Citric Acid

Are you looking for a natural way to clean surfaces, cut through grease, and rid of that soap scum easily? Citric acid is a powerful, natural cleaning agent that is made through the fermentation of sugar in plants.

You might need citric acid if. . .

• You’re looking for an all-natural, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner
• Looking to brighten your white clothes or lift stains from laundry
• Need to get that soap scum off your shower walls
• Need to cut through tough grease

Benefits of Citric Acid

Citric acid is completely natural, meaning you don’t have to worry about it causing harm to you, your family, or your pets. Because it is an acid, it helps break down grease, dirt, and soap scum without any harsh chemicals.

• Natural degreaser and stain remover: Because of its acidity, citric acid can cut through layers of grease and help lift stains
• Breaks down limescale: Citric acid can breakdown mineral deposits, which can help rid of limescale, soap scum, and
• Natural disinfectant: Citric acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Natural deodorizer: Because of citric acid’s acid nature, it can neutralize odor causing compounds.

Common Ways to Use Citric Acid

For laundry: add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to your laundry to help lift stains, soften water, and brighten whites

All-purpose spray: You can mix one tablespoon of citric acid with 1 cup of warm water and add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to disinfect and deodorize.

Degreaser and mineral remover: Sprinkle citric acid directly onto surface and scrub with a wet sponge to remove grease, limescale, or hard minerals.

How it is Made

Citric acid is made through a fermentation process using a mold called Aspergillus niger. It is then fed a rich sugar solution, and as it digests the sugar, the result is a liquid form of citric acid. The liquid is then filtered, crystalized and purified, resulting in a citric acid powder. Though citric acid is typically made from corn (many times GMO corn), our citric acid here at Earthley comes from fermented cassava.

Although some molds can produce toxins, Aspergillus niger is a specific strain that is chosen because it does not produce these toxins. This is very similar to the way many types of bacteria are harmful, but we use other specific strains to make yogurt, sourdough bread, kombucha, and many other fermented foods. No mold or sugar remains in the finished product.

Safety Concerns

Citric acid can potentially cause skin irritation in concentrated form. Avoid contact with mucous membranes.