Citric Acid: How to Really Use It at Home

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Citric acid is one of the most practical solutions for everyday limescale removal and household maintenance. When used correctly, it helps dissolve mineral build-up and keeps appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and small household devices running more efficiently. At the same time, it supports routine cleaning in the bathroom and kitchen.
However, to get real results, you need to know the right dilution ratios, how to apply the solution properly, and which surfaces you must avoid. In this guide, you will find clear and practical instructions on how to use citric acid at home the right way.

Key takeaways from this article

• Citric acid is an effective natural descaler for household maintenance.
• When diluted correctly, it helps keep washing machines, dishwashers, and small appliances more efficient.
• It is also useful for routine cleaning of taps, showers, sanitary fixtures, and compatible steel surfaces.
• Regular maintenance prevents stubborn build-up and reduces the need for intensive cleaning.
• It must not be used on acid-sensitive materials such as marble or polished travertine.

What citric acid is used for at home

Citric acid is a water-soluble powder that allows you to prepare a natural acidic solution with a strong descaling action.

In everyday household cleaning, it is commonly used to:

• remove limescale deposits;
• run maintenance empty cycles in washing machines and dishwashers;
• clean taps and showers;
• descale coffee machines and steam irons;
• replace fabric softener with a more natural alternative.

Its performance depends on the dilution ratio and how often you use it as part of regular maintenance.

How to prepare a citric acid solution

To achieve effective cleaning, you need to prepare the solution correctly. Citric acid should always be fully dissolved in water to create a stable and even mixture.

The most common dilution ratios are:

• Standard solution: 100 g in 1 litre of water
• Stronger solution: 150 g in 1 litre of water

Once ready, you can use the solution in a spray bottle for surfaces or pour it directly into trays and water tanks, depending on the application.

Citric acid in the washing machine: natural fabric softener

Citric acid can be used as a natural fabric softener, especially if you want softer laundry while also supporting regular washing machine maintenance.

Recommended method

• dissolve 40–50 g in 1 litre of water;
• pour about 100 ml of the solution into the fabric softener compartment.

This is a simple method that works well for routine laundry care.

Citric acid to remove limescale from the washing machine

Limescale often builds up on heating elements and inside internal pipes, which can reduce washing performance over time.

Recommended method

• dissolve 150 g of citric acid in 1 litre of water;
• pour the solution into the empty drum;
• run a short cycle at 40°C.

With regular use, this treatment helps keep the washing machine more efficient and reduces the risk of stubborn mineral deposits.

Citric acid in the dishwasher: descaling empty cycle

If your dishwasher starts leaving cloudy glassware, white streaks, or visible limescale deposits, it usually means the internal system needs descaling maintenance.

Recommended method

• dissolve about 100 g in 1 litre of water;
• pour the solution into the dedicated compartment;
• run an empty cycle.

This routine helps remove mineral build-up inside the appliance and keeps the dishwasher cleaner over time.

Citric acid for bathroom and kitchen cleaning

Bathroom and kitchen surfaces are exposed to water every day, so limescale forms quickly. Regular maintenance helps prevent stubborn build-up and keeps surfaces looking cleaner and brighter.

Citric acid solutions are suitable for:

• taps;
• showers;
• sanitary fixtures;
• compatible stainless steel surfaces.

Recommended method

• dissolve 150 g in 1 litre of water;
• apply the solution to the surface;
• leave it for a few minutes;
• rinse thoroughly with clean water.

If you are dealing with heavier deposits, you may need a more targeted approach. In those cases, it can be useful to integrate the treatment with specific products such as SANI-KAL BIO and SANI-KAL FORTE.

Citric acid for coffee machine descaling

Regular descaling is essential to keep a coffee machine efficient and to prevent limescale from building up inside internal circuits.

Recommended method

• dissolve 10 g of product in 1 litre of water directly in the tank;
• run the machine until the tank is empty;
• rinse thoroughly with clean water.

The final rinse is essential to complete the procedure correctly.

Citric acid for steam irons

Steam irons can also accumulate limescale, which reduces steam performance and may leave mineral residues.

Recommended method

• dissolve 2 tablespoons in 1 litre of lukewarm water;
• pour into the tank;
• leave the solution overnight;
• empty the tank, rinse, and activate steam to remove any remaining residue.

This routine helps reduce internal limescale build-up and keeps the iron working properly.

How often should you use citric acid?

Citric acid works best when used as part of regular maintenance. Consistent treatments help prevent mineral layers from forming and reduce the need for more aggressive cleaning.

In general:

• washing machine and dishwasher: maintenance depends on local water hardness;
• bathroom and kitchen: regular use prevents limescale build-up;
• coffee machine and steam iron: frequency depends on how often they are used.

With a consistent routine, surfaces stay cleaner and appliances remain more efficient.

Where you should not use citric acid

Citric acid is effective against limescale, but it is not suitable for every material. Acidic solutions can damage sensitive surfaces, especially with high concentrations or long contact times.

Do not use it on:

• marble and polished travertine
• slate
• terrazzo and cement tiles
• wood
• delicate surfaces that are not acid-resistant

On these materials, acidic action can cause dullness, staining, or surface damage.
Citric acid should also never be applied pure directly on fabrics, as it may weaken or damage them.

When cleaning unfamiliar or delicate materials, always test the solution first on a small hidden area to check compatibility.

Why choose PURO ACIDO CITRICO for household maintenance

For effective maintenance, it is important to use a pure, water-soluble product that allows you to prepare solutions at different concentrations.

PURO ACIDO CITRICO is a granular, water-soluble citric acid powder designed to prepare natural acidic solutions for household cleaning and limescale removal. It is suitable for washing machines and dishwashers, for routine bathroom and kitchen maintenance, and for descaling coffee machines and steam irons. It can also be used in laundry as a natural fabric softener.

Thanks to its versatility, it helps manage many household maintenance tasks with one solution, reducing the need for multiple products.

Conclusion

Using citric acid at home means making household maintenance simpler and more consistent, especially in areas where limescale forms quickly. With the right dilution ratios and routine treatments, you can keep appliances more efficient and surfaces cleaner, while reducing the need for intensive cleaning.

When used regularly, citric acid is not just a remedy for limescale. Instead, it becomes a practical tool for managing everyday cleaning in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry in a more organised way.

Still have questions?

Marbec technical support can help you choose the right procedure and the most suitable products for your cleaning and maintenance needs, so you can find the most effective solution for your specific case.
👉 Contact Marbec for qualified technical support.