Lemons are the eco-clean fruit you should always have in your home. First juice the lemons for lemonade (why not get a refreshing drink out of the lemons, too?) then use the leftover halves for cleaning! Lemon juice is about 5 to 6 percent citric acid and has a pH level of between 2 and 3. This low pH acidity makes lemon juice a great ally in breaking down rust and mineral stains, but gentle enough to not dull finishes. There is generally sufficient juice left in used lemon halves to tackle small tasks, and it all comes with its own applicator (the rind itself). Plus, the oil in the peel is perfect for many cleaning applications.
Maids2000 TIPS:
Clean greasy messes…
Greasy pans, splattered stove tops and/or messy counters…Sprinkle salt (for abrasion) on a juiced lemon half and rub on the greasy areas, wipe up with a towel. (Be careful using lemon on marble counter tops or any other surface which may be sensitive to acid).
Clean your tea kettle or coffee pot…
For mineral deposit build up in your tea kettle, fill the kettle with water, add a handful of thin slices of lemon peel and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let sit for an hour, drain, and rinse well. For coffee pots, add ice, salt and lemon rinds to the empty pot; swish and swirl for a minute or two, dump, and rinse.
Clean your microwave…
Add lemon rinds to a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water. Cook on high for 5 minutes, allowing the water to boil and the steam to condense on the walls and tops of the oven. Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe away the mess with a towel.
Polish chrome…
Remove mineral deposits by rubbing with a squeezed lemon half, rinse, and lightly buff with a soft cloth.
Polish copper, brass or stainless steel…
Dip a juiced lemon half in salt and rub on the affected area. Let it stay on for 5 minutes. Then rinse in warm water and polish dry.
Keep insects out…
Many pests abhor the acid in lemon. You can chop of the peels and place them along thresholds, windowsills, and near any cracks or holes where ants or pests may be entering.
Make a scented humidifier…
If your home suffers from dry heat in the winter, you can put lemon peels in a pot of water and simmer on the lowest stove-top setting to humidify and scent the air.
Refresh cutting boards…
Because of lemon’s low pH, it has antibacterial properties that make is a good choice for refreshing cutting boards. After washing the cutting board with soap and water, give the surface a rub with a halved lemon, let sit for a few minutes, and rinse.
Deodorize the garbage disposal…
Use lemon peels to deodorize the garbage disposal (and make your kitchen smell awesome at the same time). It is a great way to finally dispose of spent lemon peels after you have used them for any of these applications.
Make a furniture polish…
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice or vinegar
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.
