Citric acid, a natural wonder found in citrus fruits, is your new best mate for keeping your home spotless. When it comes to citric acid uses for cleaning, this eco-friendly hero is not only kind to the planet but also incredibly effective for all sorts of household tasks. Dive into our top 10 tips to unlock the full potential of citric acid in your daily cleaning routine. Whether it’s for scrubbing, descaling, or maintenance, citric acid will surprise you with its endless uses.
Keep Your Appliances Sparkling
Freshen Up Your Washing Machine
Is your washing machine feeling a bit under the weather? Time to give it a citric acid boost!
- Mix 150g of citric acid with warm water and pour it directly into the drum.
- Run a hot wash cycle with nothing inside.
- This clever trick banishes limescale and extends your machine’s lifespan.
- Repeat every two months for best results.
Descale Your Kettle
Limescale in your kettle? Not on our watch!
- Fill it halfway with water and add two tablespoons of citric acid.
- Boil, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Say goodbye to limescale and hello to a perfect cuppa.
- For regular maintenance, give it a citric acid treatment every month.
Dishwasher Detox
Citric acid works wonders in your dishwasher too.
- Pour 100g of it into the bottom of your dishwasher and run an empty cycle.
- This nifty trick eliminates limescale and food residues.
- For top performance, do this once a month.
Brighten and Stain-Proof with Citric Acid
Whiten Your Laundry
Citric acid is just the ticket for whiter whites.
- Add two tablespoons to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine and wash as usual.
- This method brightens your whites without harsh chemicals.
- Citric acid naturally softens water, making your clothes feel softer.
- Avoid using it on delicate fabrics like wool.
Remove Rust Stains
Got rust stains on your clothes or metal surfaces? Don’t fret!
- Apply a paste of citric acid and water to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.
- This trick also works wonders on ceramic and enamel surfaces.
- If using on fabrics, always test on a small area first.
- Add a drop of washing-up liquid to the mix for an extra boost.
Household Hacks with Citric Acid
Unclog Your Drains
To keep your drains flowing freely:
- Mix 200g of citric acid with 200g of bicarbonate of soda.
- Pour this mixture down the drain, then follow it up with a litre of boiling water.
- The fizzy reaction clears blockages and banishes odours.
- Repeat every two months to prevent clogs.
Disinfect Surfaces
For a natural surface disinfectant:
- Mix a tablespoon of citric acid in a litre of water.
- Use this solution to clean your kitchen counters, sinks, and taps.
- It’s a gentle yet effective way to kill bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
Citric Acid in the Kitchen and Garden
Make Homemade Preserves
Citric acid is a kitchen must-have, especially for home preserving.
- Add a teaspoon of citric acid per litre of your preserve before sterilising.
- It helps maintain the colour and flavour of your food while keeping bacteria at bay.
- Just be sure to follow proper safety guidelines.
Nurture Your Plants
Did you know citric acid can be a natural fertiliser?
- Mix a teaspoon of citric acid in a litre of water and give your plants a drink once a month.
- It helps balance the soil pH and promotes healthy growth.
- Just be careful not to overdo it—too much acid can harm your plants.
Deodorise Your Fridge
To keep your fridge smelling fresh:
- Clean it with a citric acid solution—mix a tablespoon of citric acid in a litre of warm water and wipe down the shelves and walls.
- This eliminates bad odours and leaves a fresh scent behind.
- For ongoing freshness, repeat monthly.
- Consider placing a small dish of the solution inside the fridge to absorb any lingering smells.
Citric acid is a natural, cost-effective solution that’s a game-changer for home cleaning. With these citric acid uses for cleaning, you’ll not only keep your home in tip-top shape but also simplify your cleaning routine. And if you ever need a helping hand, our pros are ready to assist!
