Contrary to popular belief, citric acid and lemon juice are different when it comes to cleaning. Citric acid is a concentrated acid compound, while lemon juice contains citric acid along with other molecules. However, they do work similarly when it comes to cleaning, but citric acid can be purchased in powder form for as little as £1. There are many jobs you can complete around the home using this powder, including cleaning toilets, washing machines, and the microwave.
It can also be added to laundry to help soften it instead of fabric softener, as well as naturally whitening it.
## 8 Ways to Use Citric Acid for a Sparkling Clean Home
1. Toilets:
According to Purdy&Figg, a natural cleaning brand, citric acid can be used to tackle a deep toilet clean. Leave it as a powder for its first deep clean, pour a bucket of warm water down the toilet to prepare it. This will help to loosen the limescale at the bottom of the bowl. Once it has cooled slightly, pour the citric acid in to help further dislodge any limescale stains. Simply scrub away and leave it for a few minutes before flushing the toilet to unveil a super clean bowl.
2. Washing Machines:
Citric acid is great for tackling hard water stains, rust, soap scum, and detergent build-up. LG recommends bringing a pan of water to a boil before taking it off the heat and dissolving 100g of citric acid into it. Add the warm solution directly to the drum of the washing machine and pour a little into the tray. Run the machine on a hot wash without any clothes, making sure to never use it undiluted.
3. Wooden Chopping Boards:
Citric acid has antibacterial qualities which help to kill lingering bacteria, such as that found in wooden chopping boards and utensils. After washing with washing up liquid, coat the surface with some citric acid and allow it to work for five to ten minutes before rinsing it with hot water.
4. Add to Your Laundry:
Dissolve between one to six tablespoons of citric acid in some water and add this to the detergent compartment of your washing machine. Citric acid has a bleaching effect which means it should only be used with white laundry.
5. Glass Cleaner:
When mixed with water, citric acid has the power to tackle grime on windows without leaving any scratches. Simply add two to three tablespoons of the powder to two pints of water and add to a spray bottle. Use this to clean grubby windows before wiping clean with a microfibre cloth.
6. Stainless Steel:
Using the same concoction as for windows, simply spray the mixture onto stainless steel sinks and taps and leave it to soak. The mixture can help tackle mould and limescale, which is ideal for use on all stainless steel including showers. Wipe clean with a dry cloth before rinsing with water and wiping dry again.
7. Kettles:
As mentioned, citric acid is great for tackling limescale which often builds up in appliances such as kettles. Combine one tablespoon of lemon juice or citric acid with a half-filled kettle and bring to a boil. Let the mixture sit for around 20 minutes before rinsing and refilling it with fresh water.
8. Microwaves:
Microwaves are swarming with germs and leftover food particles, all of which can be tackled with citric acid. What’s more, the homemade solution can tackle any odours which may be lingering in the appliance. Simply place two cups of water and two tablespoons of the powder into a microwaveable container or bowl. Set the microwave to heat for two minutes before taking the bowl out and wiping around the appliance with a cloth.
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