Lemons have more uses than you might imagine. Not only are they a delicious complement to foods, but they can lend their versatility to our everyday lives. The composition and natural properties of this bright fruit make it an excellent choice for all kinds of tasks, including cleaning, cooking, and hair care. Looking for something to place on insect bites? Try lemon. Learn more secrets about the many uses for lemons around the home.
Cleaning Agent
Lemon juice is an extremely useful substance for cleaning. Its powerful properties allow it to completely remove grease and grime. Windowpanes, walls, and other common surfaces are just a few examples of where lemon juice can be used. To make an effective homemade window cleaner, combine lemon juice with vinegar and cornstarch. Pour the resulting liquid into an empty spray bottle and proceed to clean windows or other glass surfaces. You can also clean cutting boards with lemon juice. To do so, combine lemon with coarse salt and a few teaspoons of dishwasher soap which helps to cut through dirt.
Household Deodorizer
The powerful scent emitted from lemons can be used to freshen up your home. Take the peels of two to three fresh lemons and place them in an attractive bowl of water placed on the counter. You may also juice the lemons for an even stronger scent. You may also add in cinnamon or orange peels. For use in the bathroom, peel two lemons and place the peels in the sun to dry. The resulting product may be left on the bathroom sink in a small container for several days.
Polish Aid
Use lemon juice as an ingredient for various kinds of polish. A combination of lemon juice and olive oil makes a fantastic polish for furniture and leather products. If treating copper, mix equal amounts of lemon juice with baking soda and apply it over the surface. For silver, you’ll need a less aggressive combo: mix half a cup of dry milk powder with 1.5 cups of water and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Allow the silver to soak overnight and then rinse and dry.
For Cooking
Lemon has plenty of uses for cooking: it may be used to add flavor, color, and even texture. It is a popular addition to fish and meat marinades. The acidic lemon juice helps to tenderize meat. As a rule of thumb, combine lemon juice with an equal amount of olive oil and herbs, such as rosemary or oregano. On its own as a salad dressing, lemon adds a touch of acidity and flavor. It can also be combined with Greek yogurt for a creamier version. A spoonful of lemon juice can be added to rice to prevent the grains from sticking to each other.
Food Rescue
It is surprising how useful lemons can be for reviving and keeping products fresh. Instead of throwing away your limp salad, add it to a bowl of water with a teaspoon of lemon. Let it soak, then remove the lemon. The leaves should appear fresh and crispy. To preserve the freshness of your fruits and vegetables, you can drench them with lemon juice. This keeps the fruits from becoming stale or decomposed. Another trick is to add lemon peels to your fruit basket – this keeps the fruit nice and fresh.
Getting Rid of Stains
You can achieve a powerful solution by mixing lemon juice with other ingredients which may be used to remove stains from a variety of surfaces. If cleaning a toilet bowl, try mixing half of a cup of lemon juice with half of a cup of borax. Rub the substance over the desired area and let rest for 5 minutes. For cleaning marble surfaces, mix equal amounts of lemon juice with baking soda. The resulting solution is less abrasive on the delicate surface. If you have pets, you can use small amounts of lemon juice to remove stains from their fur, but make sure they aren’t allergic.
Laundry Aid
Bleach can often end up damaging delicate materials such as cloth or linen. A suitable alternative is to add half a cup of lemon juice to a bowl of hot water. Allow the clothing to soak in the substance until the stains are no longer visible. Proceed to wash the normal way. Alternatively, you can add half a cup of lemon juice to the washing cycle in your washing machine. Also use lemon juice for other clothing-related purposes, such as getting rid of sweat stains. Soak the affected part in a small bowl with fresh lemon juice and allow it to soak before rinsing it off.
For Hair
Lemon juice may aid in the treatment of many common hair issues. Reduce dandruff by massaging a small amount of lemon juice onto your scalp. Do so progressively until the dandruff is gone. Lemon juice may also be used to lighten the hair. Mix a few teaspoons of fresh lemon juice with a cup of warm water and soak your hair in the liquid for 15 minutes. Rinse with shampoo. Note that people with dark hair should not use lemon juice to lighten their hair, as it can result in orange color.
In Beauty Products
Lemon contains many powerful natural properties which help rejuvenate and repair damaged skin cells. It can be used as a toner or as an exfoliator together with other ingredients. For the former, mix half a cup of water with three tablespoons of lemon juice. Pour the liquid into a small bottle and apply it to the face after showering. Rinse with warm water. To make an exfoliator, mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with an equal amount of baking soda. The fizzy mixture may then be applied to your face. Let it work for 2 minutes and proceed to wash it off. Rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
Skin Problems
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemon make it a popular choice for common skin problems such as acne. Juice a whole lemon and soak a cotton ball in the liquid. Apply to the affected area and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. You may notice a slight sting. Afterward, rinse and apply a moisturizer such as a coconut oil. Insect bites are another common problem that may be soothed by applying fresh lemon juice. The pain and itchiness usually disappear within a few minutes.
Good Health
Lemon juice contains countless vitamins and minerals which may be useful in maintaining good health and fighting illnesses. By incorporating lemons into your daily routine, you may significantly increase your immune system’s defenses. Start your day by mixing half a cup of lemon juice with half a cup of warm water. During the day, drink bottled water mixed with a few tablespoons of lemon juice. Lemon juice may also be used as a home remedy for common symptoms such as a cough or a sore throat. Mix equal parts of water, honey, and lemon juice and drink the substance gradually to allow it to soothe the pain.
Aromatherapy and Massage
The essential oils found in lemons are a wonderful addition to any massage. The fresh, soothing smell helps to relax and ease anxiety. You can mix various essential oils such as lavender to achieve a different effect. Reduced blood pressure, increased circulation, and younger-looking skin are just a few of the benefits of essential oils. The smell of lemons has also been found to help reduce nausea and vomiting. You can make your essential oil, or you can purchase it from a specialty store.