It has a range of uses, including as a food preservative, flavoring agent, and cleaning agent. One of its most useful properties is its ability to dissolve rust, making it a popular choice for cleaning bathware and steel kitchen sinks.
The science behind citric acid's ability to remove rust obviously lies in its acidic nature.
The science behind citric acid's ability to remove rust obviously lies in its acidic nature.
When citric acid is applied to rust, it reacts with the iron oxide present in the rust, breaking it down and dissolving it. This chemical reaction is known as chelation, where citric acid forms a chemical bond with the metal ions in the rust, preventing them from re-depositing on the surface.
To use citric acid for rust removal, it can be mixed with water to create a cleaning solution. The concentration of citric acid in the solution will depend on the severity of the rust and the type of surface being cleaned.
To use citric acid for rust removal, it can be mixed with water to create a cleaning solution. The concentration of citric acid in the solution will depend on the severity of the rust and the type of surface being cleaned.
My daughter and I recently used citric acid to clean up a penny coin that was 50 years old, and the copper shine on the coin after bathing in the solution for a day was incredible.
But you don't need to squeeze the life out of a lemon to get some acid, try one of these tried and true products:
- CLR
Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover: This product contains citric acid along
with other ingredients such as glycolic acid and sulfamic acid. It is
designed to remove calcium, lime, and rust stains from a variety of
surfaces, including glass, stainless steel, and porcelain. It is generally
considered effective for light to moderate rust stains.
- Whink Rust Stain Remover: This product contains a combination of citric acid and
other acids such as oxalic acid and hydrofluoric acid. It is designed to
remove rust stains from a variety of surfaces, including toilets, sinks,
and bathtubs. It is generally considered effective for moderate to severe
rust stains.
- Evapo-Rust Rust Remover: This product is a water-based rust remover that contains
citric acid as its main active ingredient. It is designed to be non-toxic
and safe for use on a variety of surfaces, including steel, cast iron, and
chrome. It is generally considered effective for light to moderate rust
stains.
- Bar
Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish: This product contains citric acid
along with other ingredients such as oxalic acid and surfactants. It is
designed to remove rust stains and other types of stains from a variety of
surfaces, including stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. It is
generally considered effective for light to moderate rust stains. It is used by beer brewers to clean their equipment too!
How to use citric acid to clean and remove rust
Start with a low concentration of citric acid. For mild rust stains, start with a solution of 5% citric acid and gradually increase the concentration as needed. For severe rust stains, a solution of up to 20% citric acid can be used.Apply the solution to the rust stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The longer the solution is in contact with the rust, the more effective it will be at dissolving it.
Scrub the rust stain with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. For delicate surfaces such as porcelain, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the surface.
Rinse the surface with water. After removing the rust stain, rinse the surface with water to remove any remaining citric acid.
Citric acid can be used to remove soap scum and hard water stains from shower tiles and glass doors. Apply a solution of 5-10% citric acid to the surface and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water.
Citric acid can be combined with other natural cleaning agents such as baking soda or vinegar to boost its cleaning power. For example, a mixture of citric acid and baking soda can be used to clean oven racks, while a mixture of citric acid and vinegar can be used to remove hard water stains from faucets.
Use caution when handling citric acid. While citric acid is generally safe to use, it is still an acid and can cause skin and eye irritation. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling citric acid, and avoid inhaling the powder or mist.
Test citric acid on a small area before using it on a large stain. Before using citric acid on a large rust stain or delicate surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.
Citric acid can be used to remove soap scum and hard water stains from shower tiles and glass doors. Apply a solution of 5-10% citric acid to the surface and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water.
Citric acid can be combined with other natural cleaning agents such as baking soda or vinegar to boost its cleaning power. For example, a mixture of citric acid and baking soda can be used to clean oven racks, while a mixture of citric acid and vinegar can be used to remove hard water stains from faucets.
Use caution when handling citric acid. While citric acid is generally safe to use, it is still an acid and can cause skin and eye irritation. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling citric acid, and avoid inhaling the powder or mist.
Test citric acid on a small area before using it on a large stain. Before using citric acid on a large rust stain or delicate surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.
|
Don't mix citric acid with other
cleaning agents. Citric acid should not be mixed with other cleaning agents,
especially bleach or ammonia, as it can produce toxic fumes. |
Overall, products that feature citric acid as their main active ingredient can be effective at removing rust stains from a variety of surfaces. However, the effectiveness of these products can vary depending on the severity of the rust stain and the type of surface being cleaned. The addition of some elbow grease will also work wonders!