When you think of lemon juice, you probably think of lemonade. There are actually many different uses for lemon juice. Sure, you can use it in recipes in your kitchen, but you can also use it throughout your home.
In fact, you can even use lemon juice as part of your daily beauty regimen. Lemon is full of nutrients and is strong enough to act as a cleaning product, but it is gentle enough to use on your skin. Lemon juice is also easy to obtain and affordable.
While you may not always keep a bowl of lemons on your counter or a pitcher of lemon juice in your fridge, you may change that when you learn about all the reasons lemon juice can help make your life easier. It’s more than just a tasty addition to tea or a way to keep your guacamole fresh.
Lemon juice can help brighten hair, nails, and laundry; soothe a sore throat and dry skin; and even work as a deodorant. It’s really amazing what a little lemon juice can do. Here are 35 genius uses for lemon juice that you have probably never heard of before.
1. Settle An Upset Stomach
Lemon juice is a fast and easy way to soothe an upset stomach. Just drink a small amount of lemon juice or suck on a lemon. It will get rid of nausea and bad breath associated with vomiting.
2. Preserve Fruit
Lemon juice contains a lot of citric acid. This helps preserve food. If you have fruits or other foods that brown easily, toss them in a little lemon juice mixed with water. It will prevent them from browning and help them stay fresh longer.
3. Emergency Deodorant
If you are out of deodorant and are in a pinch, lemon juice can save the day. Just apply some to your underarms and allow it to air dry. It will block sweat and kill any germs or bacteria that cause underarm odors.
4. Destroy Odors
Lemon juice has the power to clear odors from a room. Just make a mixture of lemon juice and water and spray it around your home to get rid of odors. You can also use it in your car and even on your laundry.
5. Insect Deterrent
Insects can be a problem any time of year. You can help deter them by spraying lemon juice around your home. You can use it on the outside or inside. Spray it around doors and windows to keep insects from entering your home.
6. Lighten Age Spots
Age spots can be frustrating, and there aren’t many things that are effective at fading them. However, lemon juice is a natural way to lighten age spots. It’s safe for all skin types and, if used every day, remarkably effective.
7. Glass Cleaner
Lemon juice can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home, including windows. Just spray it on the window and wipe it clean. It will create a streak-free glass that you can see out of with no problem.
8. Stain Remover
Lemon juice is a natural stain remover. Just spray the lemon juice on the stain and allow it to soak in. Toss the garment in the washer and wash as normal. The lemon juice will pull the stain right out of the fabric.
9. Soothe A Sore Throat
There are few things worse than a sore throat. Instead of taking medication and sucking on cough drops, just drink some lemon juice. Not only will it help soothe your throat, but it will also help clear up any infections.
10. Toilet Cleaner
Lemon juice is strong enough to clean up even the most serious of stains. Just spray it in your toilet and use a toilet brush to scrub it. The lemon juice will break down any grime or stains and leave your toilet sparkling clean.
11. Boost Metabolism
If you are trying to lose weight and want to boost your metabolism, lemon juice can be a secret weapon. It helps speed up your metabolism. You can add lemons to food or lemon juice to your favorite drinks.
12. Dry Skin
A lot of people suffer from dry skin. Lemon juice can help soothe the itch and pain associated with dry skin and also add some moisture to it. You can add it to your favorite lotion or just apply it to your skin daily.
13. Metal Polish
If you have some metal in your home that is looking tarnished and dull, you can bring new life to it with lemon juice. Apply some lemon juice to a rag and rub it all over the metal. It will remove dirt and make the metal look shiny and new again.
14. Unstick Rice
If you cook rice often, you know how easy it can stick to the pan. You don’t want to stir it, as it could make things worse. Instead, add a little lemon juice to the pot. It will loosen up the rice and make it easy for you to scoop it out of the pot.
15. Highlight Hair
Lemon juice is a natural highlighter. Spray a little on your hair and spend a few hours out in the sun. By the time you go inside, your hair will look lighter with some natural highlights.
16. Brighten Laundry
If your laundry is looking dull, you can brighten it with lemon juice. Just pour the lemon juice into the washing machine with your laundry. Then, wash it as normal. When you pull the laundry out, it will look much brighter and smell fresh, too.
17. Heartburn Relief
Heartburn is a problem that affects millions of people. While it’s not serious, it can be frustrating and painful. You can stop heartburn by eating a lemon or drinking lemon juice. It’s safe, natural relief.
18. Facial Treatment
Lemon juice is good for your skin, and it’s perfect for a facial. Just apply some lemon juice to a washcloth and use it to wipe your face. It will remove makeup, soothe dry skin, and give your face a fresh and natural glow.
