What Do Citraclear Dishwasher Bags Do?

CitraClear Effects

• CitraClear, a slow-release bag of citric acid-based chemicals, removes the film of minerals and impurities caused by hard water buildup in the dishwasher. The chemicals in CitraClear bags use the process of chelation to combat hard water. Via this process, a chelating agent from the bag binds to the metal ions of hard water minerals, essentially dissolving them. The Food and Drug Administration approves the proprietary formulation of CitraClear. Each bag lasts for several loads of dishes.

Hard Water

• Hard water occurs in the home as a result of groundwater minerals, mostly calcium and magnesium, infiltrating the water supply. In the dishwasher, hard water leaves a milky white film over glasses, dishes and the interior of the appliance. Elsewhere in the home, hard water gives tap water a foul taste and has a negative effect on plumbing. Hard water causes clogged drains and leads to soap scum and scale residue on pipes, fixtures, appliances, dishes and even the bodies and hair of people in the household.

About nuvoH2O

• The nuvoH20 company focuses on water-softening products that negate the effects of hard water via chelation. The company's anti-hard water products focus on softening water without the use of electricity or salt, relying instead on food-safe citric acid. According to the company, its products are eco-friendly and can extend the life of water-based appliances by up to 30 percent.

CitraClear Availability

• As of 2011, nuvoH2O no longer offers CitraClear dishwasher bags. The company has since transitioned into compact hard water filtration systems that use the same citric-acid chelation principles as CitraClear. At the time of publication, however, numerous free sample-oriented websites across the Internet offer free samples of CitraClear dishwasher bags.