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

Cotton and linen linen and clothes can be washed using citric acid. Other tissues are contraindicated. "Lemon" refreshes white things well, removes a yellowish coating from them, but if the dosage is not respected, it can damage tissue fibers.

Let's figure out how to use citric acid so that it gently launders clothes and underwear and does not lead to their deterioration.

What things can I wash with citric acid?

Lemon has a great 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 water contains a high percentage of salts, and linen interacting with it quickly acquires a grayish or yellowish coating, which becomes unpleasant to the touch. Wash white items using citric acid about once a month. Dosage - 1 tablespoon without a slide on 2 kg of linen. "Lemon" is mixed with detergent and start a standard washing cycle. The substance softens water, conditions the fabric and acts as a soft bleach.
• Yellowed clothes. If you notice that yellowish stains have appeared on white things and linen, then add 1 teaspoon of citric acid to your regular washing powder and start the standard washing cycle. If on some things the yellowness does not completely disappear, the procedure can be repeated. But this is more of a preventive measure, it should not be resorted to too often.

Another interesting way is to soak things before machine wash in a weak solution of lemon. 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 immersed in it for about an hour. Then the clothes are washed as usual using powder.

What clothes should not 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, have lost their attractive appearance.

The ban applies to delicate fabrics:

• wool,
• silk,
• lace.

Under the influence of acid, they do not just turn yellow - there is a high probability that their structure will be violated, so you should not risk expensive clothes.

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

Citric acid is an excellent way to refresh the appearance of cotton and linen, but in any case it must be used carefully. Never exceed the recommended dosage in the hope of getting the best effect and do not use the product too often. It can damage some parts of the washing machine, such as a rubber cuff of a drum. 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