Do you want to clean your home using citric acid? It’s a great way to get a sparkling clean house without harsh chemicals. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use citric acid for cleaning and provide some tips on how to get the best results. We’ll also provide a recipe for making your own citric acid solution. Let’s get started!
What Is Citric Acid and Where Can You Find It?
Citric acid is a natural citric fruit acid that is found in citrus fruits. It has a sour taste and can be used as a food preservative. Citric acid is also used as a cleaning agent because of its ability to dissolve grease and dirt. It is available in powder or liquid form, and you can find it at most grocery stores or online.
Uses for Citric Acid in the Home
Citric acid can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks in the home. Here are some of the most common citric acid uses:
- To dissolve grease and dirt on surfaces
- As a laundry detergent booster
- As a carpet cleaner to remove stains and spots
- As a bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum and hard water deposits
- As a kitchen cleaner to remove grease and food residues
- As a toilet bowl cleaner
- As a tile grout cleaner
- As a garden weed killer
The great thing about citric acid is that it is non-toxic and biodegradable. It is also safe for use around children and pets.
How to Make a Homemade Citrus Cleaner Using Citric Acid
Here is a recipe for making your own citric acid cleaner:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup citric acid powder
- ½ gallon hot water
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil
- 20 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions:
Mix the citric acid and hot water together in a spray bottle. Add the lemon and orange essential oils and shake well. Use as needed to clean surfaces in your home.
Tips for Cleaning with Citric Acid
Here are some tips for getting the best results when using citric acid for cleaning:
- Always test a small area first to make sure the citric acid cleaner is safe and effective on the surface you are trying to clean.
- Do not use citric acid cleaners on wood surfaces, as they can damage them.
- Be sure to rinse the surface well after using citric acid, as it can leave a residue behind.
- For best results, use a citric acid cleaner in conjunction with another type of cleaner, such as a vinegar or ammonia cleaner.
Clean Your Coffee Pot
Citric acid is a great natural way to clean your coffee pot or tea kettle. Fill the pot with citric acid solution (two tablespoons of citric acid per quart of water) and let it sit for an hour. Then rinse with hot water and scrub with a brush. Your coffee pot will be sparkling clean!
Clean Your Toilet Bowl
Citric acid is a versatile substance that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. For example, you can use citric acid to clean your toilet bowl. Simply pour citric acid into the toilet bowl and let it sit for about an hour. Then, scrub the toilet with a brush and flush it. The citric acid will help to remove any built-up dirt and grime from the toilet bowl.
Clean the Kitchen Counters
You can also use citric acid to clean your kitchen counters. Simply mix citric acid with water to create a cleaning solution, and then wipe down your countertops with a sponge or cloth. The citric acid will efficiently remove any dirt or grease from the counters.
Clean Your Floors
Citric acid can also be used to clean your floors. The only thing you need to do is add a few tablespoons of citric acid to hot water, and then mop your floors with the solution. In addition to removing any dirth from the floors, the citric acid will disinfect the surface.
Clean Your Dishwasher
Since detergents can’t dissolve fully in hard water, soap scum can easily build up in your dishwasher. Not only does this look ugly, but it also serves as a breeding ground for germs and odors. To prevent this, simply add two teaspoons of citric acid and one spoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to your dishwasher before running it on a hot cycle.
Clean Your Windows
Citric acid is also a great solution for hard water stains on your windows. Combine citric acid with water in a spray bottle and use it to clean your windows. Just spray it onto the window, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping it with a paper towel.
Disinfect Surface Areas
It’s important to regularly clean all surface areas to keep your house members healthy. While bleach is a common disinfectant, citric acid can also be used as a cleaner and disinfectant.
Since citric acid is an effective antimicrobial, you can utilize this green cleaner on various surfaces in your house, such as kitchen counters, tables, and other surfaces you use for preparing food.
Don’t Use Citric Acid to Clean These Materials
Although citric acid is a powerful and versatile cleaning agent, there are some things that you should never clean with citric acid. Here are a few:
- Marble or granite countertops—Citric acid can etch the surface of these materials.
- Wood floors—The citric acid can strip the wax finish from the flooring and make it look cloudy. That’s why it’s best to use one of the high-quality hardwood floor cleaning products.
- Brass or copper fixtures—The citric acid can remove the natural patina of these materials and leave them looking dull.
If you are unsure about whether or not you should clean something with citric acid, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not use it.
Conclusion
Citric acid is a refreshing and all-natural way to kill germs in your home. It’s also been scientifically proven to be safe for both you and your family. If you want to take some extra steps towards protecting our environment, especially marine life, try citric acid to clean your home.
FAQ
Is citric acid good for cleaning?
Yes, citric acid is a great cleaner. It can be used to clean hard surfaces, such as floors and countertops, and it can also be used to clean dishes and glasses.
Is citric acid better than vinegar for cleaning?
Some people believe citric acid is better than vinegar for cleaning because it doesn’t leave a sour smell behind. However, citric acid can also be more expensive than vinegar.
Can you mix citric acid and bleach?
No, it is not recommended to mix citric acid and bleach. The two chemicals can create a dangerous gas.
Can I mix citric acid and baking soda?
Yes, citric acid and baking soda can be mixed to create a cleaning solution. The two chemicals work well together to clean surfaces.
How do you mix citric acid for cleaning?
When preparing citric acid solution for cleaning, you can mix citric acid with water in a ratio of one cup of citric acid to every gallon of water.
