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Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Lemons are a dynamo for cleaning potential.
“Not only are they a kitchen staple, they are also a must-have addition to your cleaning kit,” says Deyan Dimitrov, laundry expert at Laundryheap.
“Thanks to their natural acidity, lemons are an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical cleaners.”
From descaling appliances to brightening clothes, she says lemons can be used in a variety of ways around the house to keep it fresh and clean.
1. Remove stains
“Lemons are a powerful ally for keeping clothes clean, especially for refreshing white fabrics,” Dimitrov points out.
“Next time you wash a load of white laundry, try adding half a cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle.”
“The natural bleaching properties of lemon juice will help brighten fabrics, giving new life to tired-looking garments,” says Dimitrov.
For tough stains, she says to mix lemon juice with water in a 1:2 ratio and soak the stained garment in this solution for about 10 minutes before washing as usual.
“This method is especially effective for grease stains: simply apply lemon juice directly to the stain, let it dry, and then wash the garment as normal.”
2. Descaling washing machines and other appliances
As Dimitrov points out, limescale build-up can be a bothersome problem in washing machines, dishwashers and kettles. “If limescale is not dealt with, it risks affecting their efficiency and longevity.
“Fortunately, lemons offer an effective solution to this common problem,” he jokes.
To clean your washing machine, it says to squeeze a little toothpaste onto two lemon halves and place them in the drum of your washing machine.
“Run a short, hot cycle to remove water marks and odors—this will keep your machine and clothes fresh and bright.”
To descale your dishwasher, he recommends cutting a lemon in half and placing both halves in the bottom drawer before running a normal cycle.
“The acidity of the lemon will help dissolve limescale and soap scum, improving the performance of your dishwasher and leaving it smelling fresh.”
To descale your kettle, she says lemon peel works wonders and it's also a great way to use up leftover lemon juice.
“Fill the kettle with water to its maximum capacity, add the zest of a lemon and bring it to a boil. Allow the mixture to cool before emptying the kettle.
“The citric acid in lemon peel breaks down limescale deposits inside the kettle. If there are still traces of limescale left, you can repeat the process as many times as necessary to achieve a flawless result,” adds Dimitrov.
3. Cleaning the microwave
Dimitrov warns that over time, microwaves can become a hotbed of food spills and unpleasant odours. “To combat this, lemon juice is a simple and effective way to tackle these problems.”
To clean your microwave, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a heatproof dish containing 100 ml of water, says Dimitrov, who explains that you should microwave the mixture on full power for one minute and then let it cool for about 10 minutes.
“The steam from the lemon juice and water will loosen the toughest stains and grease. Once it has cooled, wipe the inside of the microwave with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue and leave the microwave clean and fresh.”
What not to clean with lemon
While lemons are incredibly versatile, remember that they are not suitable for cleaning all surfaces…
“Avoid using lemon juice on porous surfaces like natural stone, including marble and granite, as the acidity can etch and damage the material,” Dimitrov advises.
“Similarly, using lemon on unsealed brass or wood-coated items can cause discoloration or erosion,” Dimitrov notes.
If you're unsure how a surface will react to lemon juice, she says it's always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
“By incorporating these lemon-based cleaning methods into your routine, you can maintain a bright, fresh home in a natural and eco-friendly way.
“Just remember to avoid surfaces that may be sensitive to acidity. If in doubt, do a spot test first,” Dimitrov adds.
