Citric acid, a natural preservative and antioxidant, is a versatile product commonly found in various industries, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. While it’s naturally present in citrus fruits, most citric acid available on the market is obtained through sugar fermentation. Beyond its role in food preservation, citric acid serves as a powerful cleaning agent in household settings, offering numerous practical applications.
Here are some of the primary and most effective uses of citric acid in the home:
- Rust Removal: Create a solution by mixing two tablespoons of citric acid with half a liter of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and apply the solution to rusty objects. Scrub thoroughly with a toothbrush and dry. Avoid using this solution on aluminum objects.
- Salvaging Burnt Pots: Revive burnt pots by filling them with water and adding two tablespoons of citric acid. Bring the mixture to a boil, and the burnt residue will come off easily, leaving the pot looking like new.
- Unclogging Drains: Skip harsh chemical products and unclog drains naturally by pouring half a glass of citric acid followed by half a glass of baking soda down the drain. Flush with hot water immediately to witness the almost miraculous effect.
- Surface Disinfection: Harness citric acid’s disinfectant properties by mixing 100 grams of citric acid with a liter of hot water. Use this solution to clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces (excluding marble). Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Washing Machine Descaling: Eliminate limescale and impurities from your washing machine by running a cycle without clothes and at the highest temperature. Add a mixture of one liter of water and 150 grams of citric acid to the detergent compartment.
- Carpet Cleaning: Citric acid proves effective in cleaning carpets. Create a solution by mixing 100 grams of citric acid with a liter of water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution directly to the carpet, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
- Shower Head Descaling: Combat limescale buildup in shower heads by immersing them in a solution containing 150 grams of citric acid per liter of water. Add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda and let it soak for an hour. Rinse and reinstall the shower head.
- Toilet Cleaning: Utilize citric acid’s cleaning and disinfectant properties to clean toilets effectively. Sprinkle baking soda over the toilet surface and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, add an equal amount of citric acid, scrub with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
By incorporating citric acid into your cleaning routine, you can achieve impressive results using natural and environmentally friendly methods.