That’s the truth! Lemons are basically “liquid gold” in the household, and it’s a huge shame to throw away the peel or the rest of the pulp just because there’s no more juice in them. Lemon peel contains a high concentration of essential oils and acids that are incredibly useful in the household.
Here’s a list of things you can do with those “leftovers”:
- Natural limescale remover
Do you have a rusty faucet or stainless steel sink?
Take a squeezed half of a lemon and simply rub it over the surface like a sponge.
The citric acid will dissolve the deposits and the stainless steel will shine like new. Then just rinse with water.
- Cleaning your microwave without scrubbing
This is the best trick for dried-on grease:
Put squeezed lemons in a bowl of water.
Turn on the microwave for 3-5 minutes at full power.
The steam from the lemon water will loosen all the dirt. Then just wipe the inside with a cloth. Bonus: The microwave will smell great.
- Odor absorber in the refrigerator or in the trash
Lemon neutralizes odors better than expensive chemical sprays:
In the refrigerator: Place a squeezed lemon on a plate in the corner of the refrigerator. It will absorb odors from aromatic cheeses or sausages.
In the trash: Throw a few peels at the bottom of the trash can (under a bag).
- Disinfecting a cutting board
Wooden cutting boards absorb odors from garlic, onions, or meat.
Sprinkle coarse salt on a cutting board and “scrub” it with a squeezed lemon. The salt works as a scrub and the lemon as a disinfectant.
- Whitening nails or elbows
If your nails are yellowed (for example, from varnishing or cooking), just “stick” your fingers directly into the squeezed pulp for a few minutes. Lemon is also great for softening and lightening rough skin on your elbows.
💡 Extra tip: Homemade universal cleaner
If you have more squeezed lemons, put them in a mason jar and pour plain white vinegar over them. Let them steep in the dark for 2 weeks. Then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. You will get a brutally effective degreaser that smells like lemons and costs almost nothing.
Do you have a favorite trick, or did you like the microwave the most?