How could the versatile lemon be associated with things that don’t work well? High in citric acid, lemon juice one of the best natural cleaners due to its low pH and antibacterial properties. Lemons also smell great and aren’t likely to cause damage to materials around what you are cleaning such as fabric or wood.

 

When cleaning with lemons always rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth afterwards. One of the very few things you can’t clean with lemon juice is anything that is brass plated as the juice will damage the item. Aside from that, here is a list of items that can be cleaned with lemons.

 

1. Use a half lemon and salt to clean even the most heavily discolored brass (real brass, not brass plated). Be careful with antiques. Always test a small spot before scrubbing away.

 

2. The same method can be used for copper items such has copper bottoms of pots.

 

3. You can also shine up your chrome faucets or the chrome on older model cars with lemon and salt.

 

4. Diluted lemon juice not only cleans stains from cutting boards, but helps kill germs as well. Rub the juice full strength onto the stain and let sit until the stain fades. Can be left overnight, then rinsed well and dried.

 

5. Use lemon juice and an old toothbrush to scrub grout.

 

6. Clean your microwave and remove odors. Place a cup 3/4 full of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave. Heat to boiling. Don’t open the door for another 10 minutes. Then just wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry.

 

7. Put a dilute solution of lemon juice in a spray bottle to clean laminate counter tops. Rinse with water and dry afterward.

 

8. Scrub grills and grates with lemon juice and salt.

 

9. Soak plastic food storage containers in dilute lemon juice to remove stains and odors. Add baking soda and scrub, rinse and dry.

 

10. Remove rust stains from cotton and polyesters. Make a paste with lemon juice and cream of tarter and rub the mixture into the stain. Let the item sit for about a half hour, and then wash as normal (test before use).

 

11. Sanitize your garbage disposal. Pour a gallon of hot water mixed with a half cup of lemon juice down the drain. This tip is from Hometalk.com member Ann from Conyers, Ga. (Hometalk.com is a social network dedicated to home improvement.)

 

12. Brighten your clothing by soaking clothes in a hot water and lemon juice mix (about a half cup per gallon of water) and then wash as normal. Works best if laundry is then dried in the sun. Lemon juice should not be used on silks or other delicate fabrics. If you are uncertain, test a tiny area first.

 

13. Add a few drops of lemon juice to your dish soap to boost degreasing ability.

 

14. Remove odors from your refrigerator with a half lemon on a saucer. Change once a week.

 

15. Clean food preparation smells from your hands with a dilute solution of water and lemon juice.

 

16. Remove grease stains from clothing. Rub lemon juice into the spot and let sit overnight and then wash as normal.

 

17. Clean windows and mirrors. Put a few tablespoons of lemon juice and water into a spray bottle. Works as well as a vinegar solution and smells better.

 

18. Keep your toilet bowl fresh. Place a half cup of lemon juice in the bowl and swish with a toilet bowl brush.

 

19. Sanitize earrings by placing them in a saucer of lemon juice.

 

20. Unclog your drain with a mixture of baking soda followed by lemon juice. The foaming action will clear minor clogs.

 

21. Clean hard water stains on glass shower doors with half a lemon.

 

22. Clean mineral buildup on tea kettle and coffee pots by boiling lemon slices in the pots. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour or two, and then rinse and dry.

 

23. A dilute lemon juice rinse for your hair cuts soap residue and leaves hair softer and shinier.

 

24. Lastly, you can make a facial scrub of sugar and lemon juice for cleaner, softer skin.

 

This article was reprinted with permission. It originally appeared here on Networx.com.