The $1 Natural Item That Can Help You Clean Every Surface
Photo: Unsplash
There are lots and lots of products out there to help get your space spic and span. But for one easy (and totally affordable) cleaning solution, we turn to Mother Nature. Because the natural item that can help your clean your home might just be in your crisper or growing in your backyard!
So what’s the secret cleaning solution you probably already have on hand? A certain sour citrus, that’s what! Lemons are for much more than just cooking. In fact, this fruit is an ideal way to tackle messy areas all over the house. (The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, perfect for killing bacteria, mold, and mildew.) And we’re sharing 6 ways to harness this natural item that can help you clean your entire home!
Check out even more of our best cleaning tips: The Easiest (And Most Effective) Ways To Clean Every Area Of Your Home, The (Lazy) Guide To Cleaning: Our 12 Best Time-Saving Hacks, and The 7 Design Details That Can Make Your Home (A Lot) Easier To Clean.
6 Ways To Clean With Lemons
1. Zap Away Microwave Residue
For a microwave that looks like new, squeeze a whole lemon into a bowl of water and place it inside. Then run the microwave for 3 minutes. The lemon will help loosen caked-on food, and you can wipe it right off with a sponge or paper towel!
2. Remove Stuck On Food From Your Fridge
If you’ve noticed any food particles, liquids, or stuck-on substances in your fridge, utilize a lemon to get rid of them. Simply squeeze the lemon over the problem area and scrub with a sponge to loosen it. The citric acid will cut most messes- and kill any bacteria or mold they may leave behind.
3. Clean Cutting Boards
Over time, cutting boards can be home to unwanted bacteria. To effectively clean yours, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a handful of salt on the cutting board. Then rub the surface of the cutting board while squeezing the lemon as you go. Wait 15 minutes and then wipe away any leftover lemon and rinse with warm water.
Bobby shared even more of his best cleaning tips – including a clever idea for dusting with an old item- over on Domino.
Design: Studio McGee
4. Remove Stubborn Water Spots
No one likes the white, water residue left behind on faucets and showerheads. But lemons can help you remove them in just a few seconds. Squeeze a lemon all over the faucet, rinse, and rub dry with a clean cloth for water spot-free hardware. For the showerhead, squeeze a whole lemon into 2 cups of warm water. Pour water into a plastic bag and tie it to the showerhead using twine. Let sit for 30 minutes, remove and rinse with water for a spot-free finish.
5. Tackle Countertop Stains
To easily remove stains on nonporous countertops (like granite or quartz), squeeze some lemon juice on the surface and use the lemon just like a sponge to treat the stain. Wait two minutes, wipe it up with a damp cloth, and say bye-bye to stubborn stains.
6. Freshen Your Garbage Disposal
To degunk and freshen up your garbage disposal, cut up a handful of lemons into smaller pieces and place them into your disposal. Turn on for a few seconds with the cold water running, and you’ll effectively clean your disposal while also leaving behind a pleasant, citrus scent!
