How to Use Citric Acid for Cleaning: 6 Effective Ways

6 Effective Ways to Use Citric Acid for Cleaning

Here are six effective ways you can use citric acid for cleaning various areas of your home:

1. Descaling Appliances for Optimal Performance

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One of the most common uses of citric acid in the home is for descaling appliances that come into contact with water, such as kettles, coffee makers, and steam irons.

Over time, hard water leads to limescale buildup inside these devices, which can reduce their efficiency, shorten their lifespan, and even affect the taste of your coffee or tea. Learning how to use citric acid for descaling can save you money on repairs and replacements.

To clean these appliances, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid powder in a liter of water. Pour the mixture into the water reservoir of the appliance and run it through a full cycle. For kettles, boil the solution; for coffee makers, run the solution as you would when making a pot of coffee.

After the cycle, discard the solution, refill the appliance with clean water, and run another cycle to rinse away any residual citric acid. This method not only removes existing limescale but also helps prevent future buildup, keeping your appliances running smoothly and efficiently for longer.

Related: How to Clean Metal: Effective Methods and Tips for Sparkling Results

2. Cleaning and Deodorizing Dishwashers and Washing Machines

Dishwashers and washing machines are essential for keeping your home clean, but they can also accumulate soap scum, hard water deposits, and unpleasant odors over time. Citric acid is an excellent solution for removing these buildups and keeping your appliances fresh and odor-free.

To clean a dishwasher using citric acid, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid powder on the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run it through a hot cycle. The citric acid will break down soap residue, hard water stains, and food particles that can clog the machine and cause unpleasant smells.

Similarly, for cleaning a washing machine, add 3-4 tablespoons of citric acid directly to the drum and run a hot wash cycle without any clothes. This deep-cleaning process eliminates residue and refreshes the machine, ensuring that your appliances remain effective and smell clean.

By using citric acid regularly, you can prolong the life of these appliances and ensure they perform optimally.

3. Tackling Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains in the Bathroom

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Bathrooms are notoriously difficult to keep clean, especially when it comes to soap scum, water spots, and limescale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and tiles. Citric acid offers a powerful, all-natural solution to these common cleaning challenges.

To remove soap scum and water stains, mix a paste by combining citric acid powder with a small amount of water until it forms a thick consistency. Apply this paste to areas with buildup—such as your faucets, showerheads, and tiles—and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

The citric acid breaks down stubborn soap scum, mineral deposits, and hard water stains, making them much easier to scrub away. Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub the area and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This method is gentle on surfaces but tough on grime, leaving your bathroom sparkling clean.

For more delicate areas like shower doors or glass surfaces, you can dilute the citric acid in water to create a less abrasive cleaner that still packs enough punch to remove buildup.

Related: How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom Naturally: 6 Effective Methods

4. Crystal-Clear Glass and Mirrors with Citric Acid

Citric acid can be an excellent solution for those struggling with streaky, smudged windows and mirrors. Its natural acidic properties cut through grease, grime, and dust, leaving your glass surfaces crystal clear without the need for commercial cleaners that may contain toxic ingredients.

To create a citric acid glass cleaner, dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid powder in a cup of warm water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto glass surfaces, such as mirrors, windows, or glass tables, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

The microfiber cloth will help prevent streaks, leaving you with a crystal-clear finish. This natural cleaner is highly effective at removing fingerprints, smudges, and even light grime without the harsh fumes of chemical-based cleaners.

5. Brightening Whites and Softening Fabrics in the Laundry

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If your white clothes or linens have started to look dull or gray, citric acid can help restore their brightness while also softening fabrics. Its ability to break down mineral deposits and detergent residue makes it a fantastic laundry booster.

To whiten clothes with citric acid, simply add ¼ cup of citric acid powder directly into the washing machine drum along with your usual detergent. The citric acid will dissolve hard water deposits that cause clothes to lose their brightness and help lift stubborn stains.

As a bonus, it also softens fabrics, leaving them feeling fresher and more comfortable without the need for chemical fabric softeners. Citric acid is especially effective on whites, but it can be used on color-safe fabrics as well.

6. Deep-Cleaning Tiles and Grout to Remove Dirt and Mold

Grimy tiles and discolored grout can make your kitchen or bathroom look dirty, even when you clean regularly. Mold, mildew, and dirt often collect in grout lines, making them hard to clean with regular household cleaners. Citric acid is an excellent alternative, thanks to its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

To clean tile and grout with citric acid, dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid powder in a bucket of warm water. Use a sponge or brush to apply the solution directly onto the grout and tiles. For stubborn areas, you may want to let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

The citric acid breaks down grime, mold, and dirt, making it easier to clean. After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue, and you’ll see a noticeable difference in the cleanliness and brightness of your tiles and grout.