When Life Gives You Lemons Make Lemon…Cleaner!

Lemon is a natural and versatile cleaner due to its acidity, antibacterial properties, and fresh scent. Many traditional cleaners also utilize the lemon's fresh scent!

The benefits of lemon as a cleaner are seemingly endless: 

1. Natural Acidity: Lemon juice is acidic (with a pH around 2), which makes it effective at cutting through grease, grime, and mineral deposits like limescale.

2. Antibacterial Properties: Lemon contains citric acid, which has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in sanitizing surfaces.

3. Deodorizing Ability: The fresh scent of lemon can help neutralize unpleasant odors, leaving spaces smelling clean and fresh.

4. Safe for Most Surfaces: Lemon is generally safe for use on many surfaces, including glass, metal, and wood. However, it should be used cautiously on stone surfaces like marble and granite due to its acidity.

What would you use lemon for as a cleaner? - Similar to our vinegar post, here are some examples. 

1. All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix lemon juice with water and a bit of vinegar to create a natural all-purpose cleaner for countertops, stovetops, and other surfaces.

2. Microwave Cleaner: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices or juice in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam helps loosen food splatters, making them easier to wipe off while leaving a fresh scent.

3. Stain Remover: Lemon juice can help remove stains from clothing, especially when combined with sunlight. It works particularly well on stains like rust, mold, and mildew.

4. Cutting Board Sanitizer: Rub a cut lemon over wooden or plastic cutting boards to remove stains, disinfect, and eliminate odors.

5. Metal Polisher: Lemon juice can help remove tarnish from metals like brass and copper. Mix it with salt or baking soda to form a paste for more abrasive cleaning.

6. Glass and Mirror Cleaner: Mix lemon juice with water and use it as a streak-free cleaner for windows and mirrors.

7. Garbage Disposal Freshener: Lemon rinds, when ground in a garbage disposal, can help clean and deodorize the unit.

Of course with lemons comes acidity so please take proper precautions:

1. Avoid on Natural Stone: Do not use lemon on marble, granite, or other natural stone surfaces, as the acid can etch and damage the stone.

2. Test First: Always test lemon on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause damage, especially on delicate or porous surfaces.

3. Avoid Sun Exposure on Fabrics: Lemon juice can act as a natural bleach, so avoid using it on colored fabrics that you don’t want to lighten. So pick some other way to clean that sun room furniture!

Lemon is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for many cleaning tasks, making it a popular choice for natural cleaning. Have you considered using this in your own home? Are you using it now? Let us know!