How to Use Citric Acid (Lemon Salt) for Natural Home Cleaning

Keeping your home clean may seem like a daunting task, but fortunately, citric acid—also known as lemon salt—makes many household chores easier. It is a natural, versatile cleaning agent. Below is a detailed guide on how to use lemon salt for cleaning. Be sure to work in well-ventilated areas when using citric acid.

How to Use Lemon Salt for Cleaning

Natural Household Cleaner

Lemon salt is a natural, eco-friendly substance effective at removing soap scum, hard water stains, calcium and lime deposits, and rust from any household surface. It also kills mold and works as a strong cleaner for gas ovens, dishwashers, carpets, and window glass. In short, lemon salt is a versatile cleaner effective against a wide range of stains.

Bathroom Cleaning

Lemon salt can clean yellowed toilets full of bacteria as follows:

Wear rubber gloves.
Pour a bucket of warm water into the toilet to loosen calcium deposits.
Wait five minutes, then add lemon salt to the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to remove stains.
Scrub with a toilet brush.

Lemon salt can also clean other bathroom fixtures, especially surfaces exposed to hard water stains or soap residue, disinfect surfaces, and maintain a clean shower area. It is also effective for cleaning tiled floors using a soft brush.

Kitchen Cleaning

Lemon salt removes spilled oils, grease, and buildup on stainless steel surfaces.

Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Lemon salt can safely clean porcelain and ceramic tiles if diluted properly to avoid damage.

Mix 1 cup of lemon salt with 1.5 gallons of water, or use a 1:1 ratio with water.
Some cleaning experts advise using lemon salt only for tough tasks, like removing limescale, to protect sensitive natural stone surfaces such as marble, travertine, granite, slate, terrazzo, and limestone. Acidic cleaners can dissolve sealants, leaving dull spots or permanent marks on the stone.

Cleaning Gas Stoves

Citric acid is a natural degreaser, making it highly effective against stubborn grease inside gas ovens. Two methods are commonly used:

Method 1: Spray Cleaner

Mix 2–3 tablespoons of lemon salt with hot water in a 160-ounce spray bottle. Shake well until dissolved.
Spray inside the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Wipe with a cloth.

Method 2: Oven Steam Cleaning

Place lemon salt in a heatproof dish on the oven’s middle rack at 500°F.
Leave it for 30–60 minutes, ensuring it does not dry out.
Steam from the heated lemon salt dissolves grease and burnt food residue for easier wiping.
Oven racks can also be soaked in lemon salt and water to remove grease or burned-on food.

Lemon salt offers a natural, safe, and eco-friendly way to keep your home clean, making it a must-have for tackling tough stains without harsh chemicals.