Cleaning with citric acid: 6 ways to harness the power of this natural cleaning agent

Keeping your home clean and tidy can feel like an ongoing challenge, which is why it's such a great feeling when you find something that helps make it easier. Our latest discovery is citric acid, the versatile and low-effort alternative to cleaning with lemons.

Now, cleaning with lemons has multiple advantages and can help tackle so many tasks around the house. However, the hassle of cutting up and squeezing multiple lemons to clean your home is enough to put off even the most motivated cleaner.

So if you want to keep your daily cleaning habits as low-maintenance as possible, citric acid might just be the tool you'll be looking for.

Cleaning with citric acid: 6 expert recommended methods

Whether you're looking for new expert cleaning hacks or ways to streamline your deep cleaning routine, we'd like to introduce you to citric acid. "Citric acid is a brilliant, natural cleaner that’s perfect for tackling limescale, soap scum, and mineral deposits," explains Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at Smol.

"Gentle yet powerful, citric acid is a great planet-friendly swap for many commercial descalers." So if you want to clean your home while being mindful of the planet, here are several ways of using citric acid to clean.

Catherine Green

Having worked for the cleaning brand Smol since its creation, Catherine has tested each and every product before its release. She is also involved with the production team's process and provides feedback for the development of the company's products.

1. Glass

You don't need to know how to clean your house like a professional when it comes to glass and other household surfaces. But having an effective product on your side will make cleaning up messes a whole lot easier.

"You can also use citric acid to revive glassware and shower screens. Mix a tablespoon with half a litre of warm water, spray onto the surface, leave for a few minutes, then wipe clean. It’s equally effective on taps and sinks; just apply the same solution with a cloth, leave briefly, and rinse well," explains Catherine.

2. Kettles

Should you already clean with baking soda and vinegar, you might already have a pretty spotless kettle. However, citric acid is a fantastic alternative and will make quick work of the limescale built up in the appliance.

"To descale your kettle, mix one tablespoon of citric acid with 500ml of water, boil it, then let it sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly," says Catherine.

3. Mirrors

When cleaning windows and mirrors, many experts will recommend cleaning with vinegar; however, citric acid can be just as effective, if not more.

Use the same solution and method as Catherine recommends in her advice for cleaning glass with citric acid above.

4. Toilet

Whilst toilets are one of the surprising things you can clean with denture tablets, using citric acid is much more effective.

"If you want to use citric acid to clean up your toilet, first flush the toilet so the ceramic surface of the bowl is damp. Then sprinkle a few tablespoons of citric acid into the toilet - making sure some of it sticks everywhere up the sides of the bowl," starts Catherine.

"Next, add a few tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda to the bowl and (including again up the sides of the bowl). You should see a pretty immediate reaction between the two with some foaming and fizzing - it’s very good at helping to loosen urine scale. Leave it for half an hour before wiping it down with a toilet brush or a cloth, then flush to finish," she finishes.

5. Washing machine

Knowing how to clean a washing machine is incredibly important, especially knowing how to clean the rubber seal inside the drum. Washing machines are like magnets for damp, mould and bad odours, so keeping them consistently clean is key.

"For your washing machine, pop two tablespoons directly into the drum and run a cycle to dissolve any built-up limescale or detergent residue. N.B. Do not run a hot cycle above 40°C, otherwise calcium citrate can form and block the pipes," begins Catherine.

"And if your washing machine cycle gives you a pause function mid wash - use it after about 15 minutes and let the citric acid solution sit for about 30 minutes in the machine. Then start the program again," she continues.

Now the next time you're wondering why your washing machine smells, you've got a quick and effective fix.

6. Towels

Should your best bath towels be looking a little sad, don't throw them away just yet. You can use citric acid not only to clean them but also to fluff them back up.

"Pop on your rubber gloves and add ¼ cup of citric acid to half a bath of hot water. Stir until dissolved. Put your towels in the solution and let them soak for 15 minutes, then drain the bath. Run cold water into the bath to rinse the towels, ring out towels and wash and dry them as usual," instructs Catherine.

"When you’re line drying your towels - bring them in whilst still slightly damp. Give them a good old shake, and this will help to fluff out the fibres. Leave them to dry that last little bit inside, then put them away once fully dry," she continues.

FAQs

What not to clean with citric acid?

In the same way, there are some things you cannot clean with baking soda; citric acid has its limits around your home.

"While citric acid is fantastic for removing limescale and buildup, it’s still an acid, so there are a few things to steer clear of," says Catherine. "Avoid using it on natural stone surfaces like marble, granite, or limestone, as it can etch or dull their finish. Similarly, don’t use it on brass, copper, or aluminium, since acid can react with these metals and cause discolouration or corrosion."

She also warns against using it on wooden surfaces and floors as the acid can damage the protective seal or finish.

"Finally, be cautious with fabrics or upholstery as citric acid may bleach or weaken some materials. If in doubt, always spot-test first somewhere out of sight and rinse thoroughly. It’s a powerful cleaner, but best reserved for non-porous, acid-safe surfaces like glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and plastic," adds Catherine.

Can you mix citric acid and white vinegar?

You should always be cautious when mixing cleaning agents, especially when they're natural and acidic.

"It’s best not to mix citric acid and white vinegar. Both are mild acids (citric acid from citrus fruits and acetic acid from vinegar), so combining them doesn’t make the solution stronger or more effective. In fact, it can actually make your cleaning mixture less efficient because the acids may compete rather than complement each other," says Catherine.

"Instead, choose one or the other depending on the job: citric acid is excellent for descaling and removing limescale, while vinegar works well for deodorising and cutting through grease," she explains.

Although you may be a citric acid convert, don't get rid of the lemons just yet; they're fantastic at breaking down grease and grime in your microwave. Simply add slices into a microwaveable bowl, pop it inside and heat the bowl for around 5 minutes. Then simply scrub the dirt away, and be sure to be careful when removing the hot bowl!