Citric acid is a natural preservative and antioxidant product common in so many industries, such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. It is an organic acid found in a wide variety of fruits, especially citrus fruits, although most commercial citric acid is obtained through the fermentation of sugars.
Widely used as a food preservative, citric acid is also a very powerful ally for household cleaning, and it can be used in so many different ways.
Below we suggest the main and most important uses of citric acid in the household.
- Remove rust
Prepare a solution consisting of half a liter of water and two tablespoons of citric acid, pour into a spray bottle and shake well.
Spray the solution on the rusty object to be recovered, then scrub well with a toothbrush and dry.
The object will have returned to its original appearance. Remember not to use it on aluminum objects.
- Recover burned pots and pans
Although some seem irretrievable, most burned cookware can be recovered with citric acid.
Fill the pot with water, add two tablespoons of citric acid and bring to a boil. The pot will be as good as new again.
- Unclogging a clogged drain
It is not necessary to buy aggressive products to unclog a clogged drain.
Just pour half a glass of citric acid and half a glass of baking soda down the drain. Immediately afterwards pour half a glass of warm water and wait for the ingredients to make their almost miraculous effect.
- Disinfect surfaces
One of the functions of citric acid is its ability to disinfect and thoroughly clean surfaces.
Mix 100 grams of citric acid with one liter of warm water, and use the solution to clean and disinfect surfaces such as kitchen surfaces, except marble. It is rinsed off with plenty of water.
- Descale the washing machine
To remove limescale and impurities that accumulate in the washing machine, perform a full-temperature, no-load wash by putting one liter of water mixed with 150 grams of citric acid in the detergent compartment. - Cleaning carpets
Although the best-known trick involves the use of baking soda, citric acid is also highly effective in cleaning carpets by removing all kinds of dirt.
Mix 100 grams of citric acid with one liter of water in a spray bottle and apply directly to the carpet. Scrub and rinse.
- Eliminate limescale from the shower
The shower head is prone to limescale buildup, which impairs its effectiveness. Unscrew it and soak it in a bag full of a solution consisting of 150 grams of citric acid for every liter of water.
Also add a tablespoon of baking soda and let it sit for an hour or so. Finally rinse, reconnect the showerhead and let the water run for a few minutes.
- Clean the toilet.
Because of its cleaning and disinfecting properties, citric acid is one of the most effective products for cleaning the toilet.
Spread some baking soda all over the surface of the toilet and leave it for 30 minutes. Then put in the same amount of citric acid and scrub well with a brush.
Finally rinse with plenty of water and dry well.