When it comes to eco-friendly cleaning products for the home, the first things that come to mind are probably white vinegar and baking soda. But we are not limited to just these two; in fact, there are other eco-friendly cleaning products that have a wide range of uses around the home and in some cases even work better.
       That green cleaning agent called “citric acid” might make you a little uneasy at first. But it’s a popular acidic household cleaner that’s been around for centuries—first isolated from lemon juice in the late 1700s. So how does citric acid clean? We’ve rounded up seven home cleaning methods to help you get the most out of it.
       Before we dive into the uses of citric acid, we should first understand what it is. This powder, derived from citrus fruits, has the same cleaning properties as regular citric acid, but with even greater effectiveness. It is acidic, which makes it easy to remove limescale, and it also has a bleaching effect. In fact, it is often recommended as an alternative to distilled white vinegar.
       There are differences between the two, however. Dr Joanna Buckley, education coordinator at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “Citric acid and vinegar are both active ingredients in many household cleaners, and both are effective. Vinegar has a pH of between 2 and 3, making it a strong acid – the lower the pH, the more acidic it is. Citric acid (such as that found in citrus fruits) has a slightly higher pH, so is slightly less acidic. As a result, it carries a slightly lower risk of damaging delicate surfaces, and has the added bonus of leaving your home smelling fresh, rather than like a fish and chip shop!”
       However, citric acid is still a caustic substance and therefore is not suitable for all surfaces. Just as there are 7 places that should never be cleaned with vinegar, citric acid is not suitable for natural stone, wooden floors and surfaces. Aluminum is also not suitable.
       In addition to cleaning the house, citric acid can be used in cooking, as a seasoning, and for preserving food. However, always check beforehand that the brand you choose is suitable for cooking. Dri-Pak is a popular brand, but this packaging is not “food safe,” so it should only be used for cleaning.
       Although citric acid is relatively safe to use, it is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning with it to protect your skin. In addition, you should wear safety glasses and a mask to prevent inhalation of citric acid.
       Like distilled white vinegar, you can dilute citric acid to make a surface cleaner. Simply mix 2.5 tablespoons of citric acid with 500 ml of warm water in an empty spray bottle, shake well, and use the resulting mixture to spray laminate floors, plastic and steel countertops throughout your home.
       Please note that this is a caustic solution, so do not use it on natural stone or wood surfaces.
       Vinegar is a well-known descaling agent, but citric acid is just as effective. First, fill the kettle halfway with water and turn on the heat. Turn off the power before the water boils; the goal is to keep the water warm.
       Unplug the kettle, carefully add 2 tablespoons of citric acid to the mixture and leave it for 15-20 minutes to work (be sure to leave a note so that no one uses it during this time!). Pour out the solution and boil a new portion of water to remove all traces.
       If your whites are looking a little grey and you don’t have any lemons on hand, citric acid can also help. Simply mix three tablespoons of citric acid with about four litres of warm water and stir until dissolved. Then soak the garment overnight and machine wash it the next day. This will also help pre-treat any stains.
       Use citric acid to restore glassware that is prone to scale and fogging. Simply sprinkle citric acid into the detergent compartment of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle without detergent, placing the glassware on the top rack. Once you are done, your glassware will return to its original shape, and this has the added benefit of descaling your dishwasher at the same time.
       To remove hidden limescale from your toilet, simply pour a bucket of hot water into the bowl and add a cup of citric acid. Let it dissolve and work for at least an hour (overnight is best) before flushing the next day.
       Keep your mirrors and windows looking new with white vinegar, but without the smell! Simply prepare the surface cleaner as described above, spray it on your mirrors and windows, then wipe with a microfiber glass cloth in a circular motion from top to bottom. If limescale is difficult to remove, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.
       Lemon is a popular way to clean your microwave, but citric acid works just as well! In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of citric acid with 500 ml of hot water. Stir until completely dissolved, then heat in the microwave until steam appears inside. Close the microwave door and leave for 5-10 minutes. After the solution has cooled, wipe off any remaining solution with a soft cloth. Once the solution has cooled enough, you can also use it to wipe down your microwave.
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