How to Prepare Citric Acid Solution

Last Updated: September 29, 2022 References

Citric acid is a weak acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Its sour and tangy flavor, along with its neutralizing properties and preservative qualities, make it a popular ingredient in a range of products including food items, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning agents.^{[1]
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Research source} Although citric acid is commonly available in solid form, as crystalline powder, you may have applications for which a liquid form is preferable.^{[2]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the Solution

1
Buy citric acid in crystalline powder form. You can find it at many grocery stores, Middle Eastern or kosher markets, cooking stores, health food stores, or bulk food stores. It is sometimes in the canning/preservation section and sometimes labeled "sour salt." Purchase at least 1 lb. (454 g) in order to make an adequate amount of citric acid solution.
2
Buy (or make) distilled water.^{[3]
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Research source} Distilled water has had many of its minerals and impurities removed through a process of boiling and condensation.

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3
Select non-metallic or non-reactive metal items (see list below) for the process. Citric acid reacts with several metals, which is why it can be used as a metal cleaner. (This also explains why orange juice placed in an unlined metal canteen quickly takes on an unpleasant metallic taste.)
- Make sure they are thoroughly cleaned before use to avoid possible contamination of the solution and fungal growth.
4
Determine the amounts of citric acid powder and water that you require to create the solution. Solutions with higher and lower concentrations of citric acid have differences in regards to potency, shelf life, and cost.
- A higher concentration of citric acid solution will store better than a lower concentration solution. A good measure is 1 lb. (454 g) of citric acid powder to 1 pint (470 ml) of water.
- However, a lower concentration solution of 1 lb. (454 g) of citric acid to 2 pints of water (940 ml) also works, is more economical, and results in the convenient ratio of one fluid ounce (30 ml) of the solution being equivalent to one-half ounce (14 g) of the dry powder.^{[4]
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5
Measure the powder. Place 1 lb. (454 g) of citric acid powder in a non-metallic pot. Set the pot aside.
6
Boil the water. Bring your choice of 1 or 2 pints (470/940 ml) of water to a boil in a non-metallic pot.
- Utilizing a microwave-safe container is an option, but always be careful when boiling water in a microwave. It can superheat and then rapidly boil over when disturbed. Check the water frequently and when removing, wear an oven mitt and carefully give the container a nudge to make sure it does not want to boil over. Also place a wooden chopstick or similar item in the water before heating (it will attract the bubbles so they don't all form at once).^{[5]
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7
Pour the boiling water over the powder, stirring constantly with a non-metallic spoon until all the powder is dissolved. Please be careful with the boiling water! Using a non-reactive tea kettle might be an option.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Storing the Solution

1
Filter the solution. Using filter paper or cheesecloth, strain the solution through into another non-metallic pot or bowl to remove any solids that haven't dissolved.
2
Allow the solution to cool to room temperature. This makes the transfer to your storage container safer, and will prevent a tightly-sealed plastic storage bottle from crushing (imploding, really) as a hot liquid cools inside it.
3
Transfer the solution. Pour the solution into an air-tight, non-metallic container. Make sure it is thoroughly clean (boiling glass or heavy-duty plastic containers for 5-10 minutes is an option). Choose a container with a tight-fitting lid. Use a funnel to pour the solution into the container(s).
4
Store the solution in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or closet. When stored properly, the solution can last for up to two years.

Community Q&A

Question

What are the chemical properties of citric acid?

Community Answer

It can exist either in an anhydrous (water-free) form or as a monohydrate. Citric acid is normally considered to be a tribasic acid. The pH of a 1mm solution of citric acid will be about 3.2.
Question

What is the procedure of turning solid citric acid to liquid?

Community Answer

To produce a citric acid solution, simply solve the solid substance in distilled water. Use the following formula to determine how much substance to use for a desired concentration and volume: m=c*M*V; meaning: mass (weight of solid citric acid)=concentration (amount of molecules per volume)*molar mass (mass of a given number of molecules)*volume of the finished solution.
Question

Can citric acid powder be added to black tea or water?

Community Answer

Yes, but it's very sour. You might want to add a pinch of sugar or a few slices of cucumber to balance the sour.

Warnings

Citric acid solution can develop a fungus if not properly treated and stored. Make sure you use non-metallic, clean processing equipment. Store or bottle your solution tightly to avoid fungal growth.

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Do not expose the solution to temperature extremes or sunlight, which may compromise the acidity levels of the solution.

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While citric acid is a food product with pharmaceutical uses, this recipe for citric acid solution is recommended for cleaning purposes only. Dilute it further with water (if required) to make a cleaning solution that suits your needs, according to available recipes. Do not ingest citric acid powder or solution unless under the advice of a medical professional. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

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