Non-Food Use of Lemons

When someone mentions lemons, the first thing that you probably think of is a tall cold glass of lemonade. Lemons are a healthy fruit with a distinct smell and sour taste and are a great addition to many foods and drinks. They are often used as a garnish with meals.

Lemons are high in vitamin C, and Vitamin B6, fiber and other beneficial plant compounds, minerals, and essential oils. A medium lemon has only 20 calories and contains very little fat and protein. Studies show that lemons may support heart and digestive health, help control weigh, protect against anemia, help to prevent kidney stones, and even help reduce the risk of some cancers.

But there are so many other nonfood uses of this yellow citrus fruit in so many different avenues that you should explore.

In the kitchen. Bring the sparkle back to a stainless-steel sink; sprinkle some salt in the sink while it is damp then rub half a lemon over the salt.

To refreshen your garbage disposal, cut a lemon in quarters and run it through the disposal. To freshen your sink, squeeze the juice from three lemons and pour it down your sink. Let it stand for one hour then boil some water and pour the hot water down the sink. The acid from the lemons will help remove any grime build up and leave the sink smelling fresh.

To clean your microwave; place a half of cup of water in a small microwavable bowl, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water, place the lemon in the bowl. Microwave the water to a boil approximately three minutes, let the water stand in the microwave for five minutes without opening the door. After five minutes, give it a quick wipe down with a sponge. The steam and juices from the hot lemon water will loosen any gunk.

Discolored and smelly plastic containers can be cleaned by rubbing half a lemon in and around the container. The lemon will deodorize any bad smells and remove grease stains.

In the bathroom. Make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing together the juice from one lemon with ¼ cup baking soda; use a sponge or toothbrush to apply in a circular motion.

Make your chrome fittings sparkle by rubbing half a lemon over them as if you were using a sponge, follow with a cold-water rinse. The lemon will remover shower stains and soap scum.

Air Freshener. Make your own air freshener by dropping a few slices of lemon, drops of vanilla and sprigs of rosemary in a jar.

Beauty tips. Make a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice and soak your nails. This is good for dry and brittle nails; it will also help fix nails that have yellowed.

Highlight your hair by applying lemon juice before exposing your hair to sunlight.

To stop a greasy complexion, add a few drops of lemon juice to a cotton pad and wipe over a freshly washed face. The citric acid acts as a natural astringent.

Make your own lip exfoliator by mixing a little lemon juice with some brown sugar; simply rub gently over your lips. Do not use if your lips are severely chapped or have any cuts.

There’s probably a lot more nonfood uses of lemons but I only included the ones that I have personally tried.