Lemons Lemons and more Lemons

As seen on 3TV (Good Morning Arizona) – Monday, September 12, 2016 (8:45 am):

Lemons and lemon juice are natures bleach and disinfectant. They are a safe natural way to clean many surfaces in your home and also laundry.

If you are using real lemons to clean, buy in bulk size bags. If using lemon juice, look for it in the large bottles at $$$ Stores.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for homemade furniture polish: Combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 10 – 20 drops of lemon essential oil and ½ cup olive oil. Mix well. Add this mixture to a spray bottle. Use the fine mist setting on the bottle to spritz on furniture. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Glass cleaner can also be made from lemons or lemon juice. Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice with ½ cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour into a 24-ounce spray bottle and add water to fill. Use this mixture to clean glass and mirrors. For mirrors, spray on a cloth and wipe the mirror. Do not spray on the mirror.

Using a grater for cheese or other sticky foods makes cleaning this kitchen utensil a task. Use half a lemon, cut side on the grater, to scrub away any food residue. Wash with warm, soapy water as usual.

Cutting through hard water deposits is easy with lemon juice. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it over your glass shower doors to remove soap scum and mineral build up. Dip the lemon half into Twenty Mule Team Borax for extra scrubbing power. You can also apply lemon juice to a gentle scrubbing sponge and scrub the tough spots. Rinse with warm water and dry.

Lemon juice not only cleans stains from cutting boards, but helps kill germs as well. Rub the juice full strength onto the stain and let sit until the stain fades. For tough stains keep wet with lemon juice and leave overnight. Rinse well and dry.

Clean your microwave and remove odors by placing a cup ¾ full of water with two tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave. Heat to boiling. Leave the door closed for about 30 minutes to let the lemon and steam do their job. Then just wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry.

Put a solution of ¼ cup lemon juice and 2 cups water in a spray bottle to clean laminate counter tops. Spray and wipe.

Soak plastic food storage containers in lemon juice and water to remove stains and odors. Add baking soda and scrub, rinse and dry. If you have heavy stains, apply lemon juice and sit the container in the sun.

Remove rust stains from cotton and polyesters. Make a paste with lemon juice and Cream of Tartar (find it in the spice aisle) and rub the mixture into the stain. Let the item sit for about a half hour, and then wash as usual.

Brighten your clothing by soaking white clothes in a hot water and lemon juice mix. Combine a ½ cup of lemon juice per gallon of water. Then wash as usual. This is not for use on silks or other delicate fabrics. If you are uncertain, test a small area first.