Most consumers readily invest in expensive cleaning products and services because they assume that heavily marketed cleaning brands are the most effective. But what if there is a more affordable solution that is both effective and natural? 

What Is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a weak acid naturally found in several fruits and can be used for a myriad of applications. While it’s commonly used as a preservative and gives dishes a fresh sour or acidic flavor, citric acid has a wide range of cleaning applications. Mix it with other ingredients to create an all-purpose cleaner. Here are different ways to use citric acid powder to clean your home.

Kitchen

A mixture of one part citric acid and one part vinegar can be used to clean dishes, countertops, espresso machines, refrigerator shelves and many more. You can also simply add 1 tablespoon of citric acid powder to the detergent cup before running the dishwasher to make your glassware shine. See below for more recipes.

Laundry

Citric acid works like magic in removing stains from clothes without damaging the fabric. It’s also effective as a fabric softener. When you wash clothes with store-bought detergent, the washed clothes become very alkaline and will not match with the natural pH level of your skin. Citric acid acts as a pH adjuster that neutralizes the alkaline level of laundry detergent. If you have sensitive skin, use citric acid as a fabric softener instead of commercial ones.

Bathroom

Citric acid can also remove stubborn bathroom stains and deodorize toilets. Bathroom dirt buildup is mainly caused by the accumulation of soap scum, rust, calcium deposits, hard water, mildew, and stains. This grime is alkaline in nature and can be neutralized by acids. 

Use a citric acid solution to easily scrub off and clean bathroom mirrors, tile floors, tubs, toilets, sinks, faucets, and shower areas. You won’t have to worry about bacteria, mildew, and molds because citric acid is an effective solution for cleaning and disinfecting.

Warning: Do not use citric acid on surfaces made of natural stones and objects made of brass. Acid is the kryptonite of natural stones and certain kinds of metal. This includes marble countertops, brass taps and ornaments, and stone flooring. It may damage these items instead of cleaning them.

6 DIY Cleaning Solutions

1. All-Purpose Household Cleaner

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tbsp grated bar soap
• 2 tsp baking soda
• Water
• 1 tsp citric acid powder

How to Prepare:

1. Put the baking soda in a spray bottle.
2. Fill the bottle halfway with water.
3. Shake the bottle until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
4. Add the grated soap and stir. 
5. In another container, dissolve the citric acid with hot tap water until the powder is dissolved.
6. Pour the citric acid mixture in the spray bottle and fill it with cold water.

2. Dishwasher Detergent

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup citric acid powder 
• 1/4 cup salt 
• 1 cup washing soda

How to Prepare:

1. Mix all the ingredients together. 
2. Put 1 tbsp of the mixture in the detergent cup before running your dishwasher.
3. Use 1 tbsp per load. 

3. Fabric Softener

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup citric acid powder
• 3 1/2 cups water

How to Prepare:

1. Mix the water and citric acid powder in a 32 oz (1 liter) bottle. 
2. Shake the bottle until the powder is completely dissolved. 
3. Pour the mixture into the fabric conditioner compartment of the washing machine. 

4. Laundry Detergent

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup citric acid powder
• Grated bar of soap
• 2 cups washing soda
• 2 cups borax
• 1/4 gallon boiling water
• 2 gallons water

How to Prepare:

1. Dissolve the grated soap in 1/4 gallon boiling water. 
2. Place the mixture in a large bucket. 
3. Add 2 cups of borax to the mixture and stir until the borax is completely dissolved.
4. Add 2 cups of washing soda and 1/2 cup citric acid. Stir until the powders are dissolved. 
5. Add 2 more gallons of water and stir to completely mix the water and the detergent. 
6. To use, add 1/4 cup detergent solution to each load of laundry. Stir the solution before use.
7. Place a lid over the bucket and store in a cool, dry environment. 

5. Toilet Cleaner

What You’ll Need:

• 2 1/2 tsp citric acid powder
• 1 cup water

How to Prepare:

1. Pour ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake the bottle until the powder is completely dissolved.

To use, spray the solution on the toilet bowl surfaces, concentrating on areas with dirt buildup. Leave the solution for 15 minute to 1 hour, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

6. Toilet Deep Cleaner

What You’ll Need:

• 2 1/2 tsp citric acid powder
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup citric acid powder

How to Prepare:

1. Create a solution by dissolving 2 1/2 citric acid powder in 1 cup water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray your toilet with the citric acid mixture and sprinkle 1/2 cup of citric acid powder inside the toilet bowl and under the rim.
3. Leave the cleaning solution and powder for 1 to several hours, then scrub with a brush, and flush.

References:

https://www.thespruce.com/citric-acid-safety-cleaning-uses-1707021

https://www.ehow.com/how_6022975_launder-citric-acid.html