Lemon juice has many uses in cooking and cocktail making, but this powerful citrus fruit is also one of the best natural cleaners, stain and odor removers you can find. When it comes to spring cleaning without using harsh toxins or chemical cleaners, lemon juice is a versatile, filling, and affordable option.
The citric acid in lemons kills germs and removes mold, while the oil in lemon peels can remove grease and other substances. If you have access to lemons, try these cleaning tips for your home.
For more household tips, check out the secret ingredient to cleaning burnt cast iron cookware . You'll also get simple tips to help you reduce your electricity, gas and water bills this fall.
Here are seven ways you can use lemons to make your spring cleaning a success this year.
1. Clean your windows
To remove streaks from windows and other glass surfaces, squeeze about two tablespoons of lemon juice into an empty spray bottle. Add about a tablespoon of white vinegar and a cup of hot (but not boiling) water.
Shake the mixture well and apply to anything that needs cleaning.
2. Upgrade your garbage disposal
If there is an unpleasant odor coming from your kitchen sink, throw some lemon slices or peels into the trash and rinse them under cold water. For particularly strong smells, add baking soda to the mixture.
3. Remove stains from sheets and pillowcases
Has a stuck-on stain damaged your clothing? Treat them with a mixture of lemon juice and salt and leave for 30 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and vinegar and then leave to dry in the sun. Repeat if necessary. (This technique is also effective for sweat stains on shirts.)
If your white sheets have become dull, you can also use lemons to make them shine again. Fill a large pot with water, add a few lemon slices, then bring to a boil. After turning off the stove, add the leaves and let them soak for a good hour. Then wash your clothes as usual.
4. Clean faucets and chrome accessories.
Even if they are not dirty, chrome accessories can lose their shine due to hard water, limescale and soap residue. To restore its shine, cut a lemon in half and run it over the faucet, handles, drain, and any other metal surface. When you're done, rinse it and dry it well.
5. Polish brass and copper
Brush half a lemon with coarse salt and rub it on pots, cupboard handles and other tarnished metal objects. (However, make sure they are not painted.) When finished, wipe with a damp cloth and then dry with a soft, dry cloth. You can also give new life to wooden furniture with a two-to-one solution of olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Kill weeds in your garden or patio
If you don't want to keep harsh chemicals out of the reach of children or pets, a little lemon juice can serve as an effective herbicide.
Be careful how much you use and where you apply it, as the acidity of lemons can harm the plants you want to keep and can even change the pH of the soil.
7. Remove stains from your plastic containers
If you've ever put spaghetti in a plastic container, you know how easily tomato sauce can leave an unsightly tint. Instead of throwing it away, fill the container to the top with lemon juice and let it sit for a few hours. Pour the juice and then rub the garment well to remove the stain.
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