Cleaning the house with citric acid

Limescale remover and degreaser. Excellent for cleaning windows. And for making washing machine detergents.

di |
DIY detergents with citric acid
Few natural ingredients are as useful for household cleaning ascitric acidPresent in many fruits (but also in milk and wine, although in smaller doses), and in particular in citrus fruits, this acidic substance has ideal qualities against limescale and also as a degreaser. For this reason it is well used to clean bathroom fixtures, and also floors and glass.
The citric acid It's a natural ingredient, very suitable for DIY detergents because it dissolves limescale, neutralizes odors, and is a good substitute for many commercial chemical products. In a simple way and without spending money on detergents, itcitric acid It is present in lemon juice and citrus fruit juice in general, but also, in smaller quantities, in milk, mushrooms and wine. Among its main qualities, the most important, for household cleaning purposes, is that of being a perfect natural limescale remover. 

If you want to make an excellent spray to clean your bathroom fixtures , get a container with a spray bottle and inside it add 25 grams of citric acid , 210 ml of distilled water, 5 ml of dish soap and 5/10 drops of essential oil in your favourite fragrance: mix well and you're done.

 

You can use citric acid , in spray form, on faucets, showers, toilets and bathroom fixtures.

With this procedure:

  1. Spray the solution.
  2. Leave to act for 5–15 minutes.
  3. Rub with a sponge or cloth.
  4. Rinse well.

For cleaning the toilet, instead:

  • Pour about half a glass of concentrated solution into the cup.
  • Leave it to act for a few hours (even overnight).
  • Brush and rinse.

Floor cleaner

Citric acid can be used to clean some floors, especially to remove limescale residue, mineral stains, grease stains and light dirt , but it should be used with caution because it is an acidic substance.

For ordinary cleaning the solution is this:

  • citric acid in 1 liter of warm water (about 5% solution)

Mix well until the powder is completely dissolved.

And it's used like this:

  1. Sweep the floor first, or vacuum it.
  2. Pour the solution into the mop bucket (possibly adding more water if you want a more delicate concentration).
  3. Wash the floor as usual.
  4. Let it dry or wipe with a dry cloth to avoid streaks.
The citric acid It is particularly suitable for porcelain stoneware, ceramic and treated terracotta floors.

Cleaning the dishwasher

 

Cleaning your dishwasher with citric acid is a simple method to help remove limescale, mineral residue, and unpleasant odors . It's especially useful if you have hard water.

Necessary

  • 100–150 g of citric acid in powder
  • Dishwasher completely empty

Method

  1. Empty the dishwasher and remove any food residue from the filter.
  2. Clean the filter under running water (use a used toothbrush if necessary).
  3. Pour 100–150 g of citric acid directly on the bottom of the tub or in the detergent drawer.
  4. Start a high temperature vacuum cycle (preferably 60°C or above).
  5. At the end of the cycle, leave the door ajar to let the inside dry.

Cleaning the washing machine

Cleaning your washing machine with citric acid helps dissolve limescale, detergent residue, and unpleasant odors . It's a maintenance treatment; it doesn't replace cleaning the filter or seals.

Necessary

  • 150–200 g of citric acid in powder
  • Empty washing machine

Method

  1. Empty the basket completely.
  2. Versa 150–200 g of citric acid directly into the basket, or in the detergent drawer.
  3. Start a empty washing at high temperatures, between 60 and 90 degrees. 
  4. At the end of the cycle, leave the door open to let the drum dry.

Glass cleaning

On glass, citric acid is useful for removing limescale stains, water residue, and cloudiness , but it doesn't dissolve grease and grime well (such as oily fingerprints or kitchen grime). For those, you'll need a degreasing cleaner.

To clean glass with citric acid you can prepare a delicate solution:

Solution for glass and shower enclosures

  • 20–30 g of citric acid in 1 liter of water (approximately 2–3% solution)
  • Put the mixture in a spray bottle.
At this point proceed as follows:
  1. Shake the spray bottle before use.
  2. Spray a small amount of product on the glass.
  3. Let it work 1–2 minutes (do not let it dry).
  4. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or squeegee.
  5. Dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks.

Solution for stainless steel

Citric acid is suitable for cleaning stainless steel, especially for removing limescale, water stains and streaks.

For ordinary cleaning:

  • citric acid in 1 liter of warm water (5% solution)

Put the solution in a spray bottle.

Then proceed as follows:

  1. First remove any dust or residue with a damp cloth.
  2. Spray the solution on the steel or apply it with a microfiber cloth.
  3. Let it work 1–3 minutes (don't let it dry).
  4. Wipe with a soft cloth following the lines, if visible. steel grain.
  5. Rinse with a clean damp cloth.
  6. Dry thoroughly with a microfibre cloth: this prevents new streaks.

Read also:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste