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11 Brilliant Ways to Use Lemons for Cleaning, Skincare & More

/6 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

Lemons are one of those kitchen staples that quietly do it all. Sure, they brighten up a recipe, but their real magic goes way beyond cooking. They can tackle stains, freshen up your home, and even keep pests at bay—all without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners. If you’ve ever wondered what else lemons can do, you’re in for a treat.

surprising ways to use lemons tree sky poking through

Several years ago, my son gifted me the bounty from his two Meyer lemon trees—a whopping 124 pounds of fresh, sun-ripened lemons. It was the ultimate Mother’s Day surprise, but after making lemonade, lemon bars, and just about every citrusy recipe I could think of, I still had mountains of lemons left. That’s when I got creative.

From deodorizing the fridge to polishing copper and even brightening laundry, I found that lemons are one of the most useful—and unexpected—household helpers. If you love simple, effective solutions that save money and cut down on chemicals, you’ll love these 11 genius ways to put lemons to work in your home. Who knew lemons could be so useful?

1. Zap Stubborn Odors Naturally

Lemons do more than just smell fresh—they actively eliminate odors. Drop leftover lemon peels into your garbage disposal (cut them small to avoid jamming the blades) and run it with cold water for a burst of citrusy freshness. Got a cutting board that holds onto strong smells? Rub it down with lemon juice, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash with hot, soapy water. You can even wipe down refrigerator shelves with straight lemon juice to neutralize lingering food odors—just rinse and dry for a clean, fresh-smelling fridge.

2. Eliminate Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains can make even the cleanest kitchen or bathroom look dull. Skip the harsh chemicals—grab a lemon instead! Simply cut one in half and scrub your chrome fixtures directly with the cut side. The citric acid works to break down mineral buildup, leaving your faucets and handles sparkling like new. For extra stubborn spots, let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes before rinsing and buffing dry. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

3. Brighten and Soften Skin Naturally

Lemons aren’t just for the kitchen—they can work wonders for your skin, too. Mix up a simple lemon-sugar scrub by mixing fresh lemon juice with sugar until it reaches a slushy, snow-like consistency. Gently massage it onto dry skin to exfoliate and reveal a fresh glow. For extra-tough spots like knees, elbows, or heels, cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side in sugar or sea salt, and use it as a natural scrubber. Just a heads-up—if you have cracked skin, that lemon juice will sting. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in softness.

4. Naturally Brighten and Freshen Laundry

Forget harsh chemicals like bleach—lemons can help keep your whites bright and your laundry smelling fresh. Add lemon juice to the wash cycle to naturally boost cleaning power while leaving behind a light, citrusy scent. For stubborn stains, apply lemon juice directly to the spot before tossing the item in the wash. For bigger stain battles, soak the garment in a bucket of hot water with ¼ cup each of baking soda and lemon juice before laundering as usual.

5. Soothe a Sore Throat with Lemon

A hot toddy is a classic remedy for a scratchy throat, but you don’t need whiskey to get relief. A simple cup of hot water with the juice of one lemon can work wonders, thanks to lemon’s natural antibacterial properties. Stir in a little honey for extra soothing power and an added germ-fighting boost.

6. Keep Fruits and Veggies Fresh Longer

Lemon juice is a natural way to keep your produce looking fresh. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over cut apples, pears, or avocados slows down oxidation, preventing that unappetizing brown color. That’s why many guacamole recipes call for lime—not just for taste but to keep it vibrant longer. Try this trick on homemade fruit salads, too, to keep everything looking crisp and delicious.

7. Natural Weed Killer

Believe it or not, you can use lemon juice instead of harmful weed killers to get to those hard-to-remove weeds that always come back. The natural acidity works to dry them out at the root, making it especially effective for those pesky cracks in sidewalks and driveways. For best results, spray full-strength lemon juice directly onto weeds on a hot, sunny day. The sun will speed up the process, and before you know it, those weeds will be history—without the toxic residue.

8. Keep Cats Out—Naturally

Got a feline intruder treating your garden like their personal playground (or worse, litter box)? Citrus to the rescue. Cats can’t stand the smell, making lemon peels a safe, natural deterrent. Simply shred the peels into small pieces and scatter them in flowerbeds, potted plants, or on outdoor furniture. Just keep this trick outside—while it keeps cats away, citrus peels indoors can attract bugs. A little lemon goes a long way in reclaiming your space.

9. Steam-Clean Your Microwave with Lemon

Microwave looking a little worse for wear? Skip the scrubbing and let lemon steam do the hard work. Pour ½ cup of water into a microwave-safe bowl, squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and toss in the rinds. Microwave on high for 3 minutes until the water reaches a rolling boil, then let it sit, door closed, for another 5 minutes. The trapped steam will loosen stubborn splatters, making cleanup as easy as a quick wipe.

10. Shine Up Copper with Lemon and Salt

Want your copper pieces to gleam like new? Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side into a generous amount of table salt, and scrub away on your copper surface. The combination of acidity and abrasiveness will polish away tarnish, leaving your copper shining. It’s quick, simple, and works wonders—just be sure to steer clear of lacquered copper. If your piece has a glossy finish that doesn’t change color, it’s likely lacquered and should be cleaned differently.

11. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner with Citrus Power

If you love that fresh, clean citrus scent, this homemade all-purpose cleaner is for you. Not only will it make your house smell amazing, but it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought cleaners. Simply fill a large glass jar halfway with used citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange—whatever you have!) and cover them with white vinegar. Seal the jar and let it sit in a dark place for two weeks. The longer it sits, the more powerful the citrus fragrance and oils become. When it’s ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, pour into a spray bottle, and use as your go-to cleaner. It’s all-natural, cost-effective, and smells like a dream.

 

Question: What’s your favorite way to use lemons besides eating them? Do you have a go-to lemon hack for cleaning, skincare, or something else? Let’s swap ideas in the comments below.

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6 replies
  4. Patty says:

    With the last tip for the all-purpose cleaner, do we really use just the lemony vinegar in the spray bottle, or should we mix it first with a certain amount of water?

    Reply

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