How to Clean With Lemons
Unlock the Zesty Power: Your Guide on How to Clean with Lemons
Forget harsh chemicals! If you’re looking for a natural, effective, and fragrant way to tackle household grime, look no further than the humble lemon. This sunny citrus fruit is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning, and learning how to clean with lemons can transform your cleaning routine. Packed with citric acid, lemons boast natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making them perfect for a variety of tasks. Get ready to discover some amazing lemon cleaning hacks and whip up your own DIY lemon cleaner!
Why Choose Lemons for Cleaning?
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Using natural cleaning with lemons offers several benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: Lemons are biodegradable and won’t harm the environment like many commercial cleaners.
- Non-Toxic: Safe to use around children and pets. No more worrying about harsh fumes!
- Affordable: Lemons are a budget-friendly cleaning solution.
- Deodorising: They don’t just clean; they leave behind a fresh, natural citrus scent.
- Effective: The acidity in lemons helps to cut through grease, grime, soap scum, and even some stains.
What Can I Clean with Lemon? Your Kitchen & Bathroom All-Stars!
Lemons are incredibly versatile. Here are some top lemon uses for cleaning throughout your home:
In the Kitchen:
- Cutting Board Sanitiser: Rub half a lemon over wooden or plastic cutting boards to disinfect and remove odours. For extra power, sprinkle with salt first and then scrub.
- Microwave Miracle: Tired of caked-on food? Place a bowl with water and several lemon slices or a good squeeze of lemon juice for cleaning inside your microwave. Heat on high for 3-5 minutes until it steams. Let it sit for a few minutes, then easily wipe away the grime.
- Grease Buster: Use lemon juice to cut through grease on stovetops, counters, and dishes. For tough spots, try cleaning with lemon and baking soda to create a powerful, fizzy scrub.
- Shine Stainless Steel & Copper: Rub a lemon half directly onto stainless steel sinks or copper pots to remove water spots and restore shine. Rinse and buff dry.
- Garbage Disposal Deodoriser: Toss leftover lemon peels down the garbage disposal and run it with cold water for a fresh scent.
- Refrigerator Freshener: Place half a lemon in your fridge to absorb odours.
In the Bathroom:
- Soap Scum Remover: Rub lemon halves on shower doors, tiles, and taps to dissolve soap scum. Rinse thoroughly.
- Toilet Bowl Brightener: Squeeze lemon juice into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing. For stubborn stains, add baking soda.
- Grout Cleaner: Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and apply it to grout lines. Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse.
- Faucet Shine: Remove hard water stains from chrome faucets by rubbing them with a lemon wedge.
DIY Lemon Cleaner Recipes
Ready to mix up your own cleaning solutions? It’s easy!
- All-Purpose Lemon Cleaner:
- Combine the juice of 1-2 lemons with 1-2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
- For extra degreasing power, add a tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Uses: Countertops (avoid unsealed stone), some surfaces, streak-free window cleaning (when mixed with water).
- Lemon & Baking Soda Scrub:
- Make a paste with fresh lemon juice and baking soda.
- Uses: Sinks, tubs, grout, tough stovetop stains.
- Lemon Furniture Polish (for wood):
- Mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive oil.
- Uses: Lightly polish wooden furniture. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Important Lemon Cleaning Tips & Considerations:
- Patch Test First: While natural, lemon juice is acidic. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate surfaces like marble, granite, or unsealed stone, as the acid can cause etching.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning with lemon, especially on surfaces that come into contact with food or that might become sticky, rinse well with plain water.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice for the most potent cleaning power. Bottled juice can work but might be less effective.
- Don’t Mix with Bleach: Never mix lemon juice (or any acid) with chlorine bleach, as this can create toxic chlorine gas.
- Sunlight Sensitivity: If using lemon juice on fabrics, be aware that it can have a bleaching effect when exposed to sunlight.
Embrace the bright, fresh power of lemons in your cleaning routine! Not only will your home sparkle, but it will also smell wonderfully natural. So next time life gives you lemons, don’t just make lemonade – make your whole house shine!
Do you live in Brisbane? Before investing your time in cleaning with lemon try our cleaning service. Our Spring Cleaning can also help by cleaning, decluttering and organising your home to prep it for more regular cleaning.
If the thought of cleaning is just too much call our Nest Cleaners and we would love to help!
BOOK NOW: Call 0438 079 996 OR Online Estimate with Nest Cleaning in Brisbane, Australia
