Photo by: Danielle Scott
Whether you’re a parent of three or just living on your own, nothing says home sweet home like a tidy living space. But with so many multi-purpose cleaning products out on the market nowadays, how can you ever be sure which will do the best job while still being an all-natural option within your budget? You may be surprised to know that lemons are a great alternative to cleaning agents, containing the acidity to cut stains and odors, as well as containing natural oils to preserve freshness! When paired with salt or baking soda, this little power fruit will sweeten up those weekly chores. So when life hands you lemons, try taking take some of these tips and apply them to your cleaning regimen:
1. The combination of lemon and salt can be a great way to get rid of stains on cutting boards. Simply pour some coarse salt over the cutting board and generously scrub the discoloration/stain with half of a lemon, and then rinsing off. This can also be a great way to rid your cutting board of those obnoxious garlic or onion odors after cooking that can be difficult to wash away with just soap and water.
2. Lemon and coarse salt can shine up copper and brass cookware, as well as give a new sparkle to your stainless steel faucets and sinks. Whether used in the kitchen or in the bathroom, the lemon fresh scent is sure to give a sunny boost of fragrance to the room while kicking hard water marks to the curb.
3. Smelly refrigerator and no sign of baking soda anywhere? Have no fear, lemon juice is here! There are many different options to using lemon in your fridge to ensure a freshly odor-free appliance. One method is cutting a lemon in half and placing it on a saucer or small plate, resting it in the fridge for up to a week at a time. The bacteria and odor particles will attract to the flesh of the lemon and absorb any lingering aromas. Another method is to squeeze lemon juice into an open dish or small bowl and set that inside the refrigerator.
4. Lemon juice can also be paired with baking soda for minor drain clogs in your home! Start off by pouring a good amount of boiling water into the drain to loosen up whatever may be clogging the pipes in the first place. Follow that step with pouring ½ cup of baking soda down into the drain, chased afterwards by ½ of lemon juice. The acidity in the lemon will react with the baking soda to create foam action within the drain that helps to break down anything that may be causing the blockage or clogging to occur. Lastly, finish up the process by pouring more boiling water down the drain to ensure no build up of baking soda residue is left behind.
So now you know some of the benefits of using the lemons that life hands to you, literally. Not only are lemons inexpensive and easily stored, they’re all natural; No harmful dyes, chemicals or fumes to worry about! Safe enough to use around pets and children, this simple hack is a must-try for any home owner.