19. Soothe Itchy Skin
If you suffer from itchy skin, lemon juice can help. Apply the lemon juice to the itchy skin and allow it to soak in for several minutes. Rinse it with warm water, and your skin should feel much better.
20. Hangover Help
Hangovers can be awful to deal with, and they can last all day. Shorten your hangover by drinking some lemon juice. It will help remove the toxins from your body and hydrate you. You will feel better much faster.
21. Brighten Fingernails
Lemon can brighten your natural fingernails and make them look healthy and clear. Just dip your nails in a bowl of lemon juice and allow them to soak for 10 or 15 minutes. After you remove them from the lemon juice, rinse them off.
22. Make Your Hair Shine
If your hair is lacking some shine and looks a little lifeless, just apply some lemon juice to it to make it look shiny and healthy. You can apply it in the shower after your shampoo and conditioner. Don’t forget to rinse it out, though.
23. Remove Fish Or Onion Smell
There are certain smells that tend to linger on your hands. However, you can remove them with lemon juice. Even smells like fish or onions can be washed away with some lemon juice and warm water.
24. Remove Odors From Rolling Pin
If you use a rolling pin, it may absorb odors. You can’t wash it with soap or other cleaning solutions, as the chemicals will be absorbed into the wood. You can clean it with lemon juice and remove any bad odors that may have been absorbed into the wood.
25. Polish Wood Furniture
Lemons are great for polishing wood furniture. Add some lemon juice to a rag and then rub the furniture. It will remove dust and dirt, add shine, and make your home smell great. It’s also affordable and natural.
26. Renew Hardened Paint Brushes
If you reuse paint brushes, you know that they can get hard sometimes. To help bring new life to them, just soak them in lemon juice. It will soften the bristles, so you can use them again.
27. Clean A Microwave
Your microwave can get dirty and grimy after a couple weeks of use. Finding a good cleaner that is safe to use around food can be hard. Just spray some lemon juice on it and wipe it clean.
28. Prevent Kidney Stones
If you suffer from kidney stones, you are probably willing to try almost anything for some relief. You don’t have to buy expensive drinks or medications. Just drink some lemon juice every day, and it will help dissolve kidney stones and prevent new ones from forming.
29. Wash Fruit And Vegetables
You should always wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat them or use them in recipes. This gets rid of the pesticides that are sprayed on them, as well as any germs. Just wash the vegetables in a bowl of lemon juice and water to clean them thoroughly.
30. Treat Infections
Lemon juice has antibacterial properties that allow it to help treat infections. It’s great for throat and sinus infections. Just drink it straight or mix it with water to help soothe a sore throat and fight bacteria.
31. Treat Dandruff
Dandruff is a big problem for a lot of people. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Lemon juice can help soothe a dry scalp and prevent dandruff and dry scalp. Just rinse it through your hair in the shower a couple times a week.
32. Soften Dry Elbows
If you have dry and scaly skin on your elbows, you may be desperate for some relief. Lemon juice is a terrific way to soothe the skin. If you have dark patches on your elbows, lemon juice can lighten them, too.
33. Fight Headaches
If you suffer from headaches, lemon juice can help. You can add it to water or other drinks. If you don’t mind the taste, you can even drink it plain. Consuming lemon juice on a regular basis can fight headaches.
34. Disinfect Cuts
If you are worried that a cut may get infected, you can disinfect it with lemon juice. Apply a small amount of lemon juice around the cut. It may burn, but it can be rinsed with water to ease the pain. It will kill any germs or bacteria that may be inside.
35. Remove Warts
Lemon juice can help shrink and remove warts. Just apply the lemon juice directly to the wart. Allow it to soak into the skin for several minutes. Wash it off and repeat daily until the wart is gone.
Bonus: Brilliant Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
Eczema
Apple cider vinegar works wonders on eczema, especially on babies. The apple cider vinegar works to balance acidity levels in a baby’s skin. Adding it every time you give your child a bath will help to calm down any flare up of eczema and it will moisturize their skin as well.
Skin Toner
Using apple cider vinegar as a skin toner will save you money and have your skin looking way better in no time. It can rid your face of blackheads, blemishes and provide you with a more even skin tone. All you need to do is mix it with some distilled water in a small bottle and you’re good to go.
Acne Astringent
Acne can be ugly and can leave you with some unsightly scars. Using apple cider vinegar will help to dry up the acne breakout and the natural antiseptic properties will work to prevent infection. Apple cider vinegar will also work to fade any acne scars you may have, restoring your confidence again.
Makeup Remover
Some makeup can be hard to get off, but it doesn’t have to be when you have apple cider vinegar in the house. Diluting one-part apple cider vinegar with two-parts water will get even the toughest makeup off of your skin with ease. Because it is diluted, it shouldn’t cause any irritation.
