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A person wearing a yellow rubber glove is spraying cleaner onto the white-tiled bathroom wall. Water droplets cover the tiles, the silver bath tap and the shower mixer above it. The spray bottle is transparent.

Sustainable cleaning with bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and vinegar: cleaning products that really work!

Why sustainable cleaning is becoming increasingly important

Sustainable cleaning is becoming increasingly important in private households, in the commercial sector and in many professional applications. Many users are looking for cleaning products that work reliably, are versatile and, at the same time, enable a more conscious use of resources.
Bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and acetic acid are among the best-known and most tried-and-tested substances in this field. They can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks – from odour neutralisation and descaling to cleaning surfaces.

The major advantage: these substances are based on relatively simple chemical compounds, are versatile and, when used correctly, can be a highly effective alternative to complex cleaning mixtures.

Natural cleaning products on a light-coloured wooden table: half a lemon, two bowls containing white powder, a glass of vinegar or water, yellow and blue cleaning cloths, and colourful sponges in yellow, green and orange.

Chemical composition and mode of action

Bicarbonate of soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃) is a weakly alkaline compound that can neutralise acids. Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), on the other hand, is an organic acid with a powerful descaling effect. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is also an organic acid that is notable for its antibacterial properties. The interaction between basic and acidic substances enables a wide range of cleaning effects.

Areas of application for sustainable cleaning products

A smiling man with curly dark hair is wearing a green jumper and yellow rubber gloves. He is holding a white spray bottle and a brown sponge for cleaning. In the background: windows with curtains and an air-conditioning unit.

Kitchen and household

Bicarbonate of soda is excellent for neutralising odours and removing grease build-up. Citric acid is frequently used to descale coffee machines, kettles and taps. Acetic acid is a tried-and-tested agent for cleaning surfaces and removing limescale and bacteria.

A hand wearing a bright yellow cleaning glove is wiping a round mirror with a light green cloth. The mirror has a wooden frame and hangs on a white tiled wall with dark grouting. The reflection also shows the tiled wall.

Bathroom and sanitary facilities

Citric acid and acetic acid reliably dissolve limescale deposits in showers, washbasins and toilets. Bicarbonate of soda can also be used to neutralise odours and for light cleaning.

A woman with short dark hair and a denim apron is cleaning a blue tiled tabletop outside. She is spraying cleaner from an orange bottle on the left and wiping with a pink cloth on the right. Blurred green plants can be seen in the background.

Outdoor areas and patios

When used in combination, these substances can also help with cleaning garden furniture, tiles or patios. Acetic acid, in particular, is frequently used to remove green deposits.

A person wearing yellow rubber gloves is cleaning the empty interior of a white fridge. They are wiping down a transparent shelf with a yellow cleaning cloth, whilst their other hand is ready to clean further compartments.

Odour neutralisation

Bicarbonate of soda is a tried-and-tested remedy for neutralising unpleasant odours. Whether in the fridge, in bin bins, in shoes or on upholstered furniture – sodium bicarbonate binds odour-causing substances rather than simply masking them. Acetic acid is also effective at removing stubborn odours from surfaces or drains and ensures long-lasting freshness.

A hand wipes a white kettle with a blue-and-white patterned cleaning cloth. The kettle is standing on a shiny surface; a blurred kitchen setting can be seen in the background. The person is cleaning the appliance carefully.

Descaling household appliances

Citric acid is particularly effective at removing limescale from kettles, coffee machines, espresso machines and other household appliances. It dissolves limescale gently and reliably, helping to maintain the appliances’ performance and extend their lifespan. Regular descaling also helps to reduce energy consumption and improve the performance of the appliances.

Benefits of bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and acetic acid

Environmental friendliness: All three substances are biodegradable and have a significantly lower environmental impact than many conventional cleaning products.

Versatility: Whether it’s descaling, cleaning or odour neutralisation – the possible applications are virtually limitless.

Cost-effectiveness: Large containers, such as those available at chemiekontor, allow for long-term use at attractive prices. Effectiveness: Despite their simple chemical structure, these substances offer high cleaning performance.

A wooden box with cleaning supplies on a grey worktop against a yellow background: green spray bottle, yellow and white products, green bottle, yellow sponge, brush and folded green and yellow cloths. Yellow tulips nearby.

Environmental friendliness and sustainability

Bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and acetic acid are considered particularly sustainable alternatives, as they are biodegradable and produced from relatively simple raw materials. Using them reduces the need for complex chemical mixtures and contributes to more environmentally conscious cleaning.

A person wearing bright green rubber gloves is cleaning a shiny black kitchen worktop and a ceramic hob with a yellow cloth. In the background: a basket of fruit, lemons and a glass of lemon water.

Instructions for use and safety information

Caution is also advised when using natural cleaning products. Citric acid and acetic acid should not be used on delicate materials such as natural stone. When mixing substances, care must be taken to ensure that no undesirable reactions occur. Gloves and correct dosage are recommended.

Conclusion: Sustainable cleaning with chemical expertise

Bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and acetic acid are powerful and versatile aids for both domestic and industrial use. Their combination of effectiveness, sustainability and cost-effectiveness makes them an ideal alternative to traditional cleaning products. Anyone committed to eco-friendly cleaning simply cannot do without these chemical all-rounders.

Eco-friendly cleaning supplies on a light-coloured surface: a sponge, a green pump bottle, wooden brushes, lemon halves, a knitted cloth, natural soap, a white spray bottle and green leaves.

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