Lemons - They're a Natural

Photo courtesy: Care2

Lemons have such a totally refreshing smell - they just scream cool, fresh, invigorating. Lemons are also incredibly versatile. They're not just for lemonade any more.

Like vinegar, much of lemon’s gift is that it is an acid. It smells much fresher than vinegar (which is fermented); but, they carry the same punch.

Here are tips for using lemons for hair spray, cleaning metal, freshening the air, cleansing your skin, lightening your hair, and more.

HOUSEHOLD USES

Lubricant
Lemon oil is renowned as being very lubricating, which is why it is so often used on furniture.

Aromatherapy
Known to calm fears and lift depression, adding a few drops of pure lemon oil to a diffuser is considered to be calming when someone is experiencing these symptoms.

Antiseptic/Deodorizer
Lemon juice is a great choice for deodorizing counters, cutting boards, and more. The acid in lemon juice kills mold, bacteria and germs. While it will not provide a 100% kill rate, it does as good a job as any commercial product without all the harmful chemicals and toxins they insist on adding.

Sending leftover lemon and/or lime rinds through the garbage disposal will deodorize this sometimes smelly kitchen helper.

Glass and China Cleaner
The acid in lemon juice will break down the alkaline minerals found in hard water and also works on stains. Make a solution of ½ water to ½ lemon juice and place in the glass. Let the solution sit for a few hours before washing as usual.

Air Freshener
Simmer sliced lemons in water.

Microwave Cleaner
Just put a slice or two of lemon in a cup of water and put in the microwave for 30 seconds on high. Use a cloth to clean dry. You can substitute a tablespoon or so of lemon juice with water.

Metal Cleaner
An acid like lemon juice works wonders for cleaning metals such as chrome, copper, and brass. Either rub the metal with a cut lemon; or, if something a bit more abrasive is required mix salt into lemon juice.

Whitener
Lemon juice and the sun combined proves to whiten clothes, hair, and more. Clothes that require a little brightening can be left to soak in a solution of ½ a cup lemon juice per laundry load before washing.

Soap Scum/Shower Stalls
Soap is very alkaline and when combined with hard water minerals it tends to form soap scum. Put some lemon juice full strength on a sponge, wipe on the soap scum and leave for an hour or so. Rinse and voila - no more scum.

Mineral Buildup/Scale
Lemon acid cuts through and dissolves the alkaline minerals that form known as scale. Scale is usually found around faucets. Pour straight lemon juice onto a cleaning cloth, then lay the cloth over the scale, leave for several hours and rinse.


PERSONAL CARE

Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Lemon is a natural alpha hydroxyl acid and works like a charm to remove dead skin cells. Add some carrot juice for some vitamin A and you have a facial scrub as good as spa treatment.

Hairspray
Hairspray is flammable and hair coated with spray can catch on fire if near an open flame. Try this lemon-based natural hair spray instead.

Hair Lightener
Squeeze ½ cup of lemon juice into a container with a spout, pour on your hair, work it through, and sit in the sun until it is fully dry. Then wash as usual. Make sure not to get the lemon juice in your eyes!

Skin Lightener
Dab freshly squeezed, straight lemon juice on dark spots like “liver spots” that you want to remove. Let it fully dry and then rinse.

Cleanser
Add a lemon wedge to your glass of water. Lemon is a great cleanser and a glass of water with lemon is a great way to start your morning. Don't forget to add lemon to all your water.

Via Care2