Sunburn
Getting a sunburn is never any fun and it can be very painful, especially at night when you are trying to sleep. You can take the burn and the sting out of the sunburn by applying straight apple cider vinegar to it. It may sting on contact, but it will provide cooling relief and prevent any infection.
Cleaning Spray
Apple cider vinegar makes a great cleaning solution and is good for disinfecting in your home. It can also be used with a coffee filter to clean windows and mirrors with a streak-free shine. You can add essential oils to the blend for added benefits.
Keep Ants Away
If you hate ants and do not want them anywhere near your home, apple cider vinegar is the answer to your prayers. Ants absolutely hate it! Mixing it in a 50/50 ratio will keep the ants at bay all summer long. You can spray it along windowsills and around the baseboards in your home or anywhere they may enter. Once they smell it, they will stay away.
Fruit Fly Trap
Fruit flies are pesky and annoying, and nobody wants them in their home. If you find that you’ve been invaded by these tiny nuisances, you can get a jar and fill it with apple cider vinegar, water, and dish soap. You can make a cone out of a paper towel and put it in the jar. They will enter the jar and your problem will be over.
Humidifier Cleaner
Humidifiers are a great way to keep your sinuses clear. If you want to prevent bacteria from growing inside of yours, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the water. You can run the humidifier with the vinegar inside, or you can use it just to disinfect the filter. Either way, you’re killing germs and working towards a healthier you.
Drain Cleaner
Clogged drains can cause many problems. If you are tired of waiting for the water to go down, mix up some apple cider vinegar and baking soda and pour it down the drain. It will work to remove the clog so that everything works perfectly again.
Jewelry Cleaner
Wearing jewelry everyday can make it dull and tarnished, rather than sparkly and pretty. By soaking your jewelry in apple cider vinegar mixed with baking soda, you can bring back the shine once again. After your jewelry has finished soaking, simply wipe it off with a soft rag and you’ll be back to rocking it again in no time.
Weed Killer
Nobody wants weeds plaguing their yard. Fortunately, you don’t have to let them get the best of your garden and choke out the plants you really want. Simply pouring apple cider vinegar on the weeds will kill them off and prevent them from coming back. It is a great alternative to toxic weed killers and is safe to use around kids and pets.
Flea Spray
There is nothing more annoying for a dog or cat than getting bit up by fleas. If you notice that your pet is scratching, and you do not want to spend a small fortune on over the counter flea medication at your vet’s office, try apple cider vinegar. Simply dilute some vinegar in a spray bottle with water and spray it on their fur. It will kill the fleas and prevent any infection that their bites may have caused.
Prevents Parasitic Infections
Dogs are prone to getting parasitic infections, such as hookworms, ringworms, and tapeworms. Since parasites can be so difficult to treat, it is best to just prevent them from the start. Pouring a capful of apple cider vinegar in your dog’s water every day can work to prevent parasites without the use of costly medicines from your vet.
Carb Breakdown
Pasta is awesome, and pasta is life for many people. The sad thing about eating pasta is that it contains so many carbs. Fortunately, if you add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your pasta, you can slow the breakdown of carbs and prevent your body from absorbing them too quickly.
Aids Arthritis Pain
Arthritis in one of the most painful conditions you will experience, and it comes with aching joints. Some pain medications do not work as well as they could, but apple cider vinegar can do a great job at providing relief. Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed into an 8-ounce glass of water can relieve your symptoms all day.
Helps Control Dandruff
Dandruff looks unsightly and can be super itchy. There is no need to run around with an itchy, dry scalp. If you’ve tried everything else to no avail, give apple cider vinegar a try. It will rid your scalp of those hideous flakes and keep the itch at bay, as well.
Breaks Up Cellulite
Cellulite is ugly, and it can be hard to get rid of once you get it. While there are numerous over the counter treatments and lotions you can use to hydrate the skin, drinking a cup of water with two tablespoons in it can work to break cellulite up from the inside out. You can also rub some onto the cellulite with a cotton ball for added benefits.
Prevent Hair Dye Fading
Getting your hair dyed can be expensive and time consuming. Once you have your hair the way you finally want it, you don’t want that color to fade. Washing your hair with apple cider vinegar will prevent the color from fading and keep it looking fresh for longer.
Helps Aid a Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat, apple cider vinegar can be your best friend. Germs cannot survive in acid, so by gargling with apple cider vinegar, you are doing yourself a huge favor. Mix apple cider vinegar with salt and gargle twice a day to help cure your throat and get back to yourself in no time.
Kills Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is no joke, but many people have it. Whether you already have toenail fungus, or you just want to prevent it, soaking your feet with apple cider vinegar can do the trick, plus it’s super relaxing! You should soak your feet for at least 10 minutes a day to reap the full benefits.
