Citric Acid Powder 100% - Food Grade for Descaling

Descaling domestic dishwashers

1. Empty all items from the dishwasher and clean all filters.
2. Add 50g of Citric Acid to the detergent hopper and 10g directly to the inside of the machine, then run the normal wash cycle.
3. Check the doors and hinges for any scale or grime build-up and wipe clean.

Descaling commercial dishwashers

1. Switch off the detergent dispenser if fitted to the machine.
2. Drain and refill the machine with clean hot water.
3. Add approximately 1/2 cup (100g) of Citric Acid to the wash water tank.
4. Run the dishwasher on the manual cycle for several minutes. Allow to stand for 5 minutes. Run the machine again for two minutes.
5. Run a rinse cycle, then drain water from the machine.
6. Scrape or brush the walls of the wash tank with a stiff brush to remove loose scale. Rinse to remove loose scale.
7. Switch the detergent dispenser back on and refill the machine with fresh water and detergent to commence dish washing.

Descaling of kettles, jugs and urns

• Ensure that no one drinks from the appliance during this cleaning and descaling process.
• Not suitable for enamel, aluminium or Pyrex glass kettles.

1. For a kettle or jug dissolve 50g of Citric Acid in one litre of warm water. For an urn use 100g to 200g depending on it's size and how far you will be filling it.
2. Add the mixed solution to the kettle or jug ensuring the element and surfaces where scale is present are completely covered. Add more water if required.
3. Bring the kettle or jug to a boil and then leave for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Empty the solution from the appliance and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Descaling washing machines

• Ensure no items (eg. clothing) are in the washing machine when the descaling procedure takes place.
• For best results use warm to hot water.

1. Allow the machine to fill with water to a full load level.
2. Then add 200g of Citric Acid to the water in the washing machine. Tun the normal wash and rinse cycle for a full load.
3. Check the doors and hinges for any scale or grime build-up and wipe clean.
4. Repeat the process if necessary.

Descaling shower heads

1. Remove the shower head and place it in a bucket.
2. Add 50g of Citric Acid per 1 litre of hot water and pour over the shower head until it is completely covered.
3. Allow to soak for up to 15 minutes.
4. Discard the solution and then rinse with lots of clean water.
5. Refit the shower head.

Descaling coffee machines

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Handy tips

• Always test first in an inconspicuous area before using any cleaning solution. Play it safe, especially when you use a product for the first time. Better to be safe than sorry. Some surfaces can be sensitive to moisture and particular chemical types.
• Regular monthly descaling is recommended for optimum results. Descaling once a year should be considered an absolute minimum and for many applications, a yearly descale would not be enough to ensure efficiency, prolonged appliance/equipment life and the maximum benefits.
• Use as high a temperature water as you can safely handle. The hotter the water, the better the results.

What can I descale with Citric Acid?

Kettles and jugs, urns, bain-maries, irons, coffee machines, automatic dishwashers (commercial and domestic), washing machines (commercial and domestic), bathroom fixtures, shower heads and glassware.

How do I descale a kettle or jug?

Dissolve 50g of Citric Acid in one litre of warm water and add it to the kettle, making sure the element and scaled surfaces are completely covered. Bring it to the boil, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then empty and rinse thoroughly with clean water. For an urn use 100g to 200g, depending on its size.

Which kettles can't I use Citric Acid on?

It isn't suitable for enamel, aluminium or Pyrex glass kettles. Make sure nobody drinks from the appliance during the descaling process.

How do I descale a dishwasher?

For a domestic dishwasher, empty it, clean the filters, add 50g to the detergent hopper and 10g inside the machine, and run a normal wash cycle.

For a commercial dishwasher, switch off the detergent dispenser, refill with clean hot water and add about 100g (half a cup) to the wash tank. Run it on manual for several minutes, let it stand for 5 minutes, run it for two more minutes, then rinse and drain.

How do I descale a washing machine?

Take everything out of the machine, let it fill to a full load level and add 200g of Citric Acid. Run the normal wash and rinse cycle, then check the doors and hinges for scale and wipe them clean. Warm to hot water works best.

How do I descale a shower head?

Remove it, put it in a bucket and pour over 50g of Citric Acid per litre of hot water until it's completely covered. Soak for up to 15 minutes, discard the solution, rinse with lots of clean water and refit.

How do I descale a coffee machine?

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How often should I descale?

Regular monthly descaling is recommended for the best results. Once a year should be considered an absolute minimum, and for many applications a yearly descale isn't enough.

Does hot water help?

Yes. Use as high a temperature as you can safely handle, because the hotter the water, the better the results.

Is Citric Acid food-grade?

Yes. It's food-grade with no smell, eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Still not sure which XO2 product is right for your site? Give us a call on 1300 123 499. No hard sell, just help.

Safety Data Sheet

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Citric Acid 100%

Wall Charts

• Citric Acid 100% A4 Wall Chart - Descaling Domestic Dishwashers
• XO2 Chemical Handling Guide - A4 Wall Chart

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Calculators

• The Facility Cleaning + Hygiene Score