I do it, but I wouldn’t way cleaning is my favorite thing to do. So finding a multi-use cleaning trick that can simplify chores is my kind of thing.

What’s my trick, you ask? You may have it sitting in your kitchen right now.

Related: My Most Popular Cleaning Tips

It’s lemon! And you’d be surprised just how many ways you can use it around your home. It’s a versatile cleaning agent that makes surfaces shine and freshens up any space. It’s also packed with antibacterial properties that help to eliminate bacteria and germs.

Ready for the big reveal featuring some of the best ways to use lemon around your home? Read on!

Use It As An All-Purpose Cleaner

cleaning with lemon

If I have just one cleaning solution in my home, it’s all purpose cleaner. But I had no idea how easy it is to create a DIY all-purpose cleaner with lemon!

In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of lemon juice and water, then add a tablespoon of baking soda for extra scrubbing power. It’s perfect for cleaning countertops, sinks, and stovetops, and the strong acidity of the lemon juice helps to cut through grease and grime with ease!

Easily Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal

cleaning with lemon

Smelly garbage disposal? Lemons may be the rick.

If you used lemon in a recipe and have the peel lefover, toss a few peels in the disposal, run cold water, and turn on the disposal. The peels will help to clean the blades and eliminate any unpleasant odors. For an extra boost, add a handful of ice cubes to the disposal along with the lemon peels to sharpen the blades.

You can also add half a lemon and a tablespoon of baking soda to the disposal before turning it on.

Use Lemon As a Microwave Cleaner

cleaning with lemon

Cleaning the microwave can be a tough task, but lemon makes it easier than you might think!

Cut a lemon into wedges and add a few slices to one cup of water. Then, heat it on high for four minutes. After letting the microwave run its cycle, let the lemon water sit inside the microwave for another five minutes (totaling nine minutes).

When you remove the cup, you’ll see a build-up of condensation on the inside of your microwave. Simply wipe it down with a towel and the grime and food will wipe right off. The lemons also leave your microwave smelling fresh!

A Surprisingly Effective Wood Furniture Polish

cleaning with lemon

Does your wood furniture need some polishing? Lemon to the rescue! Combine one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil and apply it to your furniture using a soft cloth. You can also use almond oil.

This mixture helps to clean and condition the wood, leaving it with a beautiful shine, but be sure to test a small area first to ensure compatibility with your furniture’s finish!

An Eco-Friendly Bathroom Cleaner

cleaning with lemon

Lemon is excellent for tackling soap scum and hard water stains in the bathroom. All you need to do is cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the half generously with salt.

Then, use the lemon as a “sponge” to scrub away all the grime that builds up on the glass and around your tub. After rinsing off the residue, you’ll have a sparkly clean surface!

Use Lemon As a Natural Air Freshener

cleaning with lemon

It may seem a bit obvious since so many cleaners and candles are lemon-scented, but lemons make a natural air freshener!

You can simmer lemon slices in water on the stove and take it to a whole new level by adding a few sprigs of rosemary or a couple of cinnamon sticks. The aroma will fill your home with a refreshing, clean fragrance, perfect for eliminating unwanted odors.

Brighten Laundry With the Help of Lemon

cleaning with lemon

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, making it great for brightening whites. Simply add half a cup of lemon juice to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. It’s particularly effective on stains and helps to keep your clothes looking fresh.

You can also fill a large pot with water and a few lemon slices, and bring it to a boil on the stove. After bringing the mixture to a boil, turn off the heat and let your whites soak for a few hours or overnight. Finish by laundering them like usual!

Lemon Is an Easy Way to Remove Stains, Too

cleaning with lemon

Yes, you can also use lemon as a way of removing stains that just don’t seem to come out.

Soak the stained areas in lemon juice for around an hour. If some of the stain remains, dampen the area and make a paste (equal parts water and baking soda) and scrub the stain gently. Great for coffee, tea, and berry stains!

The Simplest Way to Remove Rust Stains

cleaning with lemon

Lemon juice is highly effective at removing rust stains from various surfaces, including clothing and kitchen appliances.

Sprinkle salt over the rusted area, then apply lemon juice and let it sit for a few hours. The acid in the lemon will dissolve the rust, and the salt acts as a gentle abrasive. Finish by scrubbing the area with a brush or cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Easy enough!

Use Lemon As a Glass Cleaner

cleaning with lemon

Similar to cleaning your bathroom in the trick above, you can use salt and the lemon “sponge” to get rid of grime and hard-to-remove stains on glass.

But if you’re looking for a natural, everyday glass cleaner, mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle for streak-free windows and mirrors. The acidity of the lemon helps to dissolve impurities, leaving your glass surfaces sparkling clean.

Don’t forget to wipe with a microfiber cloth!

Make Cutting Boards Clean and Sanitized

cleaning with lemon

Over time, cutting boards can develop stains and odors from food. Use a halved lemon to scrub the surface of your cutting board, letting the juice sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing.

The lemon’s natural acidity helps to sanitize the board, while its abrasiveness removes stains.


Using lemon as a cleaning agent isn’t only cost-effective, but easy to do and environmentally friendly, too! What tip do you see yourself using?

From my home to yours,

Jill

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