A professional cleaner has unveiled an unlikely and inexpensive supermarket staple that is revolutionising how households across the UK tackle grimy showers, promising professional results without harsh chemicals or endless elbow grease.
The Baking Aisle Wonder Product
Sydney-based cleaning expert Sara Allan, founder of Housekeeping Heroes, has championed citric acid, a simple powder found in the baking aisle for around £4. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sara explained that this non-toxic product has become a staple for her team, delivering powerful cleaning without the risks associated with stronger chemical solutions.
"I'm all about keeping cleaning simple," Sara stated. "I wanted to showcase this product because it's non-toxic and perfectly safe for people with respiratory sensitivities and ailments, while also being extremely cost-effective."
How Citric Acid Attacks Stubborn Build-Up
The magic of citric acid lies in its ability to break down the mineral deposits left by hard water. It effectively dissolves limescale, calcium, and other stubborn build-up responsible for cloudy shower glass, streaky tiles, and dull screens. "The bonus is that it breaks down even the thickest and hardest build-up so easily," Sara said. "It reduces the need for manual scrubbing because the citric acid does the work for us."
Visible results can often be seen within minutes, leaving glass crystal clear and tiles noticeably cleaner, all without resorting to scrapers, razor blades, or strong-smelling sprays. "There's no limescale, no scum, no calcium deposits left behind - it removes it," Sara confirmed. "And it's septic-tank safe, non-toxic, and easy to buy from your local supermarket."
The Simple Step-by-Step Method
Sara's recommended method is straightforward. Mix two tablespoons of citric acid into a 500ml spray bottle filled with water, shaking until the crystals dissolve completely. Generously spray the solution onto shower screens, walls, floors, and fittings.
"Let it sit for three to five minutes so the chemical reaction can break down the build-up," she advised. "Then lightly agitate with a non-scratch sponge and rinse thoroughly with water."
She emphasises one crucial final step: proper drying. "The biggest part of this process is making sure you squeegee everything dry at the end," Sara said, which helps prevent deposits from reforming immediately.
Sara did offer one important caution. Citric acid, like any cleaner, has its limits. "If you have permanent water etching, sometimes called glass cancer, no product can fix that," she explained. "All you can do at that point is apply a glass treatment to slow down the deterioration."
Beyond the Bathroom: A Versatile Household Hero
The utility of citric acid extends far beyond the shower. It serves as a versatile, low-toxicity solution for numerous household tasks:
- Descaling kettles and coffee machines.
- Refreshing washing machines and dishwashers.
- Removing rust stains from sinks and taps.
- Lifting soap scum from basins.
- Brightening cloudy glassware.
Some households even use it as a gentler alternative to vinegar for deodorising drains or loosening scale in toilet bowls, particularly where strong smells could trigger asthma or sensitivities.
With a growing number of Britons seeking budget-friendly, low-toxicity alternatives to traditional cleaners, citric acid is rapidly gaining a cult following. It proves that the most effective cleaning solutions aren't always found in the cleaning aisle, but can be sitting right next to the flour and sugar, quietly waiting to transform household chores.
