citric acid (250g refill)

This citric acid refill is for you to use as a natural cleaning product - either on its own or as part of a recipe.

It kills bacteria, mold, and mildew, it's great for general disinfecting and cleaning. It's also effective at removing soap scum, hard water stains, calcium deposits, lime, and rust. Also, it serves as a preservative in many cleaning solutions.

INGREDIENTS

Citric Acid

WARNING: Breathing in citric acid can cause respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, and a sore throat. Contact with the eyes can result in redness and pain, and skin contact may cause redness as well. Also, ingesting citric acid can cause abdominal pain and a sore throat. Preventive measures for those working with citric acids, include protecting the skin and eyes and providing appropriate ventilation.

INSTRUCTIONS

Descale Kettle

• Pour 1 tablespoon of citric acid into the kettle, add enough water to cover the element or base plate.
• Switch on the kettle (you will see the limescale fizzing as it reacts with the acid.)
• Turn kettle off before it reaches the boil, you will see limescale dissolving. If the fizzing stops and there is limescale remaining, then repeat the process until all limescale is removed.
• Pour away the water and rinse out the kettle a couple of times.

Descale Toilet

• Citric acid will banish brown limescale marks from your toilet bowl.
• Pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, waiting for it to drain, and then pouring in another bucket of hot water.
• Add 125g of citric acid and leave it overnight while it fizzes away.
• The hot water should help activate the reaction between the alkaline limescale and the citric acid.
• Repeat the process if necessary or use a stiff toilet brush to remove the loosened limescale.

Descale Showerheads

• The holes of your showerhead can easily become blocked by a build up of limescale.
• If the showerhead can be removed, soak it in a bowl of hot water with citric acid.
• Wait for 10 mins and then wipe with a cloth and use pin / force water through the holes to clear out any remaining limescale.
• If the head can't be removed, pour the hot solution into a plastic bag and secure with an elastic band and follow the same instructions.

Descale Washing Machine

• Limescale builds up within washing machines, wasting electricity and reducing the service life of your machine.
• Run an empty hot wash with 250g of citric acid to remove any existing limescale.
• Repeat this every other month to soften your water
• You can also use dissolved citric acid in the place of laundry softener.

Descaling Irons

• Irons need descaling regularly.
• Put two tablespoons of citric acid in some hot water and fill the iron halfway.
• Hold the iron over the sink and switch on the steam.
• Refill it with fresh water and flush it through until it’s clear.

Declouding Drinking Glasses

• Hard water mineral deposits can cause drinks glasses to go cloudy in the dishwasher.
• Make a hot solution of citric acid and leave glasses to soak for 10 mins before washing as normal.

Citric acid is naturally found in food and water and readily biodegrades in the environment, so no significant negative effects are expected from its use.