You've probably already heard about the versatile uses of baking soda and citric acid. These two natural miracle cures can be used in many areas of the home. In this guide, you'll discover how you can use baking soda and lemon, either individually or in combination, in your everyday life.
Baking soda: A versatile household remedy for your home
At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, baking soda is a great alternative to traditional cleaners . It is biodegradable, non-toxic and safe for homes with children and pets. Compared to many specialised cleaning products, baking soda is also inexpensive and available in every supermarket. But what makes it so special and versatile?
One of the main characteristics of baking soda is its ability to act as both an acid and a base . This unique chemical property allows it to react differently in different environments, making it a versatile helper in environmentally conscious households . Find out now what applications you can use baking soda for:
- Baking soda as a cleaning aid: Baking soda is an all-rounder when it comes to cleaning. Thanks to its alkaline properties, the household remedy dissolves grease and dirt in no time . You can use it as a gentle scouring agent for surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom without having to worry about it leaving scratches.
- Descaling with baking soda & vinegar: Baking soda is not only known for its cleaning properties. Baking soda is also an insider tip for removing limescale deposits! Descaling with baking soda is child's play. Simply make a solution of baking soda and white vinegar, apply it to the calcified surfaces, allow it to take effect and remove all residues with a sponge. Ideal for kitchen and bathroom fittings.
- Baking soda as a grout cleaner: You can also clean your bathroom grout made of cement and synthetic resin with baking soda. For optimal results, mix three tablespoons of baking soda powder with a teaspoon of vinegar essence and a tablespoon of water. Then apply the paste to the tile grout and allow the mixture to work for about two hours. Now scrub the grout clean with a toothbrush and rinse off all residue with plenty of water.
- Baking soda as an odor neutralizer: Do you have problems with unpleasant odors? Baking soda neutralizes them naturally. To banish bad odors from your own four walls, sprinkle some baking soda in your refrigerator, on the carpet or in the garbage can and let it work for a few hours. Then remove the powder and the stench will be gone.
- Baking soda as a stain remover: Baking soda is effective at removing stains from fabrics, including carpets and clothing. To do this, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste and apply it to the stain. After a few hours, you can vacuum up the dried baking soda and any residue. You'll see: the stain is gone!
- Baking soda as a fabric softener: Baking soda can be used as a natural fabric softener during the washing process. It helps to keep textiles fresh and clean . Simply dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in five liters of water, soak your laundry in it and then wash it as normal.
- Baking soda for insect bites & sunburn: A paste made of baking soda and water can also be applied to insect bites or sunburned areas of skin to relieve itching and irritation.
But it's not just baking soda that keeps your home clean. Citric acid also has excellent properties that will make your own four walls shine like new.
Citric acid: More than just a kitchen ingredient
Citric acid is a fantastic tool for cleaning all types of surfaces. As a natural acid, the household remedy is known to be effective against limescale and other mineral deposits . This property makes it ideal for removing limescale stains from taps, tiles and glass . Citric acid also has the ability to penetrate and dissolve grease . This makes it particularly useful in the kitchen for cleaning worktops, stovetops and other greasy surfaces.
Unlike many chemical cleaners, citric acid is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a safe and sustainable alternative for household cleaning. On top of that, it has antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces . But these are by no means all the benefits you can enjoy.
Citric acid also leaves a fresh, clean scent and helps neutralize unpleasant odors , making it ideal for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. It can be used on a variety of surfaces without damaging them. In short, it is an all-rounder, making it a versatile cleaning agent for your entire household . Here's how you can use the power of citric acid:
- Descaler: Citric acid is ideal for removing limescale deposits in kettles, shower heads and faucets. However , descaling should always be done with cold water, such as in kettles . This is because the acid mutates into a calcium citrate that is difficult to dissolve when heated, which makes cleaning counterproductive.
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix citric acid with water to create an effective all-purpose cleaner for surfaces such as countertops, mirrors and windows. You can also use lemon oil instead of citric acid . However, make sure that it is a natural essential oil. This will ensure that it can be used safely in all areas of the home and that you will achieve perfect results due to its powerful properties.
