Lemons Can Do More Than Make Lemonade- Part I of 3

Thanks to its citric acid and natural antibacterial and bleaching properties, lemons have a lot of uses around the house, from cleaning up tough messes in the kitchen to improving personal appearances.

In our three part series on lemons, lets get started with cleaning first.

Cleaning with Lemons

Cut grease. An enzyme in the citric acid of lemon juice cuts through grease as good as any commercial cleaner. Combine the juice from two lemons with ½ cup of vinegar to create a powerful grease-fighting cleaner.

Banish odors

Nothing says “I’m clean!” like the fresh scent of lemon. Not only will cleaning with lemons leave your home smelling fresh, but the lemons can actually remove the offending odor—not just cover it up.

Dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits

Just pour undiluted lemon juice on the deposits, or rub a cut lemon over the troublesome spot.

Clean cutting boards

Disinfect and freshen wooden cutting boards by rubbing a cut lemon over the surface. Let the lemon juice sit for a while before wiping clean.

Clean your garbage disposal

Strong odors and bacteria can buildup in your garbage disposal over time. To clean this hard-to-reach area, cut a lemon up into chunks, place in the garbage disposal and turn it on.

Remove stubborn stains from countertops

Just rub half a cut lemon over the surface, let the juices sit, then wipe clean.

Clear copper of tarnish

Make a paste from quarter cup of table salt and lemon juice. Apply the paste to copper or brass pots and pans, let sit for five to 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Buff dry with a soft cloth.

Naturally brighten whites

Want whiter whites? Skip the bleach and add ½ cup of lemon juice, which has natural bleaching properties, to the rinse cycle. (The lingering scent of fresh citrus isn’t a bad side effect either.)

Stay tuned for Part 2 of what wonderful things lemons can do.