“Lemon-fresh.”   It is no accident that many commercial cleaners smell of lemons.  Lemons are refreshing, invigorating, symbolize cleanliness, and smell amazing..

To get the most out of the cleaning power of lemons, bring them to room temperature.  Roll them under your palm before cutting.  This will break down the tissue and cell walls, releasing more juice when you squeeze them. 

LEMONS

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING

• Scrub Brush Replacement

Lemons are loaded with natural grease-cutting acids.  Cut a lemon in half and use it to clean sinks, counters, tubs, and dishes.  With salt, borax, or baking soda as an abrasive, lemons are cleaning wonders.
NOTE:  Do not use lemons on granite, marble, or other stone surfaces. 

• Garbage Disposal Deodorizer

Cut lemons into pieces, or just use lemon peels in the garbage disposal unit to dispel offensive odors.

• Fireplace Odors

Throw lemon peels into the fire or the fireplace to dispel odors.

• Kitchen / Litter Box / Room Odors

Throw lemon pieces into boiling water and simmer for a fresh lemon scent.  Other areas: Cut lemons in half and place cut side up in a dish to fill the room with a fresh fragrance.

• Tarnish / Stainless Steel Sinks / Cookware

Eliminate tarnish on copper, brass, or stainless.  Make a past of lemon juice and salt (may substitute baking soda or cream of tartar) and coat the effected area.  Let set for five minutes.  Wash in warm water, rinse, and dry.  Use this same process to clean stainless steel sinks, aluminum and other metal cookware. 

• Bathroom Chrome

Rub lemon rind over chrome fixtures and watch them shine.  Rinse well and dry with a soft, dry cloth.

• Microwave

Freshen up the microwave or clean hardened food off its interior.  Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in 1-1.2 c of water in a Pyrex bowl.  Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense on the interior walls.  Wipe away softened food with a paper towel.  Smell the clean!

• Refrigerators

Freshen refrigerators by adding lemon juice to a bowl, sponge, or cotton ball and leave in the fridge for several hours.  You can also use lemon halves to wipe down the inside walls of the refrigerator.  Remove the mildew looking stains on refrigerator seals with a mixture of lemon juice and white vinegar.

• Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are bacterial boarding houses and absorb odors.  Rub cutting boards with the cut half of a lemon to deodorize and sanitize the surface.

• Bleach delicate fabrics by soaking in a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda for at least 30 minutes prior to washing. 
• Remove underarm stains on shirts by scrubbing the fabric with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice, white vinegar, and water.
• Remove rust stains from cotton t-shirts, briefs, and other fabrics by adding 1 cup of lemon juice to the water during the wash cycle.
• Remove rust stains and mildew from fabrics.  Wet laundry stored in plastic, or clothes stored for a season often are mildewed.  Rub the affected areas with a paste of lemon juice and salt and then dry in the sunlight.  Spreading items on grass adds to effectiveness.  Repeat until stain is gone.