If you don’t have citric acid on hand, there are several effective substitutes, depending on what you’re cleaning.
1. White Vinegar (Best Overall Substitute)
Use for: limescale, hard water stains, kettles, showerheads
- Acidity is similar, but weaker than citric acid
- Strong smell, but very effective
How to use:
Use straight or mix 1:1 with water. Let sit 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
2. Lemon Juice (Natural & Mild)
Use for: light limescale, soap scum, deodorizing
- Contains natural citric acid
- Less concentrated than powder
How to use:
Apply directly or dilute with water. Best for light cleaning jobs.
3. Cream of Tartar (Good for Stains)
Use for: rust stains, porcelain, stainless steel
- Acidic and gentle
- Often paired with baking soda
How to use:
Mix with a little water to form a paste. Apply, scrub, rinse.
4. Baking Soda (For Scrubbing, Not Descaling)
Use for: grease, odors, grime
- Alkaline, not acidic
- Does NOT dissolve limescale
How to use:
Make a paste with water for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and grout.
Best combined with vinegar (separately, not mixed in advance).
5. Commercial Descalers (Strongest Option)
Use for: heavy buildup, appliances
- Formulated specifically for limescale
- More aggressive than natural options
Always follow manufacturer instructions.
Quick Comparison
| Cleaner | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Citric acid | Heavy limescale | No odor, very effective |
| White vinegar | General descaling | Smells strong |
| Lemon juice | Light scale | Natural, mild |
| Cream of tartar | Stains | Gentle |
| Baking soda | Scrubbing | Not for scale |
Bottom Line
If you’re replacing citric acid:
- White vinegar is the closest substitute
- Lemon juice works for light cleaning
- Baking soda is great for scrubbing, but not descaling