Citrus fruits do much more than add flavor to your favorite recipes. Lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits contain citric acid, which helps break down grease, lift stains, and cut through mineral deposits. Their fresh scent is an added bonus, leaving your home smelling clean without relying on heavily scented products.
If you have a few extra citrus fruits or leftover peels, don’t throw them away just yet. Here are 10 easy ways to put them to work around the house.
Make an All-Purpose Cleaner
Fresh lemon juice makes a simple cleaner for many hard surfaces. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle, then use it to wipe down countertops, sinks, appliance exteriors, and other washable surfaces.
The citric acid helps loosen dirt and leaves behind a fresh scent. Avoid using this mixture on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite, since the acid can damage the finish.
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Freshen the Microwave
Cleaning a messy microwave is much easier with a lemon. Slice one in half and place it in a microwave-safe bowl filled with water. Heat it on high for about three minutes, then leave the door closed for another five minutes.
The steam softens dried food splatters, making them easy to wipe away with a cloth. The lingering citrus scent also helps remove lingering food odors.
Deodorize the Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal has an unpleasant smell, citrus peels can help freshen it. Toss a few lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal while running cold water.
For extra cleaning, freeze chopped citrus peels in ice cubes and grind them occasionally. The ice helps knock away buildup while the peels leave behind a cleaner scent.
Make a Natural Air Freshener
Skip artificial air fresheners and simmer citrus peels on the stove instead. Add lemon or orange peels to a small pot of water along with herbs like rosemary or a cinnamon stick.
As the mixture simmers, it fills your home with a fresh, clean fragrance. Just keep an eye on the pot and add more water if needed.
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Clean Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards can absorb food odors over time. Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface, then rub it with half a lemon, squeezing gently as you scrub.
The salt helps lift stains while the lemon helps remove lingering smells. Rinse with warm water and let the board dry completely before storing it.
Freshen Your Dishwasher
A dishwasher can develop odors from leftover food particles and detergent buildup. Place a few lemon peels on the top rack or in the utensil basket and run an empty hot-water cycle.
The citrus helps freshen the interior and can loosen light residue, leaving the dishwasher smelling much cleaner.
Polish Stainless Steel
Lemons can help remove fingerprints, grease, and water spots from stainless steel. Dip half a lemon into coarse salt and gently rub the surface, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
This works well for many stainless steel items, though it’s a good idea to test a small hidden area first to avoid scratching delicate finishes.
Related: 17 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Without Spending Hours Cleaning
Add Freshness to Laundry
For a naturally fresh scent, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to unscented laundry detergent before starting a load.
Lemon juice can also help brighten some white fabrics, but avoid using it on colored clothing since its natural bleaching effect may cause fading.
Help Clean the Toilet Bowl
A mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can help loosen light stains inside the toilet bowl. Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, add lemon juice, and let the mixture fizz for several minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
For stubborn stains, a commercial toilet cleaner may still be necessary, but this method works well for regular freshening.
Deodorize Carpets
Mix baking soda with several drops of lemon essential oil and sprinkle it lightly over carpets or rugs. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming thoroughly.
The baking soda absorbs odors while the citrus oil leaves behind a fresh scent. The same mixture can also be used on mattresses and fabric upholstery before vacuuming.
