Citric Acid is a harmless, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly cleaning solution, also often used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages consisting a sour taste. Citrus foods including, lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits have an element called Citric Acid. Furthermore, it is one of the best home remedies that are useful for cleaning or removing stains because of its acidic qualities. Here we will discuss possible uses for citric acid that everyone should know. Also, this article will let you know the ten Household items that you can clean with citric acid.
1. Coffee Maker and Kettle:
Over time mineral deposits may get collected in the coffee maker or kettle which causes them to harden, so to ensure the proper functioning of the machine, it must be cleaned on a regular or monthly basis. To remove the unwanted particles from the coffee maker:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid powder per liter of water, in a coffee maker machine, and start the coffee-making process.
- After mixing, the citric acid will remove the mineral making your coffee maker clean and limescale-free.
2. Dishwasher:
Citric acid is an effective way to clean your dishwasher, removing any build-up minerals, soap scum, and grime, leaving it clean and fresh.
- To begin, make sure your dishwasher is empty.
- Next, fill the dishwasher’s soap dispenser with citric acid, and run the dishwasher.
- Set it to the highest temperatures possible and start the process.
3. Glassware:
Citric acid is another easiest way to clean Glassware like vases, pots, and jugs, which have been collecting unwanted leftovers. To keep your glassware clean,
- Prepare the citric acid solution and leave the glassware for several hours or overnight.
- Next, wash with normal water to remove the remaining waste.
Citric Acid will help to remove the stains and make your glassware look cleaner.
4. Microwave:
You can clean your Microwave with Citric Acid or lemon,
A. Cleaning Microwave using Lemon-
- Squeeze the lemon and mix one lemon with one cup of water
- Chop the halves into smaller pieces and place them in the lemon water.
- Microwave the mixture for 3 minutes
- Let the water cool for 5 minutes and remove the bowl from the microwave.
- Wipe down the microwave with a clean towel.
- To remove the tough stains, you can add white vinegar to the lemon juice to dissolve caked-on food.
- Dip the towel into the lemon water and scrub if the microwave is stained. Also, you can use baking soda to remove particularly stubborn stains.
B. Using Citric Acid-
- Mix the citric acid powder with water to make a solution.
- Microwave the solution for 2-3 minutes till it boils and produces steam.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen food residue then wipe the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth.
5. Tiles:
Are you worried thinking that your tile grout no longer looks good? Well, we have a solution to this problem, Citric Acid!
- Add a little citric acid to a bowl, and mix it with water to dissolve it well.
- You can use an old toothbrush to clean the grout and rub the mixture of citric acid into your grout.
- Leave it for about 10-20 minutes, and again scrub, you can see the difference before and after.
- Rinse it in between to get rid of the dirt, then use a damp cloth to wipe the rest of the dust.
6. Toilet Tank:
Are you wondering how you can clean your toilet tank without much scrubbing? Here, we will let you know on you can clean your toilet tank in the easiest way using citric acid.
- Fill your toilet tank, add around three-quarters of a cup of citric acids, and stir it well so that it gets dissolved.
- Scrub with a toilet brush for a minute on the dark stains, and let it sit for about 20 minutes or an hour, then flush to rinse.
After following this method, you will see the difference in leaving your toilet bowl clean and fresh.
7. Sink:
If your sink looks dirty and doesn’t want to do much scrubbing, then follow these methods,
- Take a bowl, add three tablespoons of citric acid powder, next add water, and mix it both well to form a kind of paste.
- After the mixture is ready, take a sponge, and spread the mixture all over your sink.
- Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, and scrub all over focusing on the stubborn stains.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and wipe down with a damp cloth.
- You can repeat the same method if necessary if you think your sink hasn’t been cleaned properly.
8. Showers and Bathtub-
Citric acid is great for removing stubborn stains from shower heads, bathtubs, and many more. To clean your showers, and bathtubs with citric acid,
- Mix citric acid with warm water in a spray bottle, and shake it well to dissolve the citric acid.
- Spray the mixture on the shower and bathtub area mainly on the area where they have stains, or soap leftovers, make sure the citric acid is applied properly.
- After applying the mixture, leave it for about 10-15 minutes, scrub the area, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Use a clean cloth to dry the surface, and you can see the visible difference.
9. Furniture-
Citric Acid is an effective and easiest way to remove the stains and dirt.
- Mix one tablespoon of citric acid in warm water in a spray bottle, and shake it well to dissolve the citric acid.
- Spray the solution on your furniture in areas that have more stains or dirt.
- After applying the citric acid solution, leave it for about 10-15 minutes.
- Next, clean the furniture using a soft cloth, and you can see the difference.
10. Chopping Boards-
The simplest and most effective way to clean your chopping boards is using Citric Acid.
- Mix one tablespoon of citric acid with warm water, and form a solution.
- Spray the solution equally on the chopping board, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a sponge or brush to clean the chopping boards, then wash it off with clean water, so you can spot the difference.
FAQs
1. What is Citric Acid and how does it help with cleaning?
Citric Acid is a weak organic acid that is also found in citrus foods including lemons, oranges, and limes. As it has acidic properties, it helps in cleaning household items, kitchen appliances, bathroom appliances, and many more.
2. Will Citric Acid leave a smell after cleaning?
After cleaning, Citric acid doesn’t leave any smell behind as it is used as a natural deodorizer, however, using extra chemicals or fragrances citric acid might leave a lasting smell.
3. Can Citric Acid be used in cleaning kitchen appliances?
Citric Acid can be used in cleaning kitchen appliances as it is a natural, safe, and effective ingredient to remove stains or dirt from food preparation leftovers.
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