How to Clean Your Home Naturally with Citric Acid

The fragrant smell of lemon is commonly associated with cleanliness, and there is a good reason for this. Lemons contain citric acid, which is an ingredient in many of the commercial cleaning products you might already be using in your home.

Rather than introducing harsh chemicals in these commercial products into your home as well, you can take advantage of the cleaning power of citric acid as a natural cleaner. What are citric acid uses for housecleaning?

What Is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is an organic acid that can be used independently as a cleaner or in combination with other natural ingredients for extra cleaning power. Some of these ingredients are baking soda and white vinegar.

You can purchase citric acid in a crystal formula or as a liquid. As far back as the ancient Egyptians, it has been used as a cleaner due to its time-tested abilities to tackle tough messes, and it is safe and effective to use in your home.

Why It’s an Effective Natural Cleaner

While this is a mild acid, citric acid has many beneficial cleaning properties. For example, citric acid can extract minerals from stains, which lifts or lightens the stains. It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. However, be aware that it is not strong enough to be a registered fungicide or disinfectant.

Benefits of Using Citric Acid for Cleaning

As a natural acid, you can take advantage of citric acid’s cleaning and brightening power without introducing harsh chemicals into your home.

In addition, it can safely be combined with baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and whitening agent. Vinegar has antimicrobial properties and is recognized as a strong household cleaner. In addition to combining with these natural cleaning products, citric acid adds a pleasant, lemony scent to give your home a fresh smell.

Household Problems You Can Solve with Citric Acid

Citric acid can damage some surfaces, such as natural stone or the finish on wood flooring. Before using it, you should ensure that it is suitable for the specific cleaning job at hand. These are some of the ways to clean your home with citric acid.

Descale Coffee Makers and Kettles

Citric can break down natural minerals, such as those found in hard water and limescale deposits.

To clean your coffee maker with citric acid, run a few cycles of citric acid through the coffee maker without minimal dilution. Then, run several additional cycles to rinse out the citric acid and minerals. To clean a stovetop kettle, boil a combination of citric acid and water in the pot. Then, rinse it clean. For added power, add vinegar to the solution as well.

Unclog and Deodorize Drains

Drains are a gathering place for body oils, grease, hair, bacteria and other elements. These gradually form a clog that emits odors and backs up the drain. Citric acid is effective at breaking down the clog so that it can effectively wash through the drain.

First, pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain. Let the drain sit undisturbed for several minutes. Then, pour liquid citric acid down the drain slowly. You may need to repeat this process several times to deal with stubborn clogs and odors.

Boost Laundry Detergent

Citric acid can brighten white clothes, lift some types of stains and soften your clothes. Before using citric acid in your washing machine, read your owner’s manual.

In addition, avoid using it on colored clothing or using too much citric acid. Fill the washing machine basin with water. Then, add up to two tablespoons of citric acid. Swirl the water around. You can then place your clothes in the washing machine and wash as usual.

Remove Soap Scum and Limescale

Soap scum and limescale in bathrooms creates a hazy film on showers and tubs.

To remove the grime, make a paste using baking soda and citric acid. Dip a small brush in the paste, and use it to scrub the dirty areas. Rinse it clean with cool water or wipe the paste off with a damp microfiber cloth.

Clean Grout and Remove Mold

Citric acid weakens mold spores and whitens mold stains. Spray the acid directly on the mold. After several minutes, scrub the mold off. To clean grout, use a paste made with baking soda and lemon juice. Scrub the grout lines using a toothbrush. Remember to rinse off the citric acid after cleaning.

Eliminate Garbage Disposal Odors

Citric acid is effective at stripping away gunk that accumulates on the walls and blade in your garbage disposal.

The easiest way to do this is by slicing a lemon in sections and running the sections through the garbage disposal. You can easily do this on a weekly basis to keep odors at bay.

Are you looking for an easier way to maintain a clean, healthy living space for your family? Our Boston professional cleaners are available to give your home a floor-to-ceiling cleaning using our green cleaning methods. Contact us today to schedule maid service for your home.