then, once it’s cooled, you can wipe away any residue with a soft cloth. When the solution has cooled sufficiently, you can also use that to wipe the microwave down.
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