15 Effective Methods for Cleaning Your Home Using Citric Acid

Heavy usage of dishwashers often leads to hard water deposits accumulating in hard-to-reach areas. Citric acid is highly effective at penetrating these tiny spaces to dissolve the build-up. While we’ve previously recommended lemon Kool-Aid for its rich citric acid content, the powder can be used on its own.

Simply fill the dishwasher detergent compartment with citric acid powder and run a normal cycle. Follow up with a second cycle using regular detergent to eliminate any remaining residue. This method is safe to use even when dishes are loaded inside.

Mineral build-up in the narrow parts of your electric kettle can be stubborn to clean. However, boiling water combined with a small amount of citric acid can effortlessly handle this, eliminating the need for scrubbing.

Fill the kettle halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add one to two tablespoons of citric acid and let the solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After rinsing, the mineral deposits will disappear completely.

Toilet bowl rings can be effortlessly dissolved using citric acid. Simply pour one tablespoon of citric acid powder into the bowl, allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then flush. The result is a toilet bowl that shines like new.

For a convenient way to maintain a fresh and clean toilet, try making homemade cleaning pods. Mix citric acid with dish soap in a silicone ice cube tray to create a doughy mixture. Let it dry for a few hours, then remove the pods for single-use cleaning convenience.

Toaster oven racks often accumulate food residue, oil, and grease, which can harden over time and become challenging to remove. A simple soak in a solution of citric acid and water can effectively dissolve the grime, making cleaning a breeze.

Add two heaping tablespoons of citric acid to a bucket of water, ensuring the powder dissolves completely. Submerge the racks in the solution and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, use a scrubbing brush to remove the grease stains effortlessly.

Humidifiers often accumulate stubborn mineral deposits at the base of the water tank and near the heating element. Despite using various cleaning tools, I struggled to remove these deposits effectively. However, I discovered that sprinkling citric acid powder is incredibly effective. It dissolves the buildup with little effort.

Start by boiling six to eight cups of water, adjusting the amount based on your humidifier's size. Next, take a box of powdered citric acid. Detach the water tank and sprinkle enough citric acid to cover the base. Pour the boiling water over the acid, ensuring it covers the affected areas. Allow the solution to sit for about five minutes, then gently remove the loosened deposits. Repeat the process if necessary, though it typically works in one or two attempts.

Stagnant water in swimming pools often leads to unsightly stains. A thorough acid wash can effectively remove these stains, though the process may require assistance from others due to its complexity.

Begin by draining the pool and clearing out any debris. Prepare a solution by mixing one gallon of citric acid with one gallon of water to create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to the stained sections and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, use an acid-resistant brush to scrub the stains and rinse thoroughly. To ensure safety, neutralize any residual acid at the pool's base with baking soda and remove it before refilling the pool.

Descaling isn’t limited to coffee machines—it’s also essential for larger appliances such as water heaters. Citric acid offers a natural and effective way to clean your hot water heater.

Mix 250 milliliters of citric acid with 10 liters of water and pour the solution into the cold water inlet of your water heater. Allow it to sit for eight hours. Afterward, attach a hose to the heater’s drain valve and flush the solution into a sink. You’ll notice all the accumulated deposits being washed away.

Citric acid is highly effective at breaking down hard water stains, making it ideal for cleaning windows. Mix two tablespoons of citric acid powder with one cup of hot water in a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the powder, then spray the solution onto the stained windows. Let it sit for under a minute before wiping it off to reveal spotless, streak-free glass.

Removing grime from mirrors can be challenging, especially when cleaning solutions leave streaks or fail to eliminate all residue. Citric acid, combined with white vinegar, provides an effective solution. Mix equal parts citric acid and white vinegar in a spray bottle and generously apply it to the mirror. Use a cleaning cloth or squeegee to wipe the surface, then dry with a microfiber towel for a flawless, streak-free finish that reveals every detail.

Descaling your coffee maker can be done using various methods, such as white vinegar or citric acid. To use citric acid, fill the reservoir with one cup of water and one cup of citric acid, either in liquid or powder form. Run the coffee maker as you normally would, allowing the solution to dissolve lime and calcium deposits. Use the mixture to clean the pot, discard it, and then run a cycle with plain water to rinse thoroughly.

Citric acid can effectively clean grout without the need for scrubbing. Simply mix two tablespoons of citric acid powder with one liter of hot water in a spray bottle and shake until dissolved. Spray the solution onto the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and then easily wipe away dirt and stains from your tiles.

Rust buildup on tools such as screwdrivers and T squares can hinder their effectiveness for household projects. Instead of discarding them, create a rust removal solution using citric acid.

Mix half an ounce of citric acid with 15 ounces of water in a container large enough to submerge your rusted tools. Soak the items for 30 minutes to an hour, then scrub with a scouring pad or brass brush. Periodically re-soak and scrub to allow the solution to dissolve the rust. Once clean, dry the tools thoroughly and apply oil to prevent future rust.

Citric acid is excellent for cleaning stainless steel appliances, removing hidden dirt and leaving a noticeable shine.

Prepare a solution of one tablespoon of citric acid in one cup of hot water, spray it onto the appliances, and let it sit for three to five minutes. Wipe away the solution, rinse with a damp cloth, and finish by drying with a microfiber cloth for a brilliant, streak-free finish.

Citric acid offers a natural and powerful solution for cleaning various surfaces, including glass stovetops and butcher blocks. Spray the countertop with a mixture of one tablespoon of citric acid and one cup of hot water. Allow it to sit for one to two minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This method not only cleans but also sanitizes the surface. However, avoid using this solution on granite or marble countertops, as the acidic mixture can cause damage.

Citric acid serves as a natural whitening agent for stained laundry. Use lemon juice, which contains citric acid, by adding one cup of lemon juice to your detergent when washing a load of whites. For enhanced brightness, Family Handyman recommends drying the clothes in direct sunlight.