Cleaning with Lemons

But before we start the spring clean, settle down with a mug of hot water and a slice of lemon. This simple, and quite frankly tasty, drink has so many benefits everyone should start the day with it!

Not only does it obviously hydrate you and is a great source of vitamin C, but is also helps improve your skin, aids digestion, helps freshen your breath, can help prevent kidney stones and can support weight loss! All this from one cup of hot water and lemon a day!

Anyway, we digress, let’s get on with the cleaning…

Limescale and watermarks remover

Due to the citric acid contents of lemons they make great limescale removers. Rub a slice of lemon on the affected area then leave the slice over the area for 10-15 minutes then rinse with water and dry with a cotton cloth. This also works for showerheads. Be careful not to use lemons on gold plated taps or plug holes though as they could tarnish.

Antibac cleaner

Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties so adding lemon juice to water makes a great antibacterial cleaner for kitchens and bathrooms. 

degreaser

Apply lemon juice liberally to the affected area and give it time to break the grease down then wipe with a soft cloth. It smells good too! 

shine restorer

To revive tarnished copper, aluminium and brass pans dip half a lemon in the salt or bicarbonate of soda (baking powder) and rub on the area. Rinse with cold water and dry with a soft cloth.

For deeper stains or to polish up silver or brass make a paste with the lemon juice and bicarb, rub it into the silver or brass with a cloth, give it 5 minutes to work then wash well by hand with warm water and washing up liquid.

furniture polish

In a sealable container mix together 250ml of olive oil and 120ml of strained lemon juice (to take out all of the pulp and pips) then dab a little onto your furniture using a soft cloth as you would usually use polish. 

glass cleaner

Wedges of lemon can be rubbed over windows and mirrors to give them a clean and shine. Squeeze and rub and then wipe with a damp cloth and buff with a soft dry cloth to shine.

To remove limescale or stains from drinking glasses (also tea/coffee mugs) mix equal amounts of lemon juice and water and leave in the glass or mug for several hours then wash as normal in hot water and washing up liquid or in the dishwasher.

all surface floor cleaner

Add 4 tbsp of white vinegar to a bucket of hot water and add 10 drops of lemon oil and mop the floor as usual.  

freshener

Add a slice of lemon to an upright prong in your dishwasher with your crockery and cutlery for a fresh and degreased dishwasher. Microwave a couple of slices in a cup of water for 30 seconds to freshen your microwave. Place half a lemon in a dish at the back of your fridge to keep those smelly food odours at bay. Add some lemon peel to the bottom of your kitchen waste bin to keep your bin smelling fresh.