Lemons, the all purpose natural solution!
There're great in food and beverages, but also very handy for multiple purposes around the home! High in vitamin C, they have an anti-bacterial effect and are thought to possess antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. The juice consists of about 5% acid, which also makes them useful for a variety of household purposes. Lemon juice is a popular addition in many environmentally friendly cleaning applications. 1.) Ant deterrent; Pouring lemon juice around areas that ants frequent is said to repel them. 2.) Air freshen; An equal amount of lemon juice and water added to an atomizer will create a wonderful synthetic chemical-free green air freshener for your home. 3.) All purpose cleaner: Equal amounts of lemon juice and water added to a spray bottle is an effective kitchen and bathroom cleaner. A small amount of lemon juice can also be added to vinegar based cleaning solutions to help neutralize the smell of the vinegar. 4.) Microwave; Heat a bowl of water and lemon slices in your microwave for 30 seconds to a minute; then wipe out the oven. Stains will be easier to remove and old food odors will be neutralized. 5.) Fridge; Half a lemon stored in your fridge will help control and eliminate unpleasant smells. 6.) Chrome/copper/brass; Rub a lemon juice and baking soda paste onto chrome or copper, rinse and then wipe/buff with a soft cloth or paper towel. 7.) Toilet; Mix 1/2 cup borax and a cup of lemon juice for a powerful toilet cleaner that will leave it smelling extra clean! 8.) Lime scale; Use a half lemon to clean the lime scale off a sink or taps/faucets; rinse well. 9.) Laundry; For bleaching purposes, add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to your washing machine's rinse cycle and hang clothes outside to dry. A teaspoon of lemon juice thrown into your wash can also help your clothes to smell fresher. 10.) Dishes; A teaspoon of lemon juice added to your dishwashing detergent can help boost grease cutting power 11.) Drain Cleaner; Hot lemon juice and baking soda is a good drain cleaner that is safe to use in septic systems. If you have a garbage disposal unit, throw in some lemon peel from time to time while it's working in order to keep it smelling fresh. 12.) Cutting Board Sanitizer; Rub lemon juice into your wooden chopping board, leave overnight and then rinse. This will help kill off any remaining bacteria and help neutralize odors. 13.) Glass Cleaner; 4 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with half a gallon of water makes an effective window cleaner. 14.) Furniture; 2 parts olive oil or cooking oil mixed with 1 part lemon juice makes for an excellent furniture polish! 15.) Cuts, stings and itches; A small amount of lemon juice dripped onto minor wounds can help stop bleeding and disinfect the injury (it will sting a bit). Lemon juice applied to itches, poison ivy rashes and wasp stings is said to relieve discomfort. 16.) Hands; The smell of fish or garlic can linger on your hands, even after scrubbing with soap - rubbing your hands with lemon juice will neutralize the smell and leave your hands smelling wonderful.
