Green Cleaning—Uses for Lemons Around the House

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons around the house.

·         Use as an air freshener.  Slice a lemon in half and place it cut side up on a plate near an open window.  Or boil lemon slices in water.

·         Make a paste of lemon juice and salt to clean brass, copper or stainless steel.  Let sit for five minutes before rinsing with warm water.

·         Put lemon juice on a rag and dust your ceiling fan blades.  This will kill the invisible microbes and spores.

·         Shine chrome with lemon rind, then polish with a soft cloth.

·         If your fireplace fumes are unpleasant, throw some lemon rinds into the fire to burn.

·         Mix the juice of one lemon with one teaspoon olive oil and one teaspoon water, then use it as furniture polish.  Use immediately after mixing.

·         Dip a sliced lemon in salt, then rub on marble to treat stains.  Rinse thoroughly to get rid of the acid.

·         Place a few drops of lemon juice into your vacuum cleaner bag before vacuuming to freshen the air.

·         Mix lemon juice and water to clean wood floors that haven't been varnished.