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8 Things You Can Clean with Lemons

The following post is from Andrea of AndreaDekker.com: 8 Things You Can Clean with Lemons

source: Simple Organized Living

I love lemons! I love baking with lemons, decorating with lemons, using lemon-scented soaps and candles… and cleaning with lemons.

Lemons are a frugal way to naturally clean and disinfect so many areas of your home — plus, your whole house will smell lovely after you’re finished cleaning!

Here are eight things you can clean with lemons:

1. Clothing

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and can be used to whiten dingy whites without the harmful effects of bleach. Two methods have both worked well for me:

1. Pour 1/2 c. of lemon juice into the fabric softener cup (or add during the rinse cycle) and then hang your clothes to dry in the sun.

2. Add 1 c. of lemon juice to a sink or large bucket filled with hot water. Let clothing soak for a couple of hours and then wash as normal.

2. Brass & Copper

Clean your “grubby” looking brass and copper pans and fixtures by dipping half of a lemon in salt and rubbing it all over the discolored or dirty areas. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any salt and then dry with a clean, soft cloth.

3. Stainless Steal & Chrome

Remove fingerprints and hard water spots with ease by simply rubbing the cut side of a lemon over your stainless steel and chrome fixtures. Rinse with warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

4. Food Storage Containers

Plastic food storage containers can get pretty nasty looking, especially if you use them to store pasta sauce or other red foods.

However, you can often remove those stains by soaking your containers in hot water and lemon juice — then scrubbing with baking soda as needed. Wash with warm soapy water and let dry.

5. Laminate Counter Tops

Our old home had very light laminate countertops, which were always stained. I tried so many different cleaning products and finally removed the stains by squeezing lemon juice on the specific areas and then scrubbing with a little baking soda.

6. Butcher Block

Disinfect butcher block counters and cutting boards by rubbing the cut side of a lemon over the surface and then wiping it down with soapy water.

You can also remove stains from the butcher block by pouring lemon juice over the stain, letting it sit overnight, and then wiping it with a damp cloth (repeat if necessary).

7. Microwave

Put 3/4 c. of water and 2 T. lemon juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until boiling (usually at least 5 minutes). After the water comes to a boil, stop the microwave and leave the door closed for about 10 minutes. At this time, you should be able to quickly and easily wipe down any food residue inside your microwave — plus, your kitchen will smell lovely!

8. Garbage Disposal

After you’re finished cleaning with all these lemons, toss the rinds down your garbage disposal, some ice, and lots of cold tap water to clean and freshen.

Extra Tip

Add lemon to vinegar spray. I love cleaning with vinegar, but the smell can get to me after a while. So, I’ve started adding a Tablespoon or two of lemon juice to my 50/50 vinegar/water mixture in a spray bottle, and now it smells like spring every time I clean!

The next time you head to the grocery store, pick up a bag or two of lemons and start cleaning. Your home will look (and smell) fabulous.

Do you have any other secrets for cleaning with lemons?

Andrea Dekker is an avid list maker, pro diaper changer, farmhouse lover, and simple living enthusiast. Her goal is to simplify real life for real families with real budgets, real schedules, and real homes. Follow along at AndreaDekker.com.