Lemons aren't just for lemonade! This zesty citrus fruit is a kitchen powerhouse, offering more than just a tangy flavor. From cleaning hacks to beauty routines, lemons have a variety of uses you might not have thought about. Ready to discover 10 surprising ways to use lemons? Let’s unveil these zesty secrets!
AUTHOR: Louisa Eunice
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
"Even your dishwasher can use a little help," said an online user. "It keeps your dishes sparkling clean, so why not keep it clean? Add a few slices of lemon wedges to the first rack, together with a small cup of lemon juice. Run the dishwasher on a normal cycle, and ta-da, everything will be cleaner and fresher."
2. Clean the Microwave
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The microwave is perhaps the most used device in any kitchen. With splattered food everywhere, it deserves a good cleaning. Worry not; cleaning it is not as complicated as it sounds. Add lemon juice to a water bowl and heat it in the microwave until it boils. Once done, don't open your microwave immediately. Let the bowl sit for a few minutes, and voila! Cleaning magic!
3. Deodorize the Fridge
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Just like you do, your refrigerator also needs a natural deodorant. With foods going in and out of it, it's only standard for your fridge to retain a certain stench. "Cut a lemon in half, place it in the fridge flesh side up, and leave it for an hour or more. It will absorb the stench and give your fridge a citrusy smell," advised a second user.
4. Freshens Your Chopping Board
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Your chopping board needs tender, loving care every once in a while. After all, it guarantees delicious food as it helps dice up your ingredients whenever you want to cook. Scrub the surface using coarse salt and lemon, and allow the board to sit for about five minutes before wiping it off.
5. Wipe Down Your Counter
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
No excuses; you should wipe your countertops daily. Lemon juice is the best natural cleaner that you'll use. I squeeze the lemon directly on my countertops and wipe clean. Remember, citric acid is potent, so don't have the juice sitting too long. Test out small sections and wipe as you go.
6. Enhances Flavor
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A dash of lemon juice will give life to any meal. A third user says, "Lemons are a lifesaver in the kitchen. When your food tastes bland, squeeze in a few drops of lemon and excite your tastebuds. It will instantly brighten its flavor profile."
7. Preserves Naturally
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
If you want to stop your fruits and veggies from turning brown, lemon will do the trick. I squeeze lemon juice on my cut apples and avocados and soak my veggies in a cold, lemon-water bath. They'll retain their color and also won't have any bacteria growing on them.
8. Refreshes Your Garbage Bin
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Just because you have garbage in your kitchen doesn't mean it should smell like a dumpster. "Grind your lemon rind up and toss it alongside a few slices of lemon in your garbage bin, and it will eliminate odors," said a site member.
9. Keeps Out Ants
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you always look for good leftover candy, cakes, cookies, and other munchies. With lemon juice along your floorboards (where your floor meets the wall) and window seals, you'll prevent critters from entering your home and feasting on your leftovers.
10. Freshens Your Kitchen
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Have you walked into a kitchen that smelled of citrus deliciousness? The truth is that nothing will ever smell better than Mother Nature. To cover up the smell of your cooking, simmer lemon in water on your stove until your whole kitchen smells like a lemon garden.
Source: Reddit.
