7 unexpected ways lemons can be used beyond cooking
With their bright yellow color and refreshing scent, lemons go beyond just being ingredients in the kitchen.
They are useful in unexpected places and ways, including everything from practical household tips to well-being practices.
Here are some diverse ways that lemons can be applied well beyond cooking — with examples of their non-food uses.
- Natural cleaning agent
- Aromatic home freshener
- Garden pest deterrent
- DIY beauty treatments
- Lemon-infused hair rinse
- Anti-rust solution
- DIY furniture polish
1. Natural cleaning agent
Lemons stand out as a widely embraced eco-friendly cleaning solution, versatile enough to revive kitchen faucets and maintain a sparkling bathroom.
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Harnessing the natural acidity of lemons unlocks their potent cleaning capabilities.
The citric acid, known for its antibacterial properties, becomes a DIY powerhouse when mixed with water.
This homemade concoction proves effective against stains, grease and lingering odors.
To give your coffee machine a spotless feel even after it's gone through the wash, add 1–2 cups of ice, a dash of salt and a sliced lemon to the empty pot. Shake all the ingredients together until the water melts. Rinse and repeat daily.
Lemons, typically associated with cooking, have some surprising uses beyond cooking and food preparation. (iStock)
2. Aromatic home freshener
Harness the refreshing scent of lemons to elevate your living spaces.
"If you have any unwanted odors in your home, lemon can help you mask them until you figure out the source. To do so, simmer a half dozen lemon slices and a handful of cloves in a pan of water. The mixture will leave the air lemony fresh," says Matha Stewart's website.
3. Garden pest deterrent
Lemons serve as a natural deterrent against common garden pests.
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Create a citrus-based spray by mixing lemon juice with water to protect plants from invaders like ants and aphids. This eco-friendly solution helps maintain a flourishing garden.
The acidity in lemon juice makes it great for removing stains and grime, and when mixed with salt or baking soda, it becomes an eco-friendly cleaning solution. (iStock)
4. DIY beauty treatments
Incorporate lemons into your beauty regimen for their skin care benefits.
"The citric acid acts as a gentle exfoliator, promoting skin renewal. Create a face mask with lemon juice and honey to brighten the complexion, minimize blemishes, kill bacteria and fight acne," says healthline.com.
5. Lemon-infused hair rinse
You can restore shine and manageability to your hair with a lemon-infused rinse in your shower.
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All you have to do is mix lemon juice with water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
The acidity helps remove product buildup and enhances the natural luster of your locks.
By diluting lemon juice with water, you can create a refreshing facial toner that may enhance skin texture. (iStock)
Lemon juice can also be used to lighten your hair.
Employ techniques such as blending fresh lemon juice with water and rinsing your hair or creating a mixture by combining a few drops of lemon essential oil with a carrier oil and water, then applying it to your hair, according to hwtclinic.com.
6. Anti-rust solution
Combat rust on metal surfaces by applying a paste of lemon juice and salt.
The acidity of lemon juice helps to loosen rust from the metal underneath, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive that won’t leave scratches on the steel, according to finewoodworking.com.
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This simple trick proves handy for tools, garden equipment and household items.
7. DIY furniture polish
Your lemon mixture is able to clean and nourish wood surfaces, leaving furniture with a natural sheen and a pleasant aroma.
"Measure equal parts lemon juice and white vinegar, and mix well. If you have a spray bottle, pour the mixture into the bottle and spray your cloth or furniture where you need it. Otherwise, dab some of the solution onto the cloth, and rub it onto your furniture as appropriate," says Murphyoilsoap.com.
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Embrace these creative applications to make the most of this citrus gem in various aspects of daily life.
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