With such a name, this natural product that is non-toxic for the environment can sometimes be a little intimidating. However, citric acid simply refers to the active ingredient in lemon juice, and if it is used correctly, its uses will leave a house clean in all its smallest corners (household appliances, pipes, etc.). Indeed, with its anti-limescale, antifungal and bactericidal effect, this maintenance product has no reason to be ashamed of its effectiveness and versatility. It alone allows you to replace many harmful chemicals! So if you are looking for ecological household products to complete your arsenal, don’t forget to put them in your cupboards. He will be able to be useful in all situations.
Warning: it is recommended to wear gloves when using it, as it may be irritating to the skin or eyes. Furthermore, remember to always dilute it before using it, but never with other products at the risk of a chemical reaction. Its use is also not recommended on surfaces such as aluminum, enamel, natural stone or marble.
1) Descale everything in the house with citric acid
This unparalleled descaling product allows you to remove traces of tartar from all surfaces in the house as well as from household appliances. Here’s how to do it:
–How to descale your coffee machine ? Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of citric acid into the tank, which you have taken care to dissolve in a liter of water. Then, pour a cup and leave for 30 minutes. Finally, let the rest of the solution flow and rinse the coffee maker at least twice with clean water.
–For descaling the kettlewe keep the same mixture as before. It must be boiled briefly in the machine then left to act for 30 minutes. Remember to rinse well.
–Descale the washing machine goes through sprinkling 6 to 8 tablespoons directly into the drum. Leave to run for a complete cycle at 90°C (without clothes).
–For descaling taps and water reducers or shower headsyou need to dissolve 2 to 5 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 liter of hot water. This solution can be used on a cloth or sponge to rub the areas to be treated or to soak them using a firmly tied plastic bag.
-Finally, for limescale in the steam generatorheat 75 cl of water to 40°C and add 70 g of citric acid. Then, fill the tank with this mixture and bring to boil. All that remains is to release a few jets of steam, leave to act for a few hours and empty then rinse the tank.
2) Ideal against burning in a stainless steel saucepan or pan
No more bleach that eats away at your pans ! To prevent burnt marks, heat 2 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 cup of water directly in the burnt pan. This will help remove stains. You will be able to scrub and rinse your pan well, which will be like new again.
3) Citric acid to make toilets shine
The toilet bowl is often very difficult to clean! However, citric acid can help clean, descale, shine and whiten toilets. To do this, simply boil a liter of water and add 3 spoons of citric acid. Be careful here to mix well so as to dissolve the grains effectively. Then pour your household product into the toilet and leave to act for 15 minutes. (If you are afraid of damaging the toilet enamel, pour the product hot, but not boiling.) Use the brush to scrub and flush the toilet to flush out the natural cleaner. And that’s it!
4) Remove moss from the terrace
The moss, lichens and other fungi that dotted the terrace slabs had better watch out! In a bucket of lukewarm water (3 to 5 liters depending on the surface to be treated), pour 300 g of citric acid, 75 g of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and 7 drops of essential oil tea tree. Spray this mixture on the surfaces to be treated. However, make sure that the slabs are dry and that bad weather is not expected to allow the product to act as it wishes. This anti-moss is ecological, natural and very effective ! However, avoid on marble, terracotta or granite which could discolor.
5) Against rust stains, citric acid works wonders
How to remove rust from knives, tools, grills, clothes, linens, etc. ? Make a paste with citric acid and a little water. You can use it to scrub all rusty surfaces before giving it a good rinse. However, we advise you to do the test on an inconspicuous area if in doubt beforehand, particularly on fragile textiles. And if you want to strip larger metal surfaces such as plates or a barbecue grill, combine this powder… with Coca Cola ! Let your objects soak in this mixture then rub. Elbow grease will do the rest.