Citric acid is a natural preservative and antioxidant product common in many industries, such as cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals. It is an organic acid present in a large variety of fruits, especially citrus fruits, although most of the citric acid on the market 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 can be used in many different ways.
Below we suggest the main and most important uses of citric acid in the home.
1. 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. She reminds you not to use it on aluminum objects.
2. Recover burnt pots
Although some may seem unsalvageable, most burnt pans can be salvaged 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.
3. Unclog a blocked drain
It is not necessary to buy aggressive products to unclog a blocked drain.
Simply pour half a glass of citric acid and half a glass of bicarbonate down the drain. Immediately afterwards pour half a glass of hot water and wait for the ingredients to have their almost miraculous effect.
4. 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 a liter of hot water, and use the solution to clean and disinfect surfaces such as kitchens, except marble. Rinse with plenty of water.
5. Descale the washing machine
To eliminate limescale and impurities that accumulate in the washing machine, wash without load and at maximum temperature, placing a liter of water mixed with 150 grams of citric acid in the detergent compartment.
6. Clean the carpets
Although the best-known trick involves the use of bicarbonate, citric acid is also very effective in cleaning carpets, eliminating any type of dirt.
Mix 100 grams of citric acid with a liter of water in a spray bottle and apply directly to the carpet. Scrub and rinse.
7. Remove limescale from the shower
The shower head is prone to limescale accumulation, which compromises its effectiveness. Unscrew it and immerse it in a bag filled with a solution composed of 150 grams of citric acid for each liter of water.
Also add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda and let it rest for an hour. Finally, rinse, reconnect the shower head and let the water run for a few minutes.
8. Clean the toilet
Thanks to its cleaning and disinfectant properties, citric acid is one of the most effective products for cleaning the toilet.
Sprinkle a little baking soda over the entire surface of the toilet and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then put the same amount of citric acid and scrub well with a brush.
Finally, rinse with plenty of water and dry well.