Cleaning your toilet doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or expensive products. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own citric acid toilet cleaner using simple and natural ingredients.
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All About Citric Acid
Citric acid is a natural acid found in a variety of fruits (most commonly citrus fruits such as lemons and limes). It can also be created via a fermentation process using corn or other plant matter.
Powdered citric acid is sold in bulk for use in the food industry, the cosmetic industry, and the cleaning industry. (Learn more about cleaning with citric acid.)
Why Citric Acid is Great for Toilets
Citric acid is an ideal ingredient for bathroom and toilet cleaners for 2 main reasons:
- It’s acidic. Citric acid reacts with alkaline household soils such as soap scum, hard water stains, calcium deposits, lime, and rust, making them easier to remove.
- It’s bactericidal. Citric acid disrupts the cell membranes of microorganisms, which kills them or inhibits their growth. It is an EPA Certified Sanitizer and Disinfectant that can inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
Citric Acid’s Edge Over Vinegar
When it comes to cleaning the bathroom, many people (including me) swear by vinegar (learn more about cleaning with vinegar) because it contains acetic acid, a safe and effective cleaner that fights soap scum and hard water…
But citric acid has one big advantage over vinegar >>> it has virtually NO SMELL!
By substituting citric acid for vinegar, you can make a naturally fume-free bathroom cleaner that is just as effective as vinegar-based cleaners.
It’s a great alternative for people who dislike pungent odors.
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DIY Citric Acid Toilet Cleaner
This homemade bathroom cleaner effectively removes stains and hard water buildup in the toilet bowl. It can also be used as an acid-based bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum and household soils from glass doors, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks.
Warning: Use it on bathroom surfaces that are easy to rinse; it can leave a sticky residue. Do not use natural stone or delicate surfaces, it can cause etching or discoloration.
Ingredients
- 6-8 tbsp (60-80g) Citric Acid Powder
- 1 cups (8 oz) Hot Water
- 2 tbsp (1 oz) Unscented Dish Detergent (the kind used for hand-washing dishes)
Supplies
- Glass Measuring Cup
- Spoon
- Spray Bottle and Nozzle Top
Directions
- Measure the powdered citric acid into the glass measuring cup.
- Add hot water and stir until the citric acid dissolves.
- Gently stir in dish detergent.
- Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and screw on the top.
- Use immediately or cool to room temperature and store.
How to Store
- Label the container (get a free printable label here) and store any unused cleaner in a cool, dry place for future use.
- If the solution sits undisturbed for a long period, it may separate. Swirl the bottle to dissolve the citric acid crystals.
How To Clean Your Toilet
This citric acid spray is environmentally friendly and safe to use, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Plus, it packs a powerful punch. Here’s how to use it:
- Spray the solution generously onto the inside of the toilet bowl, focusing on areas with tough stains or buildup.
- Allow the solution to sit for 5-10 minutes to break down dirt and grime.
- Scrub the toilet bowl using a toilet brush, paying special attention to stained areas.
- Flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaning solution and reveal a sparkling clean bowl.
- Repeat, if necessary.
Why It Works
- Citric acid is an acidic, chelating agent that can break down hard water stains and mineral deposits.
- Dish detergent helps lift greasy dirt and grime from the toilet bowl.
- Citric acid can be mixed with varying amounts of water to create a solution with acidity levels stronger than vinegar.
- The detergent thickens the mixture so it can cling to bathroom surfaces while it dissolves dirt and oils.
Cleaner Tips
- Wear gloves and avoid eye contact to prevent skin irritation.
- Avoid inhaling citric acid dust or fumes.
- Store out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use on natural stone such as granite or marble or delicate surface such as wood.
- Use non-scented detergent for less odor.
- Add 10-20 drops of essential oil if you want to scent the cleaner. (These are the best essential oil brands for cleaning.)
- Increase the amount of citric acid to descale; use less for weekly cleaning.
Fume Free Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Citric Acid
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
This naturally fume-free bathroom cleaner is made from citric acid. It’s perfect for cleaning hard water stains and soap scum. Try cleaning toilets with this green cleaner, that’s just as effective as vinegar-based cleaners.
Ingredients
- 6–8 tbsp (60-80g) Citric Acid Powder
- 1 cups (8 oz) Hot Water
- 2 tbsp (1 oz) Unscented Dish Detergent (the kind used for hand-washing dishes)
Instructions
- Measure the powdered citric acid into the glass measuring cup.
- Add hot water and stir until the citric acid dissolves.
- Gently stir in dish detergent.
- Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and screw on the top.
- Use immediately or cool to room temperature and store.
Notes
Label the container (get free printable label here) and store any unused cleaner in a cool, dry place for future use.
If the solution sits undisturbed for a long period, it may separate. Swirl the bottle to dissolve the citric acid crystals.
Related Cleaners
Looking for more bathroom cleaners or cleaners made with citric acid? Try these:
FAQ
No, citric acid is safe for use on porcelain. It is a gentle yet effective cleaner that won’t damage the surface of your toilet or any other porcelain fixtures in your bathroom.
Yes, citric acid is generally safe for bathtubs made of porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, or acrylic. It should not be used on bathtubs made of natural stone or uncoated metal. It’s important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your specific bathtub material.
Citric acid is one of the best options for toilet cleaning. It effectively removes stains and hard water buildup in the toilet bowl and is safe for porcelain surfaces. It is a natural and environmentally friendly cleaner that has a less pungent odor than vinegar, another popular cleaning acid.
Yes, you can clean a toilet with dish soap if you use a small amount and pair it with an acid such as vinegar or citric acid. Dish detergent alone may not effectively tackle the stains, hard water build-up, or bacteria typically found in toilets. For best results, try a homemade toilet bowl cleaner that contains dish soap with other ingredients instead of using the detergent alone.
If you’re looking for a powerful bathroom cleaner that’s tough on hard water stains and soap scum, look no further than citric acid! This eco-friendly ingredient is a less smelly alternative to vinegar. Try making your own DIY toilet cleaner with citric acid, dish detergent, and water – it’s a game-changer!
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