How to Make a Powerful DIY Faucet Cleaner With Citric Acid in Minutes

Let me show you how you can tackle those pesky stains and gunky drains using the power of natural ingredients.

This method is quick, effective, and so eco-friendly, you’ll feel great knowing you’re cleaning without harmful chemicals.

1. Mix Up Your Faucet Cleaner

Start by pouring 3.5 ounces of citric acid into a bowl and slowly add about 2.5 ounces of warm water.

Mix until the citric acid dissolves.

Next, add 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and stir gently.

Now comes the xanthan gum, which can be tricky.

You will need 1/2 a teaspoon.

While using a whisk or stick blender sprinkle it in slowly while mixing to avoid clumps.

You want a smooth gel-like consistency.

Finally, add a few drops of lemon essential oil for that fresh, clean scent — trust me, this makes all the difference!

Let the gel sit for a few minutes to thicken properly.

Decant the mixture into a squeeze bottle. If you only have a spray bottle, add a little more hot water to thin down the gel.

Citric acid works wonders on stubborn calcium deposits, while dishwashing liquid cuts right through grime.

The xanthan gum ensures these powerful cleaners stay put on your faucets, giving them the time they need to work their magic.

2. Apply Citric Acid Gel Cleaner

Start by applying a small amount of the homemade cleaner directly onto the faucet and around the drain.

You’ll want to coat any areas with noticeable grime, hard water stains, or soap scum.

Make sure you also get around the base of the faucet, where grime tends to build up unnoticed.

Use this on any of your bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

3. Let It Sit for 5 Minutes

Give the cleaner a little time to work its magic.

During this time, the citric acid will start breaking down mineral deposits, while the dish soap cuts through any grease or soap scum that’s lurking around.

Pro Tip: If your faucet has stubborn calcium build-up, you can apply a little more gel directly on the stains and leave it for an extra 10 minutes.

4. Scrub Gently with a Toothbrush

Using an old toothbrush, scrub around the base of the faucet, especially in the nooks and crannies where grime loves to hide.

For drain cleaning, use the toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to scrub around the edges of the drain. If there’s gunk built up inside, use a toothpick or drain cleaning brush to scrape it out.

5. Rinse and Buff

Once you’ve scrubbed the faucet and drain, rinse off the cleaner with warm water.

Take a soft cloth or sponge and buff the faucet to a shiny, streak-free finish.

Not only is this method effective, but it's also eco-friendly, so you’re not exposing your home to harsh chemicals. Who knew that something so simple could clean so effectively?

DIY Faucet Cleaner: Citric Acid Gel for Cleaning Faucets & Drains

You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought cleaners to remove scale build-up, soap scum and grime, this homemade cleaner is the perfect natural solution.

If you haven’t yet tried making it yourself, what are you waiting for?

Let me know how it worked for you in the comments below!

And don’t forget to check out my post on how to clean stubborn shower door stains with this magical cleaner. Trust me, you won’t believe the before-and-after photos!