You’ve probably heard of the power of lemons for cleaning in the home. The cleaning-magic in the lemon is citric acid - something you can buy in crystalline form to add to your natural cleaning kit.
Citric acid has many uses around the home. It helps with stains and gently whitening surfaces, while also acting as a disinfectant against a range of bacteria and viruses. It’s also used in pickling, cooking, and DIY personal care products like bath bombs and soaps.
Add citric acid to your natural cleaning kit!
What is Citric Acid?
Citric acid is a weak acid naturally found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit. Other fruits like pineapples, strawberries and raspberries also contain citric acid, though smaller amounts.
You canbuy citric acid on its own in the form of a white, odourless crystal powder. This kind of citric acid is made through a mould-based fermentation process. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, antibacterial, antifungal and good for dealing with mould and mildew.
Uses for Citric Acid
Citric acid is a versatile natural cleaner. It’s well known for being great at removing hard water stains, scale and soap scum.
You can use it for:
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Toilet cleaning and stain removal
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Kitchen and bathroom surfaces
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Glass, mirrors and windows
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Sanitising wooden chopping boards and utensils
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Descaling kettles, coffee machines, taps and showers etc.
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Cleaning soap scum in the bathroom
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Deep cleaning dishwashers and washing machines
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Oven cleaner
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Microwave deodoriser
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Stain remover for ceramic and plastic containers
Other uses include:
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Flavouring – adds a tart, sour flavour to foods such as jams, canned fruit, cheeses and fruit drinks.
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Food preservative – helps prevent spoilage in some foods by preventing the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus.
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Skin care – added to DIY recipes for its astringent, exfoliant and anti-oxidant properties.
How to Use Citric Acid for Cleaning Your Home
General tips for using citric acid when cleaning:
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Since citric acid comes in crystalline form, you’ll often need to dissolve it in hot water to make a solution.
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Make small batches and don’t store in metal containers.
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Citric acid can irritate the skin, so it’s recommended to wear gloves when using.
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Ensure good ventilation in the room when using citric acid to clean, and avoid breathing in.
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Do not mix with bleach or washing soda.
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Store safely away from children and pets.
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Avoid using on marble, stone, brass, enamel and aluminium as the acid can cause damage.
Citric Acid Cleaning Recipes
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Surface Spray & Glass Cleaner |
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in 500ml of hot water. Add solution to a spray bottle and use as a surface cleaner or on windows and glass. Avoid using on marble and stone surfaces. |
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Toilet Cleaner |
Sprinkle 1 heaped tablespoon of citric acid in the toilet bowl. Leave overnight. In the morning, give the bowl a good scrub with a plastic-free toilet brush and then flush. Good for regular cleaning and stain removal. To speed up the process, pour boiling water on the inside surfaces of your toilet bowl before sprinkling the citric acid. |
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Kettle / Coffee Machine Descaler |
Fill your kettle half way and add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid. Bring to the boil. Rinse and boil once more before using the kettle again. Use the first bit of boiling water (with the citric acid in it) to descale taps, shower heads or irons. |
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Tap and Shower Head Cleaner |
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 litre of hot water. Either soak your items in the solution if removable, or use the solution as a spray. Use an old toothbrush to scrub. Rinse clean. Avoid using on brass, aluminium and enamel. |
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Container Cleaner and Stain Remover |
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in 500ml of warm water. Spray onto stained plastic, glass or ceramic containers. Leave for 15 minutes, then scrub if necessary. Rinse clean. |
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Fabric Softener |
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in 500ml of warm water. Then add 3 tablespoons of this solution to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. Wash clothes as normal with your favouritenatural laundry liquid or powder. |
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Microwave Cleaner and Deodoriser |
Place 500ml of water and 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a large microwave-safe bowl. Run the microwave for a few minutes until the water is boiling. Keep the door closed for 5 minutes to let the steam do its work. Then open up, and wipe clean with warm water. |
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Dishwasher Refresher and Descaler |
Add citric acid to the detergent compartment and run a cycle on the hottest setting. Alternatively, place a container of 500ml of water and 2 tablespoons of citric acid on the top drawer of the dishwasher and run on the hottest cycle. Wipe down the doors and seals afterwards to remove any grime build up. |
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Washing Machine Refresher and Drum Descaler |
Add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to your laundry detergent compartment. Run on the hottest cycle. When complete, wipe down doors and seals to remove any build up of grime. |
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Chopping Board and Wooden Utensil Cleaner |
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in 500ml of hot water and spray onto your wooden chopping boards or utensils. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse clean. |
Where to Buy Citric Acid in Perth
We sellbulk refills of citric acid at our store in Vic Park. Simply bring your own container to Urban Revolution and get as much or as little as you need. Need it shipped? We also offer50g packs of citric acid Australia-wide.
Also Read: What is Sodium Percarbonate? + How to Use It
Resources and Further Reading:
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Clean Green by Jen Chillingsworth
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