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Here's 11 fresh ways to use lemons around the house.
Cleaning
1. Counter top Stains. There's a reason why almost every cleaning product has a "Fresh Lemon" scent. Nothing says clean like the tart smell of this little fruit. Next time you need to clean your kitchen counters forget the Clorox. Get an empty spray bottle and fill it with hot water, 1/2 cup vinegar and the juice from one whole lemon. Let it sit for 5 minutes for really tough stains, and "Voila!" your kitchen will smell like you've been cleaning all day!
2. Cut Grease. Now matter what I do, after every meal in my house the stove is filled with a greasy film. Luckily the citric acid in lemons breaks up that grease so your stove top will shine like new.
3. Soap Scum. With 3 sons and a husband, I am far too familiar with a dirty bathroom. But if you really want your faucets and chrome to sparkle, try squeezing a lemon directly on hard water deposits and soap scum. It won't help with the dirty clothes on the floor, but at least the shower will be clean!
4. Disinfect Cutting Boards. To avoid bacteria from staying in the pours of your cutting board rub a 1/2 a lemon on the surface. Let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.
5. Brighten Whites. I don't know about you, but I HATE seeing brand new socks next to older ones when I do the laundry. I feel like the old ones are whispering to me, "Why the hell don't WE look like that anymore!" ( I really think that is why socks disappear) Never fear little socks! The next time you want to get those whites SUPER white, add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle of your wash and say good-bye to dingy feet!
Beauty
6. Natural Highlights. I love sun kissed highlights as much as the next girl. But putting more harsh chemicals in my hair is something I'm trying to avoid. The next time you want to add a little brightness to your locks, without breaking the bank, saturate your hair with lemon juice and sit in the sun for a 1/2 hour. Rinse thoroughly and follow-up with a good conditioner like one based with coconut oil.
7. Clean Finger Nails. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on your nails and rub with a old toothbrush. It's natural astringent will help remove any stains and can be used to remove odors from onions.
8. Cure a Hangover. Not that I have EVER had one of these (if you went to college with me please refrain from commenting), BUT if I WERE to experience one I would add a 1/2 cup of juice to a glass of water to restore PH levels which is the cause of feeling like shit run over. Hypothetically speaking, of course.
9. Freshen Bad Breath. For the same reasons lemons work on an "alleged" hangover, they can also help with halitosis. Try gargling water, lemon juice, and honey, for a fresh breath remedy.
Food
10. Preserve Food. Anytime you have a half used piece of fruit or vegetable, place the item in a plastic bag with a 1/2 a lemon. The acidity will prevent them from turning brown. This is very useful when giving kids apple slices for lunch and preventing them from tossing them because they "look icky".
11. Decorate. Putting some brightly yellow lemons in a vase or bowl to inexpensively spruce up your table decor.
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| Vase of Lemons |
What are some ways you use lemons around the house?
Lemony Fresh in Granolaville,
Resources:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/lemons.html
http://www.wisebread.com/25-alternative-uses-for-lemons
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/101-new-uses-for-everyday-things-10000001030084/index.html
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