You don’t have to chelate the “dip”, straight citric works fine. Just make sure you CLEAN the parts in CLEAN water after pulling them.
I have begun to do a 2 stage clean, two water baths following, the first scrubbing (maybe with a drop of dawn or other surfactant and a brush / scotch brite, to ensure full contact), and then the 2nd just a rinse with maybe a wipe under the surface in clean water.
The biggest nuisance of the citric is the green/yellow hue it may retain on the bare steel surface afterwards, and then any flash red oxidation it may get.
Ok wanted to share something with you guys using Citric acid.
I mixed some up awhile back and followed what guy in the video in this post did. I have used it 3-4 times maybe more. I have noticed after its sits for more than 45-60 mins it appears to separate. Even if I mix it up it still does this, but still works well. Anyways I have added a cheap aquarium pump and heater and what a difference. I can pull parts after 3-4 hours and give a wipe with a scotch Brite and there white steel. I have even added 4-5 gallons of plain water and the solution is still working well. Having the cleaner warm in the winter is nice on the hands