Citric acid, multi-purpose cleaner

Citric acid is naturally present in lemon. It is food grade, environmentally friendly, and completely biodegradable. It has antibacterial and fungicidal properties. As a powerful anti-limescale cleaner, it descales, cleans, and dissolves limescale in the kitchen, household appliances, or bathroom.

It is used to descale coffee machines, washing machines, kettles, etc. Here are some main uses:

- Washing machine: put 6 to 8 teaspoons in the drum (without laundry) at 95 °C.

- Faucets: mix 2 to 5 tablespoons of citric acid in a liter of water, scrub with a sponge, and rinse.

- Rust: prepare a paste of citric acid with a little water, let it sit for half an hour, scrub, remove the rust, and rinse.

- Iron: the iron soleplate should soak in a basin of water with 2 tablespoons of citric acid for 1 hour, renew if necessary. Then, wipe and let dry.

- Toilet bowl: heat a liter of water, mix 3 tablespoons of citric acid, put in the bowl, let it sit for half an hour, scrub, and rinse.

As a food additive, it is used as a flavor enhancer, acidifier in beverages, and in cosmetic products. Care should be taken as citric acid can discolor fabrics and should not be used on marble and porous stones.

Here is the recipe for dishwasher soap featured in Test-Achats:

- 350 g of citric acid

- 350 g of washing soda

- 250 g of sodium percarbonate (bleaching agent)

- 50 g of baking soda