Is it possible to wash natural and synthetic fabrics with citric acid?

Clothing and linen made from cotton and linen can be washed using citric acid. The effect of this substance is contraindicated for other tissues. “Limonka” refreshes white things well, removes yellowish deposits from them, but if the dosage is not observed, it can damage the fibers of the fabric.

Let's figure out how to use citric acid so that it gently washes clothes and linen and does not lead to their damage.

What items can be washed with citric acid?

Lemon has an excellent effect on white cotton and linen. It is recommended for use in the following cases:

• Hard water. This advice is suitable for residents of those regions where the water contains a high percentage of salts, and laundry, after interacting with it, quickly acquires a grayish or yellowish coating and becomes unpleasant to the touch. About once a month, wash white items using citric acid. Dosage – 1 level tablespoon per 2 kg of laundry. “Limonka” is mixed with washing powder and a standard washing cycle is started. The substance softens water, conditions fabrics and acts as a mild bleach.
• Yellowed clothes. If you notice that yellowish stains have appeared on white items and underwear, then add 1 teaspoon of citric acid to your regular laundry detergent and run a standard wash cycle. If the yellowness on some items does not completely disappear, the procedure can be repeated.But this is more of a preventative measure and should not be used too often.

Another interesting way is to soak things in a weak lemon solution before machine washing. It is taken in the proportion of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of boiling water. The mixture is allowed to cool to a warm state and things are immersed in it for about an hour. The clothes are then washed as usual using powder.

What clothes cannot be washed with citric acid?

First of all, this applies to colored things. Under the influence of acid, the dye begins to quickly wash out of the fabric, so after a while you will find that your favorite bright sweaters and dresses have turned pale and have lost their attractive appearance.

The ban also applies to delicate fabrics:

• wool,
• silk,
• lace.

When exposed to acid, they don’t just turn yellow - there is a high probability that their structure will be damaged, so you shouldn’t put expensive clothes at risk.

Another category of things that are contraindicated for washing with citric acid is synthetic clothing and linen. In this case, color does not play a role. No one can guarantee that the outfits will not immediately fade or yellowish stains will not remain on them.

Citric acid is an excellent way to freshen the appearance of cotton and linen items, but in any case it must be used carefully. Never exceed the recommended dosage in hopes of getting better results and do not use the product too often. It can damage some parts of the washing machine, such as the rubber drum seal. In addition, citric acid is more likely to prevent the appearance of yellowness on white clothes, and not a replacement for standard washing powder. Remember this, and then your things will always be in excellent condition.

Svetlana Kotova, housewife