20 Surprising Uses for Lemons
Lemons are citrus fruits with a great aroma that blends wonderfully with
food and drinks. Lemons also have many other uses thanks to their
antibacterial properties, as well as being rich in vitamin C. They are
strong antioxidants and contain 5% acid, meaning they are very useful
for a whole range of things.
To maximize the usefulness of lemons, we have collected 20 of the best things to do with them besides cooking!
1. Ant repellent
Pour some lemon juice around any infested areas to keep them at bay!
2. Air freshener
An equal amount of water and lemon juice placed in an air freshener will supply your house with a nice, fresh scent.
3. A clean tub
An equal amount of water and lemon juice can also be very effective at
cleaning the mildew and fungus that accumulates on the sides of your
shower or tub.
4. Disinfectant
A small amount of lemon juice can be a great addition to vinegar as a
cleaning agent. Not only will it neutralize vinegar's strong smell - it
will also fortify vinegar's disinfecting properties.
5. Microwave
Heat up a bowl of water and lemon wedges in the microwave for 30-60
seconds. Once you've done so, try cleaning the inside of your microwave.
Those previously hard-to-remove stains will now be easily removed and
the 'food smell' will be neutralized.
6. Refrigerator
Storing half a lemon in the fridge will help prevent unpleasant odors.
7. Cleaning chrome/brass/copper
Mix lemon juice with drinking soda and dip a clean hand towel into the mixture. Wipe down chrome, brass or copper surfaces thoroughly, then rinse well and wipe down with dry paper to make them look like new!
8. Bathroom
Mix half a cup of borax powder with a glass of lemon to clean the toilet perfectly, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.
9. Faucets and sinks
Use half a lemon to remove limescale buildup on your sinks and faucets. Rinse well and reapply as required.
10. To make your laundry whiter
Add half a cup of lemon juice to a white wash, then hang up your clothes when the cycle is done. A teaspoon of lemon juice in the machine during the wash cycle will also give your fabric a fresher smell.
11. Dishes
To remove fatty substances on utensils, try adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the dish soap.
12. Drainage
A mixture of hot lemon juice and drinking soda can help to improve your drainage by unclogging it.
13. Trash can
If you throw lemon peel in the trash, it will help to neutralize the bad odors coming from the rest of the foodstuffs in there.
14. Cutting Board
Rub half a lemon on a wooden cutting board, leave it like that
overnight, then wash it the following day. The lemon juice will help to
kill any bacteria that has accumulated on the board, and neutralize any
bad odors.
15. Glass and Mirrors
Mixing four tablespoons of lemon juice with two liters of water creates
an effective mixture for cleaning windows, mirrors and glass surfaces.
16. Furniture
Add one part lemon juice to two parts of olive or cooking oil to create a wonderful agent for polishing furniture.
17. Hair brightening
Pour some lemon juice onto your hair and sit for an hour in the sun in order to brighten it a shade or two.
18. Hair softening
Lemon juice mixed with a glass of warm water can be used as a great hair
mask. Soak your hair in the liquid for a few minutes and then rinse
thoroughly. If you have a sensitive scalp, this may not be the solution
for you.
19. Cuts, stings, and skin irritation
Pour a small amount of lemon juice on small cuts. Although it will
probably sting, it should help to stop any bleeding and disinfect the
wound. In addition, applying lemon juice to stings should alleviate the
feeling of discomfort and itchiness.
20. Removing bad smell from hands
If you were handling something odorous like fish or onions, washing your
hands in lemon juice is a great way to get rid of those odors without
drying or damaging your skin.