Lemons are surprisingly excellent cleaners thanks to the citric acid in their juice, which acts as a natural cleaner that can remove certain stains and cut through soap scum. Because lemons contain citric acid, which is both antibacterial and antiseptic, they can kill germs, get rid of mould and mildew, and, with the right techniques, even get rid of rust. In addition to helping to remove grease and stains, the oils in lemon peels (or rinds) can also leave household items spotless. Lemon can be used in your home in a variety of ways as a cleaning solution.
Cleaning With Lemons
Alternative To Bleach
Although bleach is the most efficient method for reviving the appearance of white towels and clothing, lemon juice also works just as well. Add the stained item to a pot of water along with a few lemon slices, and then boil for a few minutes to remove the stain. Since lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, you can use it to get rid of stains. It can stain brightly coloured materials, so avoid using it on them.
Use As A Degreaser
Combine 2 cups water, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Castile soap, and 1 tablespoon baking soda in a spray bottle and shake well to create a natural degreasing spray that can use on practically any hard surface other than wood. Additionally effective is a solution of vinegar and lemon juice. In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Spray over the area and then wipe it away with a cloth or paper towel. If the stains do not go with this simple solution, you can always hire a reputed house cleaning company for help.
Clean Kitchen Countertops
First, use a paper towel to clean all crumbs and debris from the countertops. Slice a lemon in half lengthwise. Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto the laminate surface using one of the lemons. If required, let the lemon juice sit on greasy food stains for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a cleaning cloth to gently rub the juices in. After the stains have been removed, thoroughly clean the area with a damp washcloth.
Clean Up Cutting Boards
You probably don’t want to wash a cutting board with anything other than the most natural ingredients as it is where you prepare your family’s dinner. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto a cutting board to get rid of stains on plastic or wood. With the lemon half, rub the juice in, and then leave for 20 minutes. The cutting board will become clear and clean when the citric acid has removed the stains.
Remove Limescale From The Kettle
To remove limescale from your kettle, simply add some water and a few used lemon halves, then boil it. Let it sit overnight, then boil it again in the morning before emptying it. For very tough limescale, use the same procedure but combine with a few tablespoons of white wine vinegar. Just remember to rinse the kettle thoroughly and re-boil it when the limescale has been removed.
Polish Metal
To remove dirt and make metal surfaces like copper pans and stainless steel shiny, cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, then rub it on the surface. Brass, copper, chrome, aluminium, bronze, pewter, and stainless steel can all be polished with it, however, silver and gold shouldn’t be polished with it because it could damage the plating.