- Stain removal: Citric acid can help remove rust stains from clothing or surfaces. This household remedy also achieves optimal results on other stubborn stains such as ink or grass.
- Dishwashing liquid: To dissolve grease and give glasses an extra shine, you can also use citric acid as an additive to your dishwashing liquid.
- Fruit preservation: You can also use citric acid for preserving. In the food sector, citric acid or food-grade lemon oil acts as a preservative and gives jam and the like a light citrus note.
- Disinfectant: Due to its antibacterial properties , citric acid acts as a disinfectant and eliminates bacteria . This fact makes it perfect for naturally cleaning kitchen utensils and surfaces.
- Fabric softener: As a natural fabric softener , citric acid can help to soften laundry and reduce limescale deposits in the washing machine. For cuddly soft laundry, it is best to mix your own fabric softener with four tablespoons of citric acid and one liter of water. 100 milliliters is enough per wash. Because citric acid has slight bleaching properties, we advise you to only use the natural fabric softener for white laundry .
- Odor removal: Unpleasant odors in the kitchen and bathroom can also be eliminated with the help of citric acid. Whether you mix the powder into a paste or dissolve it in water, it always produces clean and streak-free results.
When you consider what both home remedies can do on their own, you might wonder what baking soda and lemon can do? The fact is: Together they are a powerhouse that will transform your home into a clean, fresh-smelling temple of well-being.
Baking soda & citric acid: a powerful duo
Baking soda and citric acid form a powerful household cleaning duo that is both effective and environmentally friendly . This combination uses the best properties of both substances to provide a powerful and natural cleaning solution.
When combined, baking soda and citric acid complement each other to provide a comprehensive cleaning solution . This combination can be used to thoroughly clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles and fixtures. The mixture also leaves a fresh and clean scent without the use of artificial fragrances.
Another advantage of this duo is its environmental friendliness. Both substances are biodegradable and a safer alternative to chemical cleaning products . Not only are they kind to the environment, but they are also safe for households with children and pets.
Conclusion
Baking soda and citric acid are an unbeatable team in the world of natural household cleaners. These two ingredients, known for their environmentally friendly and versatile properties, complement each other perfectly. While baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to combat dirt and grease and neutralize unpleasant odors, citric acid shines with its excellent descaling abilities and fresh scent.
Together they offer a powerful eco-friendly cleaning solution that is both effective and safe for use in a home with children and pets. Their simplicity, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness make them a preferred choice for anyone who values sustainable and healthy cleaning methods.
FAQ: Questions & Answers
How are baking soda and citric acid used in cleaning?
Baking soda is often used as a mild abrasive and odor neutralizer. Citric acid is perfect for descaling and removing soap scum. Both can be used either alone or in combination for a variety of cleaning tasks.
Are baking soda and citric acid environmentally friendly?
Baking soda and citric acid are biodegradable and are considered more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical cleaners.
Can baking soda and citric acid be used together?
When combined, baking soda and citric acid create an effective cleaning solution. The household remedies remove even stubborn deposits and ensure thorough disinfection.
Are baking soda and citric acid safe for all surfaces?
While they are safe on most surfaces, they should be used with caution on delicate materials such as marble or certain natural stones, as acid can damage these surfaces.
How do I store baking soda and citric acid?
Baking soda and citric acid should be stored dry and in closed containers to maintain their effectiveness and prevent clumping.
Sources
- https://www.everdrop.de/the-good-mag/guide/natron-und-zitronensaeure-tipps-tricks-der-haushaltsmittel-im-alltag
- https://www.merkur.de/leben/wohnen/reinigen-natron-hausmittel-zitronensaeure-essig-backpulver-waschmaschine-zr-92636971.html
- https://www.oekotest.de/bauen-wohnen/Putzmittel-selber-machen--aus-Hausmitteln-wie-Essig-Zitronensaeure-Soda-Natron_11294_1.html
- https://www.nachhaltigleben.ch/wohnen/zitronensaeure-als-hausmittel-9-anwendungstipps-im-haushalt-5027
- https://diacleanshop.com/blog/how-to-clean-your-washing-machine-with-household-remedies
