Are your lemons just for eating? Lykkers, do you know any other wonderful uses for it? Lemons are among nature's most remarkable gifts, transcending their role in the kitchen to offer a plethora of other delightful applications.
Here are 10 inventive uses for lemons that are both straightforward and enjoyable!
Step 1: Bug Repellent
Harnessing the power of citrus oil, an age-old remedy against insects is as simple as repurposing lemon peels.
Instead of discarding them, strategically place these peels along window sills and cracks outside your home to deter spiders, ants, and other unwanted pests, contributing to a pest-free environment effortlessly.
Step 2: Shoe & Furniture Polish
Create an all-natural and cost-effective polish for leather shoes and wooden furniture by combining 2 teaspoons of lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Using a clean, dry cloth, apply the mixture to the surface, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a second cloth. Repeat the process as needed to achieve desired results.
Step 3: Energize Your Day
The invigorating scent of lemon is renowned for its uplifting qualities, frequently featured in energizing aromatherapy blends. To capitalize on its benefits, we keep half of a lemon at the desk to periodically enjoy its refreshing aroma, particularly during the afternoon slump.
Once the lemon has served its aromatic purpose, it can then be repurposed for Step 10!
Step 4: Prevents Rice From Sticking
A simple trick to prevent rice-on-rice sticking is to add 1 tablespoon of rice water while it's cooking. Easy and effective!
Step 5: Remove Fish Odor From Hands
To eliminate the lingering smell of fish from your hands after preparing a fresh fish meal, simply rub a slice of lemon over the affected skin and then wash as usual. The fishy odor should vanish! Plus, you can use another slice of lemon to squeeze over the cooked fish for an extra burst of deliciousness. Lemons truly are amazing!
Step 6: Invisible Ink!
Here's a fun project for kids: Have them write 'secret' notes to each other using lemon juice and a brush or cotton swab. Let the notes dry, then iron them on the highest temperature setting to reveal the hidden message. It's like playing spy games!
Step 7: Pot Cleaner
For an effective method to remove burnt-on food from stainless steel pots, fill the pot with enough water to cover the charred area, then add half of a lemon, including the peel, and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, the burnt bits should loosen, making them easy to remove with a wooden utensil or a non-abrasive scrubby.
Step 8: Hair Highlighter
Create natural highlights in your hair by filling a small spray bottle with straight, fresh lemon juice. Spray the lemon juice onto the areas of your hair where you'd like to add highlights. Then, head outside and expose your hair to 30 minutes of sunlight (don't forget to apply sunblock to protect your skin!).
After sun exposure, wash the lemon juice out of your hair. You should notice a subtle lightening of your hair. For more dramatic results, repeat the process one to two more times.
Step 9: Fruit & Veggie Wash
For an affordable and natural alternative to store-bought fruit and vegetable sprays, create your own solution by combining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with one cup of water in a reusable spray bottle. This homemade spray effectively removes residues from produce, ensuring they're clean and ready to eat.
Step 10: Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
To combat the occasional funky odors from your garbage disposal, try this inexpensive and chemical-free method: Safely push a half lemon down into the disposal just before bedtime, then run warm water and pulse it for a few seconds. Allow the partially ground lemon to sit in the disposal overnight. In the morning, run the disposal again with hot water for a longer duration. Voila! Your sink will smell fresh.
Pro tip: Repurpose the half lemon from Step 3 once it loses its freshness.
Feel free to share any other great uses for lemons in the comments section below!
