Citric acid (a natural affordable limescale remover)
This resealable pack of citric acid is an ideal natural alternative to commercial limescale remover. Made with a natural compoud found in citrus fruit, it is also a natural disinfectant against bacteria.
Do not use this near children or pets (citrus oils are particularly unsafe near pets, even on rinsed/dried surfaces). Use with plastic-free cleaning cloths and rubber gloves.
To descale a washing machine
Add 1 cup of citric acid to an empty drum, then run a standard cotton cycle at 60 or 90 degrees C to dissolve scale.
Run an extra rinse and spin to clear out loosened debris.
To descale a kettle
Bring a kettle of water to boil, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of citric acid to hot water and stir until dissolved. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. It may fizz as it breaks down limescale.
Pour out and rinse with fresh water, boil once more before using again.
To descale a coffee maker
Dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a full reservoir of water. Run solution through a standard brew, then run 2 to 3 more cycles with fresh water.
To descale taps and showerheads
Mix 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a cup of warm water. Dip a clean plastic-free cloth in the mix and wrap around the tap (or pour into a silicone bag and secure over the showerhead).
Leave for 20 minutes, scrub gently and wipe clean.
Use to remove rust
Wash off loose dirt, oil and grease with dish soap, so acid can react with rust direct. Dissolve 2 to 4 tablespoons of citric acid per gallon of hot water in a bucket or tub.
Submerge the rusty metal in the warm solution. It will bubble and react. Check every 30 minutes then scrub away loose dust.
Where to recycle toxic cleaning products
Most kerbside recycling schemes take empty bottles. For bottles with product inside, take to your hazardous waste department for proper disposal (don’t pour down sinks or drains).
