What You Need to Know About Sodium Citrate in Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

How Sodium Citrate Works for Cleaning

Sodium citrate may sound like a chemistry class topic, but it’s one of those ingredients that quietly does a lot. Here’s what happens when sodium citrate shows up in your cleaning or laundry routine:

• Chelating Agent: Sodium citrate grabs onto magnesium and calcium ions in your water (the culprits that make water “hard”). When those ions are out of the way, cleaners and detergents do a better job. Think: cleaner clothes, streak-free glass, less spotting.

• Water Softener: Because of that chelation action, sodium citrate helps “soften” the water without harsh chemicals. Soft(ish) water means soaps and detergents lather better (so you can use less) and can be rinsed out completely.

• pH Buffer: Sodium citrate helps keep pH at an optimal level. When a pH is too acidic or too alkaline, it can reduce cleaning effectiveness, irritate skin, or degrade fabrics. Sodium citrate helps smooth things out so our Truly Free Home products work well and stay gentle.

Our Favorite Things Sodium Citrate Helps Us Do

We include sodium citrate across so many Truly Free Home’s non-toxic cleaning products because it’s such a multi-tasker. Here are some places you’ll find it, and why it matters:

• Odor & Stain Eliminator: When you have smells and stains (especially sweat), many of them are held in place by minerals or pH conditions. Sodium citrate softens and balances the pH of water, so stain and odor molecules wash away easily, leaving you with cleaner, fresher results. This is THE product you want on hand if you have kids in sports, pets in the house, or frequently work out.

• Signature Scent & Unscented Laundry Wash: Sodium citrate helps these formulas work at their best by preventing minerals from interfering with crucial cleaning duties.

• Laundry Machine Cleaner: Doing laundry regularly can result in mineral buildup in your machine. Sodium citrate helps break down mineral accumulation so your washer stays sparkling, your clothes come out clean, and your machine lasts longer

• Glass Cleaner: Sodium citrate is key to that spot- and streak-free shine you expect from this Truly Free Home cleaning essential.

• Everyday Cleaner (Regular & Lemon Verbena): Sodium citrate maximizes cleaning power across surfaces, so you can wipe up messes with little effort and no residue left behind.

• Heavy Duty Degreaser: Working hard in the background, sodium citrate helps our fan-favorite degreaser do the dirty work without super harsh chemicals.

• Dishwasher Booster & Rinse Aid: Sodium citrate’s signature mineral control helps keep streaks away from dishes and spots away from glasses and silverware.

• Stone & Steel Cleansing Polish: To help keep polishing a breeze, sodium citrate helps prevent mineral deposits on metals and stone.

• Wrinkle & Static Releaser: This formula works magic on fabrics thanks to sodium citrate’s ability to soften the water you add to your spray bottle.

• Dishwasher Cleaner, Floor Cleaner, Laundry Stain Spray: Sodium citrate supports the cleaning performance of these products, helps improve the water quality, and helps keep surfaces (and fabrics) safe from residue buildup and damage.