Citric acid is a bit of a natural-cleaning superstar. It fights limescale, deodorises smelly sinks, clears mineral build-up, and leaves glass streak-free—all without harsh chemicals or fake fragrances. But one question I get asked a lot is:
“Wait—is citric acid really made using mould?!”
Let’s clear things up.
What's Citric Acid Made From - Is all commercial citric acid made from mould?
In short: Yes—almost all citric acid today is made by fermenting sugar using a type of mould called Aspergillus niger.
This method has been used since the early 1900s and is considered the most efficient, eco-friendly way to produce citric acid at scale.
Why mould? That sounds weird…
I get it—it sounds a little spooky at first! But here’s the science-y bit in a nutshell:
Aspergillus niger is a naturally occurring black mould (not the toxic bathroom kind!).
It feeds on a sugar source—usually from corn or sugar beets.
During fermentation, the mould produces citric acid as a byproduct.
That citric acid is filtered, purified, and crystalised into the powder we use in cleaning and food.
The final product? Totally clean, highly purified, and no mould left behind.
Why not just use lemons?
Great question. Citric acid was originally discovered in lemon juice (hence the name), and you can extract it from citrus fruit. But that method:
Takes loads of lemons to make a small amount
Uses more water and energy
Produces more waste
So the mould-based fermentation process is actually more sustainable and affordable, especially when you need it in bulk for cleaning or manufacturing.
Is it safe and natural?
Yes—citric acid is considered safe, natural, and non-toxic. It’s:
✅ Food-grade
✅ Widely approved for food, cosmetics & cleaning
✅ Biodegradable
✅ Vegan & cruelty-free
It’s also a staple in eco-cleaning for good reason—it works and aligns with low-tox living.
What about GMOs?
Some citric acid is made using corn syrup as the sugar source—and that corn may be genetically modified. If you’re trying to avoid GMOs:
Look for non-GMO citric acid (usually labelled as such)
Choose brands that disclose their sourcing and fermentation methods
Buy from trusted refill stores or ethical cleaning suppliers
So… Should I still use Citric Acid for Cleaning?
Absolutely. As long as you choose food-grade, non-GMO citric acid from a reputable source, it’s one of the best natural cleaners around.
Citric acid has earned its place in the zero-waste toolkit—quietly powerful, smell-free, and kinder to your lungs and the planet than bleach or vinegar.
Quick Recap
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Citric acid is made from lemons 🍋 | Not anymore—it’s mold-fermented sugar |
| Mold = unsafe | Nope! It’s filtered out, leaving only the citric acid |
| Vinegar is the only natural cleaner | Citric acid is just as effective (without the smell!) |
Got more questions about natural ingredients or how to use citric acid in your cleaning routine? Pop them in the comments or drop me a message — I love talking clean homes + clean ingredients
