Fresh lemons are great for more than just making fresh-squeezed lemonade and decorating pitchers of iced tea. Fresh lemons can be used to clean the home in effective eco-friendly ways. Those lucky enough to have a tree filled with lemons can save a considerable amount of money in the process. Try these easy ways to clean a home with fresh lemons, and use both the peels and the juice to spruce up the kitchen and bathroom, and to naturally freshen the entire home.
Before Beginning to Clean with Fresh Lemons
Lemons are highly acidic, and the juice can burn sensitive skin. Put on a pair of waterproof gloves before handling fresh cut lemons. Also, use commonsense and caution when cleaning delicate surfaces. When in doubt, test fresh lemon juice in an inconspicuous area before using lemons to clean an entire surface that could become damaged.
Clean and Freshen the Bathroom with Lemons
When life gives you lemons, make bathroom cleaner! Since lemons are highly acidic, they do a fantastic job of cleaning bathroom fixtures such as basins, bathtubs, showers, and toilets. They even do a great job of getting rid of mineral build-up around faucets and handles. Squeeze fresh lemons into a container with a spout, and pour the juice in a bottle with a pull-up lid. Since fresh-squeezed lemons tend to produce lots of pulp, a spray bottle would likely become clogged. Simply apply the juice to a clean bathroom sponge, and clean bathroom fixtures as usual from top to bottom.
To clean the toilet, empty the water first by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl. It will flush but not refill. Use the juice as you would typically use toilet bowl cleaner. Clean the interior with a toilet brush, and clean the rim and other surfaces with a rag or sponge. When cleaned with lemons, the entire bathroom will look and smell clean and fresh.
Polish Household Metal with Fresh Lemons
Did you know the peels of lemons and other citrus fruit are also very useful when working to clean a home? The peels contain natural oil, and it does a great job of polishing and shining metal faucets and sinks. Simply use the insides of the peels as polishing pads to shine and buff kitchen and bathroom faucets and stainless steel sinks. Do not throw the used peels away just yet. Even peels that were used for shining sinks and faucets can be used to further clean and freshen the home.
Freshen and Clean the Garbage Disposal with Lemons
The garbage disposal is a common source of bad odors in the home, but with fresh lemons it can become naturally clean and far fresher in a matter of seconds. Recycle citrus peels that were used to polish and shine metal sinks and faucets to clean and freshen the disposal. Simply run water into the disposal, and toss in citrus peels. They will rub the grime off the blades and the sides of the disposal, and leave behind a clean fresh scent. Store-bought disposal cleaners are not required.
Use Fresh Lemons as a Natural Air Freshener
Is your home in need of fast freshening? Look no further than fresh lemons. Fill a saucepan halfway with water, and simmer lemon slices on the stove. Add other citrus peels and/or fruit, if desired. It will naturally rid the house of any unwanted odors, and the peels and leftovers can be used to freshen and clean the disposal. No parts of the lemons will go to waste.
