Citric Acid: 8 Surprising Ways to Use It at Home

Citric acid is a natural preservative and antioxidant found in many industries, such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. This organic acid is present in a wide variety of fruits, especially citrus fruits, although most commercial citric acid is obtained through sugar fermentation.

Widely used as a food preservative, citric acid is also a powerful ally for household cleaning, and can be used in many different ways.

Here are some of the main and most important uses of citric acid in the home:

1. Remove Rust
Prepare a solution of half a liter of water and two tablespoons of citric acid, pour it into a spray bottle, and shake well.
Spray the solution on the rusty object you want to restore, then scrub it with a small brush and dry it off. The item will look like new again. Remember not to use this on aluminum objects.

2. Restore Burnt Pots
While some pots may seem beyond saving, most burnt pots can be restored with citric acid.
Fill the pot with water, add two tablespoons of citric acid, and bring it to a boil. The pot will be as good as new.

3. Unclog a Drain
You don’t need to buy harsh chemicals to unclog a drain.
Simply pour half a cup of citric acid and half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow this with half a cup of hot water and wait for the ingredients to work their almost miraculous effect.

4. Disinfect Surfaces
One of citric acid’s functions is its ability to disinfect and clean surfaces thoroughly.
Mix 100 grams of citric acid with a liter of hot water, and use the solution to clean and disinfect surfaces like those in the kitchen (but avoid marble surfaces). Rinse thoroughly with water.

5. Descale the Washing Machine
To remove scale and impurities that build up in your washing machine, run an empty cycle on the highest temperature setting. Add a liter of water mixed with 150 grams of citric acid to the detergent compartment.

6. Clean Carpets

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