Check out these often overlooked and unexpected ways you can use lemons to your benefit. This common fruit is way more powerful than it looks!
More Than Your Average Citrus Fruit
In modern times with the advent of international produce companies, lemons are available year round and are available to virtually everyone. In ancient times they were a rare delicacy that few people had the pleasure of enjoying. Thankfully, we can all experience the versatile benefits of this powerful fruit.
1. Natural Air-freshener
Lemons are a staple scent in tons of air fresheners and oils. Don’t waste time and money going to the store to buy some man-made chemical to keep your home smelling fresh. The natural aroma of fresh-sliced lemons is all you need to impress guests and keep your nose happy.
2. Dusting Your House
The peels of a lemon work really for cleaning dusty surfaces. Not only do the peelings easily pick up dust and grime, but they also refresh wood surfaces with the organic oils that the rind is rich in. You can polish, refresh, and dust all at the same time while staying completely pet-safe.
3. Bleach Alternative
This is a perfect solution for those have sensitive skin. All you need to do is add 8-12 ounces of lemon juice to a gallon of hot water and let your clothes soak for a few minutes. 30 to 45 minutes works best when soaking. When your done, you can run your clothes through a light wash to get rid of the lemon smell if you want.
4. Cure Hiccups
You know that feeling you get when you taste something really sour and you can’t help but pucker? When you just can’t seem to get rid of an episode of hiccups just try sucking on a piece of lemon. It will help interrupt and slow down the neural pathways that cause them.
5. Shower Cleaner
The acids found in citrus fruits help dissolve and remove hard water stains on ceramic surfaces. Just cut one in half and scrub those unsightly stains away with the power of Mother Nature.
6. Mosquito Repellent
The majority of common insects find the scent and oils of citrus unbearable. If you have an area around your house or campground that’s plagued with mosquitoes and ants, just place a few cut lemons around. You’ll be delightfully surprised with the results.
7. Soft-drink Alternative
Lemons are highly regarded as the powerhouse of tropical fruits. Put a few spoonfuls of juice into your ice water or enjoy some delicious homemade lemonade. You can’t go wrong with all of those amazing health benefits.
8. A Natural Preservative
The ascorbic acids found in lemons work as a naturally preservative to prevent oxidation. That oxidation is what causes cut fruits and vegetable to brown when exposed to air. Next time you slice produce and plan on storing it, just squeeze a little bit of lemon juice on it to keep that fresh-cut look.
9. Skin Care
Expensive store-bought exfoliate lotions can leave your skin dry and worn-out. Instead of going the traditional route you should try some coconut oil, sugar, and lemon juice to fight off those wrinkles and brighten your skin. The components found in lemons help remove dandruff, prevent clogged pores, and have a variety of vitamins that are great for your complexion.
10. Lighten-Up Your Hairstyle
Adding lemon juice or extracts to your hair on a regular basis can significantly lighten the overall tone. It’s not damaging like traditional coloring methods and will work subtly over-time. You can really bring out the natural hues and character in your hairstyle during the sunny months. Just add some lemon juice after you shower, and enjoy your day like normal. Throw a few tanning sessions along with it to get that iconic sun-kissed aesthetic you’re dreaming about.
11. Antibacterial Disinfectant
A ton of bad smells come from built up bacteria and germs throughout your house. If you tend to have funny smelling sponges just put a slice of lemon over them when your done washing dishes. Lemons have antibacterial properties that kill odor-causing bacteria. You can even mix a spoonful of baking soda in with some lemon juice to remove those strange smells in your sink that stick around.
12. Metal Polish
Don’t spend your hard earned nickels and dimes on corrosive polishes that do more harm than good. Some salt and lemon juice will work wonders on copper pots and metal-ware. It will even fight rust because of its anti-oxidation properties. That’s a major win for do-it-yourself ingenuity.
13. Maintain Your Cutting Board
You’ve probably noticed that after using your cutting board for onions, garlic, and other strong smelling commodities, it’s not easy to get rid of the leftover residue. Worn-out cutting boards are especially stubborn to clean. Don’t worry! A fresh lemon is the solution for you. Just rub some salt on your board and scrub it with a lemon you’ve cut in half. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse. It will have your cutting board looking closer to new again.
14. Steam-Clean For Appliances
Tough to clean and stuck on food is no match for a lemon’s innovation. Before you sprain your elbows trying to get clean out that dirty microwave tries this simple tip. Take a heat-safe cup and add water with a dash of lemon juice. Place your microwave on high for 5 minutes and presto! You can wipe away all the muck with ease. It works great for dishwashers too. Through a few lemons peels in the top rack of your dishwasher to break up stains, residue, and refresh your dishwasher. It won’t hurt to make it a habit.
15. Targeted Spot Remover
Do you have a lemon, a toothbrush, and a stubborn stain on your favorite pair of jeans? That spot won’t be around for long! Dip a clean toothbrush in some lemon concentrate to clean even the most frustrating stains. Just scrub it away like a boss.
Have you ever tried any of these nifty tricks yourself? Give them a try and let your friends know how innovative you can be.