Clean your microwave
Get rid of those pesky stuck-on food bits in your microwave easily with lemons. Toss some chopped lemons in a bowl of water, heat in the microwave until the window is steamy, then let sit for 10 minutes or so. Wipe the interior with paper towels for a spotless microwave, according to “Hints from Heloise” columnist Heloise.
Deodorize your fridge or a whole room
Lemons make a great, chemical-free deodorizer. Keep a few slices or a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice in the fridge to soak up any yucky odors. (And make sure to toss any food that’s gone bad.) Deodorize a whole room by tossing some lemons and water in a saucepan and simmer. Add cinnamon, cloves, or other fragrant ingredients for a fresh-smelling home.
Keep guacamole green all day
Guacamole might still taste okay when it starts to brown, but it looks unappetizing. Keep guacamole fresh and green all day with lemon juice. Drizzle a little over guacamole to keep it from turning brown while serving at a party or on leftovers in the fridge. This also works on apple slices if you don’t mind the combination of flavors.
Polish furniture
Ditch the lemon-scented furniture polish for the real thing. Mix 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 cup olive oil and buff with a microfiber cloth for high shine. You can also clean soap scum and polish chrome or brass by rubbing a lemon over the offending area and buffing.
Remove stains
Lemon juice can even tackle stains in clothing. Rub stains with a mixture of water and lemon juice and toss in the wash, or add juice directly into the washer. The lemon juice acts as a natural bleach, helping whites get whiter.
Prevent rice from sticking
If you avoid making rice because it always devolves into a sticky mess, try this trick. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice to the water and get fluffy, picture-perfect rice.
Freshen your cutting board
There’s no need to toss cutting boards that are discolored or are harboring a strong garlic or onion smell. Rubbing a cut lemon over the cutting board will remove the stains and smells, and make your cutting board like new again.
Aid digestion
There are many benefits to using lemon in your water, including helping your stomach digest. The acid in lemon juice aids in breaking down food, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Kill weeds
Kill troublesome weeds with an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden products. Soak weeds in lemon juice and they should disappear within one or two days, according to LifeHacker.
Write in invisible ink
Here’s a just-for-fun tip that’s great to use with the grandkids. Make “invisible ink” and send secret messages using lemon juice. Mix lemon juice and water in a bowl, dip a Q-tip in and write your message on a piece of paper. When it’s dry, heat the paper near a light bulb and the lemon juice will turn brown, revealing the message.
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