Citric acid is the compound in lemons that makes them such a great cleaner.
This simple product is great for descaling, disinfecting, and removing mold or mildew.
Learn how to use citric acid and everything you’re able to clean with it.
Credit:Getty Images/Dougal Waters
What Is Citric Acid and How Do You Use It?
Citric acid is an organic compound incitrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits.
It’s odorless, colorless, and appears similar to table salt.
Credit:Julie Soefer
A good rule of thumb is to mix 1 Tbsp.
of citric acid in 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle to distribute and dissolve the powder.
Credit:Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
Citric acid is safe to use in the recommended amounts when used correctly.
Protect your eyes with safety glasses and skin with gloves when handling the powder.
Once mixed properly, this product can be used in more ways than you likely expect.
Credit:Emily Followill
Especially in homes withhard water, coffee machines and kettles often show signs of chalky, white mineral buildup.
To descale small appliances that come into frequent contact with water, use 1 Tbsp.
of citric acid with 1 cup of warm water just as you would with plain water in the appliance.
Toilet Bowls
Do you have the dreadedwater stain ring in your toilet bowl?
Citric acid might do the trick to get rid of it.
In this case, you’re free to pour 1-2 Tbsp.
of citric acid right into the toilet since it’s already filled with water.
Use a toilet brush to mix in the powder and scrub it into the stained area.
Let the mixture sit in the bowl for a few hours before flushing away.
Clean your cutting board as you normally would, then spray on the citric acid solution.
Let the solution soak into the board for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
4.
Countertops
Consider using a citric acid solution towipe down your countertops.
Whether in your kitchen or bathroom, countertops are a prime spot for grime and bacteria to build up.
Tile Grout
Is the grout around your floor tile looking a different color than when it was installed?
Scrub with a damp sponge beforemopping the floorsas usual.
Since grout is semi-porous, citric acid could eat away at it if left too long.
Add about 3 Tbsp.
of citric acid to the dishwasher’s detergent holder and run a normal cycle.
Dehumidifiers
Similar to coffee makers, dehumidifiers are susceptible to mineral buildup.
After dissembling the dehumidifier, use the diluted citric acid mixture and a brush to scrub away any limescale.
Soak any parts with tough stains in the solution to make scrubbing easier.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly and air-dry before use.
Water Bottles
Your reusable water bottles likely aren’t getting cleaned nearly as often as they should.
Citric acid helps to remove any hard water stains and bacteria.
Fill a sink or a large bowl with hot water and 2-3 Tbsp.
Disassemble andclean the water bottleswith soap and water before adding them to the solution.
Let them soak for 15 minutes before scrubbing any residual stains once more.
Rinse and air-dry before the next use.
