Unique Uses for Lemons

Many people don’t buy fresh lemons because they don’t think they can use them, but did you know there are many unique uses for lemons that go way beyond cold drinks? I keep a supply of lemons in my refrigerator, and I use them on a regular basis for many unique uses around the house. Take advantage of this amazing gift from nature instead of using caustic chemicals and expensive air fresheners. Buy a few lemons next time you visit the produce section of your local grocery store. Once you begin using lemons for the following unique uses around the home, you’ll always want to keep them on hand.

Garbage Disposal

Have you ever noticed those lemon-scented plastic disposal covers for the sink? The scent doesn’t last that long, and products such as these really aren’t necessary anyway. Next time you have leftover scraps from lemons, toss them into the garbage disposal, and grind them under hot running water. You won’t believe how fresh and clean your garbage disposal smells, and you’ll never again need to purchase caustic garbage disposal cleaners or cheap plastic rings that are completely unnecessary.

Cat Box

I clean my cat’s litter box on a weekly basis, and each time I empty the box, I clean it with a mixture vinegar, water, and juice from real lemons. Simply mix together 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar, and add a tablespoon or two of juice from a freshly squeezed lemon. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and next time you clean your cat’s litter box, spray the bottom of the box, scrub it thoroughly with a stiff bristle brush, and rinse away the debris. This will keep the cat box from developing a layer of scale at the bottom. In addition, starting out with a clean box will help it stay fresher smelling for a longer period of time. Your cat will appreciate these unique uses for lemons, and when his box smells fresh he’ll be more likely to keep using it.

Stainless Steel Faucets

My home has hard water, and that hard water leaves stubborn white stains on faucets and sinks, but it really isn’t a problem. After squeezing the juice from a slice of fresh lemon, I clean the faucets and sink in my kitchen with the leftovers. The acid in the lemon removes the lime scale and hard water deposits, and it leaves behind a brilliant shine. Next time you have a leftover lemon slice, clean and shine your sinks and faucets. This is one of the most unique uses for lemons, and it’s also one of the most practical.

Microwave

Unique uses for lemons don’t end at the kitchen sink. Food splattered and stuck on the walls of a microwave oven can be very difficult to remove, but lemon juice can help remove those stubborn stains. Place a quartered lemon and a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it on high for approximately 2 minutes, and allow it to set inside the microwave for a few minutes more. The baked on food will be easier to remove, and the microwave oven will have a clean, fresh scent.

Air Freshener

If the air in your home is stale, or if you’ve cooked something particularly strong smelling, take advantage of the natural deodorizing capabilities of lemons. Boil leftover lemon peels on the stove for several minutes, and allow the steam to permeate the air. Your home will smell clean and fresh, and no traces of bad food odors or other smells will linger. After the pan has stopped steaming, pour this mixture down the garbage disposal to further freshen the air and to clean and deodorize your sink. These unique uses for lemons will keep your home smelling fresher than you ever thought possible, and specialty cleaning products and expensive deodorizers aren’t required!