When looking for eco-friendly cleaning solutions, lemon is a great choice to help make everything shine. Whether it’s to disinfect, descale, degrease or to simply neutralize odours, this citrus fruit is extremely effective. Here are 10 ways you can use it.
1. Cutting Boards
Lemon’s antibacterial properties make it a valuable ally for cleaning cutting boards. Simply rub the surface using the cut side of half a lemon to remove any residue and odours. Squeeze it to release the juice and let it sit for a few minutes to disinfect, then rinse the board with warm water.
Eco-friendly tip: Use the squeezed lemon halves to clean your dishwasher.
2. The Refrigerator
Hot water, lemon juice and baking soda are the three key ingredients of an eco-friendly and effective cleaning product for your fridge. Use it to wipe down surfaces, eliminate bacteria and get rid of bad odours. For a fresh lemon scent, place a few slices of the citrus fruit in a bowl and leave it on a fridge shelf.
3. Stovetops
Remove stubborn stains from glass ceramic surfaces by rubbing them with a lemon half and a bit of baking soda, which has an abrasive effect. Let sit for a few minutes and rinse with water.
4. The Oven
To degrease the inside of the oven, dilute the juice of two lemons (about 2 cups) and pour the solution, along with what’s left of the lemons, into an oven-safe dish. Let the mixture sit for 30 to 45 minutes in an oven that’s set between 250°F (120°C) and 300°F (150°C). Let it cool slightly, then wipe the surfaces using a damp cloth and rinse.
5. The Dishwasher
A great way to use pressed lemon halves before tossing them in the compost bin is by placing them in the racks alongside the dishes that are to be washed. The citric acid from the lemons reacts gently to eliminate calcium deposits and make glasses shine, while leaving behind a fresh scent.
Lemon is also great to help bring back some shine to silverware, utensils, skillets and pots; simply rub them with the cut side of a lemon half.
6. The Microwave
By warming some lemon water (1 cup of water with ¼ cup of lemon juice) in the microwave for three minutes, you’re getting a leg up on your cleaning. The steam that’s produced helps to soften and unstick food residue, all while leaving behind a pleasant scent.
7. The Kettle
To clean your kettle quickly and easily, simply place a few slices of lemon in the receptacle and fill with water; bring to a boil before rinsing and tossing the lemon in the compost.
8. Countertops
Bet on the abrasive qualities of baking soda and the degreasing capabilities of lemon to make an economical and practical cleaning paste to dislodge grease and stains.
9. Sinks
To disinfect and make your sink and faucet shine, take a lemon half and rub it directly on these surfaces. Use it alone or with baking soda for impeccable results.
10. Dish Towels
It’s possible to use lemon as a natural bleach to make your dish towels look bright or to make fresh stains disappear by soaking them in lemon juice. Let sit before washing them.
For more eco-friendly cleaning tips, check out this article on outdoor cleaning tasks: Eco-responsible Spring Cleaning
