Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Before reaching for harsh cleaning chemicals, consider utilizing the natural cleaning ingredients found in your home, pantry, or fruit basket. Not only are these all-natural ingredients budget-friendly, but they are also eco-friendly.
Expert Insight:
Katie Dills, the Brand President for The Cleaning Authority, emphasizes the importance of environmentally responsible cleaning products. “Non-toxic and sustainable cleaning products have a minimal impact on the environment,” says Katie Dills, based in Mount Airy, Maryland. Using natural ingredients for cleaning ensures safety for you and your loved ones.
“Conventional chemical cleaners may contain harmful, toxic substances that can jeopardize your health, as well as that of your family and pets,” she warns. Fortunately, many natural cleaning items can be found right under your kitchen or bathroom sink. “Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be used to create various cleaning solutions easily at home,” she adds. Lemon is a particularly versatile natural cleaner.
Before discarding that slightly soft lemon, consider using it for cleaning purposes, or better yet, stock up on lemons to harness this natural cleaning agent for your spring cleaning routines. Here are some top ways to use lemon as a cleaning and deodorizing agent in your home:
1. Microwave Cleaning:
To clean your microwave with lemon, simply place a mug with lemon and water in the microwave and heat for a couple of minutes. Let the mug sit inside the microwave while the steam helps loosen debris, then wipe down the surfaces with a cloth for a fresh scent.
2. Freshening Bed Linens:
Add lemon juice to hot water to soak bed sheets before washing to keep them fresh and white.
3. Eliminating Food Smells:
Spritz a mixture of lemon and water in the kitchen to combat lingering food odors. Avoid using lemon on marble surfaces as it can damage them due to its high citric acid content.
4. Deodorizing Drains:
Run lemon slices through the garbage disposal to keep it clear of debris and create a fresh scent in the sink area.
By incorporating these simple lemon-based cleaning tips into your routine, you can achieve a fresh, eco-friendly home environment.
Here are some ways you can make use of a slightly soft, overripe lemon that you might not use for cooking:
1. Cleaning Your Cutting Board:
If your cutting board is starting to show signs of wear and emitting odors, you can clean it using salt and lemon. Sprinkle â…“ cup of salt all over the board and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, take half a lemon and gently scrub the salt into the board. Rinse the board with hot water to clean off the materials and allow it to air dry.
2. Removing Stains From Clothing:
Lemons can also be helpful in removing tough stains from clothing. For example, a stain like pasta sauce can be loosened with the use of lemon. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water. Then, use a slice of lemon to gently rub into the stain. Once the stain appears to be mostly gone, pour a generous amount of water to cover the area and blot again with a clean cloth.
3. Deodorizing Food Areas:
Trash cans and refrigerators can accumulate odors due to food and food scraps. To combat these odors, keep the trash can and refrigerator clean by wiping down the inside and out. You can also use lemon to absorb odors in these spaces. Add two drops of lemon to a cotton ball and place it in the back of the fridge or bottom of the trash can to absorb odors.
These tips are a great way to make the most of an overripe lemon and keep your kitchen fresh and clean.
