When life gives you lemons...clean with them!
I have always been interested in finding good cleaning supplies without the harshness of chemicals. Every now and then, I would read about a green cleaning product and I would try it. But now that I have Lucas, I am a lot more conscious of what chemicals I use throughout the house. As I was researching, I started learning more and more about the power of the lemon and its ability to break down bacteria due to its acidity. I have since become hooked and have adapted using lemon throughout my house to clean. Take a look below for my favorite uses!
Removing hard water stains
Living in Florida, we are always battling hard water. The clean freak that I am, it drives me crazy seeing the hard water stains on the shower doors and faucets. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it around the surface of the shower doors and faucets paying special attention to areas with build up. For tough spots, you can squeeze a little lemon juice and use a sponge to scrub or even use salt to help scrub. Wipe clean and you will have a delicious smelling, clean shower.
Cleaning and sanitizing wood cutting boards
My very favorite way to use lemon is to help clean and sanitize my wood cutting boards. Sprinkling coarse salt and then using half a lemon to scrub the surface helps get your wood cutting board sparkling clean. As mentioned before, lemons acid help break down bacteria, making it the perfect green cleaning product in your kitchen.
Cleaning the Microwave
I don't know about you guys, but one of the appliances that I really hate to clean is the microwave. It always seems like it is going to be a simple task but it always takes me forever scrubbing old food splatter that has now caked on. Cleaning it with lemon and water is the easiest way to clean the microwave. I simply take a microwavable measuring cup, fill it about 1/2 cup of water and squeeze the juice of one lemon. Pop it in the microwave and turn it on high for about 4-5 minutes, making sure the water boils. Then let sit in the microwave for 4-5 minutes without opening the door. This will allow for any food debris to soften. Use a rag to wipe clean. If you have stubborn spots, dip your rag in some of the lemon water and scrub the area until it wipes clean. So easy and no harsh chemicals are used!
Replace Bleach in your laundry
Do you hate using bleach in your laundry? I don't know about you, but the smell of bleach on my clothing, sheets, and towels makes me itchy all over. I instead take 1/2 a cup of lemon juice and put it in with my whites to wash. It leaves the clothes smelling delish and helps keeps whites white!
Cleaning the garbage disposal
Sometimes, your garbage disposal can get a little funky smelling if you don't take steps to clean it. About once a week, especially after cleaning my microwave, I take the remains of the lemon and throw them in the disposal with ice. Not only does the lemon make it smell good, but also helps freshen the drain. The ice helps move it around the disposal making sure it gets ground up.
Do you have any household uses for lemon? Leave me a comment below!