Kills Candida
Candida, also known as a yeast infection, is very common. To kill the infection, you can soak in apple cider vinegar. The candida can’t survive, and the infection will clear up in no time at all.
Cures Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is easily one of the worst parts of pregnancy. If you’re suffering, and the thought of food alone has you wanting to throw up, try mixing some apple cider vinegar in a glass with stevia. It will neutralize the acid in your stomach and have you able to function normally.
Clears Painful Fever Blisters
If you’ve ever had a fever blister, you know how painful they are. To get rid of that unsightly fever blister, apply some straight apple cider vinegar. Your fever blister will heal quickly.
Cradle Cap Cure
Babies get cradle cap, no matter how hard you try to prevent it. It can look bad, but fortunately, it is easy enough to treat. By applying some apple cider vinegar to your baby’s head and using a small comb, you can get rid of the yellow crust and have your baby’s scalp looking brand new again.
Great Produce Wash
Fresh produce gets handled by tons of people before you actually get a chance to eat it. Just imagine how many people touch it at the grocery store before you even purchase it. Washing it with apple cider vinegar will kill the germs and remove the waxy film as well, making your produce ready to eat.
Makes Great Buttermilk
If you have ever needed buttermilk and had to run to the store in the middle of cooking, you obviously didn’t know about apple cider vinegar. Simply adding 1 tablespoon to one cup of milk can create buttermilk that you can use to cook with. You’ll just need to let the milk sit until it thickens and you’re good to go.
Lowers Blood Sugar
Apple cider vinegar is great for lowering blood sugar in people who suffer from diabetes. If you consume a tablespoon in water after a meal, it will help to prevent blood sugar from soaring to high levels. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting, however, so the vinegar doesn’t affect any of your medications.
Aids in Weight Loss
Many people take either a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or even apple cider vinegar pills to help aid with their weight loss efforts. Apple cider vinegar makes you feel full, so you will not want to eat as much. It can also help you to lose belly fat and help to shed some extra pounds when combined with a healthy diet.
Preserves Food
Apple cider vinegar is a great preservative for foods. In fact, many people use it to pickle veggies and it makes them more acidic. The vinegar deactivates enzymes and kills any bacteria that could cause the food to go bad.
Makes a Great Vinaigrette
If you love vinaigrette salad dressing, you should know that one of the base ingredients is, in fact, apple cider vinegar. You can make many different kinds of delicious vinaigrette dressings. The dressing will be much healthier for you than bought salad dressings, which can be packed with calories.
Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can actually lower the risk of cancer. In fact, in some clinical studies, vinegar has killed cancer cells. If you think you may be at risk or if cancer runs in your family, try vinegar – along with regular medical care – to lower your risk.
Helps Eggs Boil Better
The next time you are making hard boiled eggs, be sure to add a bit of apple cider vinegar to your water. The acidity of the vinegar will make the egg whites harden better. This will make your eggs easier to peel and they will keep their shape.
Makes a Great Marinade
Apple cider vinegar works great as a marinade for meat. It gives the meat a nice, tangy flavor and also works to help tenderize it prior to cooking. You can add your own spices to make the apple cider vinegar marinade your own, such as soy sauce, garlic, or even cayenne pepper.
Great for Cleaning Dentures
Dentures get dirty just like teeth do and they need to be cleaned. Some of the cleaning solutions you can buy in the store are harsh and can actually do more harm than good. Cleaning your dentures by soaking them in apple cider vinegar and water can leave them clean and a few shades whiter, as well.
Toothbrush Cleaner
If you want to have clean teeth, you need to start with a clean toothbrush. You can clean your toothbrush by mixing apple cider vinegar, water, and baking soda together and leaving your toothbrush to soak in it. It will kill any germs and bacteria and keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Whiten Teeth with Ease
Apple cider vinegar can work to whiten your teeth. You will not see results instantly, but if you apply the vinegar to your teeth with a cotton swab, you’ll notice they are a few shades whiter in no time at all. Be sure that you rinse your teeth well after, as the acid could damage the enamel if left on them.
Lowers Risk of Heart Problems
Apple cider vinegar can help you to have a healthy heart. By implementing it into your diet, you can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. You’ll be less at risk for heart disease simply by adding some ACV to your diet.
Your Muscles Will Be More Energy Efficient
If you have ever had a cramp, someone may have told you to drink pickle juice because it would help. Yes, it will help, but the real helping ingredient in the pickle juice is the vinegar. Vinegar contains potassium and will prevent cramping and give you a boost of energy.
Freshens Breath
Apple cider vinegar will help you to have fresher breath if you swish with it daily. The acidity kills any microorganisms that may be in your mouth causing your breath to smell less than appealing. Be sure to swish with water when after you’ve swished with vinegar to make sure it doesn’t damage your teeth.