Whether you're washing sheets or deep cleaning your garbage disposal, lemons are a simple, effective and nontoxic alternative to chemical-based cleaning products. From tackling stubborn stains to neutralizing unpleasant odors, this humble citrus proves that you don't need harsh ingredients for a spotless space. If you're ready to ditch the synthetic cleaners and embrace a more natural approach, lemon juice is a cost-effective solution that can deliver some awe-inspiring results.
The citric acid in lemons kills germs and removes mold, while the oil in lemon peels can cut through grease and other substances. If you have extra lemons, or simply want to use less chemicals when you clean, give these household cleaning hacks a try.
For more home tips, learn the secret ingredient for cleaning scorched cast-iron cookware or check out simple hacks for lowering your electric, gas and water bills this fall.
Here are seven ways to use lemons to ace your spring cleaning this year.
1. Clean your windows
As spring fast approaches, you're going to have to contend with allergy season, which means lots of pollen layers will build up quickly.
It's not hard to get these streaks off windows and other glass surfaces with lemon juice. 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 whatever needs cleaning, gently rubbing the glass with a clean cloth afterward.
2. Freshen up your garbage disposal
If there's a funky smell coming from your kitchen sink, try throwing a few lemon wedges or peels into the disposal and chase them with some cold water. For particularly potent odors, add some baking soda to the mix.
3. Get stains out of sheets and pillowcases
Has a set-in stain ruined your linens? Treat them with a mixture of lemon juice and salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and vinegar and then let it dry in the sun. Repeat as needed. (This technique is also good for sweat stains on shirts.)
If your white sheets have gotten dingy, you can also use lemons to restore their brightness. Fill a large pot with water and add some lemon slices, then bring it to a boil. After you turn off the heat, add in the sheets and let it soak for a good hour. Then launder your linens as you normally would.
If you've stained your clothes, you might need a little more than lemon to scrub it out, but we have a complete guide for fabric stains too.
4. Clean chrome faucets and fixtures
Even if they're not dirty, chrome fixtures can lose their luster due to hard water stains, limescale and soap scum. To bring back their brightness, cut a lemon in half and run it over the faucet, handles, drain and any other metal surfaces. When you're done, rinse and dry thoroughly.
5. Polish brass and copper
Coat half a lemon with coarse salt, then rub it over tarnished pots, cabinet pulls and other metal items. (Make sure they're not varnished, though.) When you're done, wipe it down with a damp cloth, followed by a pat down with a soft, dry cloth. You can also give wood furniture new life with a two-to-one solution of olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Kill weeds in your garden or yard
If you're not thrilled at the idea of keeping harsh chemicals in reach of children or pets, a little lemon juice can serve as a functional weed killer. A couple drops of lemon juice can save your spring bounty from being strangled out, helping your garden grow stronger.
Be mindful of how much you use and where you apply it, though, as the acidity in the lemons can damage plants you want to save and 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 unappealing tinge. Rather than throw it out, fill the container to the top with lemon juice and let it sit for a few hours. Pour out the juice, then scrub the item thoroughly to get rid of the stain.
What should you not clean with lemon juice?
While lemon can safely be used to clean fabric, glass, chrome, stainless steel, brass, copper, and plastic, you shouldn't apply lemon juice to cast iron, stone, and hardwood. Varnished or metal-plated items shouldn't be cleaned with lemon because the acid may strip the top layer off. Additionally, never apply lemon to electronic items or mix it with bleach, as it can create toxic gas.