When conversations turn to eco-friendly household cleaning solutions, white vinegar and baking soda typically dominate the discussion. However, these are far from the only natural options available. In fact, numerous alternative green cleaners exist that can deliver superior results in specific applications around the home.
The Superior Natural Cleaning Alternative
With a name like citric acid, this alternative green cleaner might initially sound intimidating, but its performance is guaranteed to impress. Derived from citrus fruits, this remarkable powder offers concentrated cleaning power that I consistently use throughout my house instead of vinegar to achieve sparkling results—from my kettle to my stiff, crusty towels.
Descaling Kettles with Ease
When descaling my kettle using citric acid, I begin by adding two tablespoons of the granules to the kettle before filling it with water to about a quarter capacity. It's crucial not to add too much water, as this would dilute the citric acid and require additional product.
I then simply boil the kettle, which represents the longest phase of this cleaning hack. After approximately two minutes, the boiling process completes, and the limescale has completely disappeared. There's no need for scrubbing or repeated boiling cycles. On rare occasions when the citric acid doesn't work initially, this typically results from insufficient granules or improper storage of the product in open containers.
Revitalizing Hard Towels
Whenever my towels begin to feel hard and scratchy, I previously reached for vinegar. However, I've discovered that citric acid performs this task more effectively. Depending on the towels' condition, I either soak them in a container with a quarter cup of citric acid or add it directly to the washing machine.
In most instances, I simply place the towels in the wash with only citric acid in the drum alongside a small amount of laundry detergent. This method consistently restores softness without the strong vinegar odor.
Removing Tea Stains from Cups
Citric acid possesses natural antibacterial properties that not only sanitize mugs but also effectively lift away stubborn tea stains. With this method, there's no scrubbing required, and the process is remarkably quick—the longest part involves waiting five minutes for the cleaning solution to work its magic.
All you need for this technique is a tablespoon of citric acid and some boiling water. Once the time elapses, I simply rinse the mug with hot tap water and wash it normally with washing-up liquid. The cup emerges completely clean without a single brown stain remaining.
Cleaning Shower Heads Effectively
Just as citric acid descales kettles efficiently, it works equally well on shower heads. However, since citric acid represents a potent natural cleaning agent, it's essential to spot-test the acid on an inconspicuous area of the shower head first to ensure it won't damage the material.
My shower head is detachable, so I unscrew it and immerse it in a washing-up bowl filled with hot (not boiling) water and two tablespoons of citric acid for ten minutes. For non-detachable shower heads, simply take a sandwich bag large enough to cover the head, fill it with water and citric acid, and secure it in place using an elastic band or hairband.
After ten minutes have passed, I thoroughly rinse the shower head and allow sufficient water to flow through it to wash out any remaining acid residue. This method effectively removes mineral buildup without harsh chemicals.
