Now that summer is here it’s time to enjoy those hot sunshine activities we all know and love! There’s a lot of iconic summer staples that come about during the season: vacations, ice cream, beach or pool days, grilling for family or guests, and even making a classic homemade batch of ice-cold lemonade! If your summer staple enjoyment comes from the latter, you can enjoy the fruits of your lemon-squeezed labor just a little bit more after reading this post. Because lemon juice is a natural, acidic cleaner it’s great to use when disinfecting and cleaning around the home. Here are 15 ways you can use it for cleaning power:
1. Microwave cleaner
Mix lemon juice with water in a bowl, microwave for 3–5 minutes, then wipe down the inside—steam loosens grime and leaves a fresh scent.
2. Cutting board deodorizer
Rub lemon juice over wooden cutting boards to neutralize odors and remove stains.
3. Sink and faucet polish
Apply lemon juice to remove water spots and bring shine to stainless steel and chrome fixtures.
4. Garbage disposal freshener
Pour lemon juice (and toss in lemon peels) into the disposal to eliminate odors and freshen the drain.
5. Toilet bowl cleaner
Pour lemon juice and baking soda into the bowl, scrub, and let sit to remove stains and odors.
6. Glass and mirror cleaner
Mix lemon juice with water and spray on glass surfaces for streak-free shine.
7. Stain remover for clothes
Use lemon juice and salt to treat underarm stains or rust spots on white clothing before washing.
8. Grout cleaner
Apply lemon juice directly to stained grout, let sit, scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse.
9. Degreaser for stovetops
Lemon juice cuts through grease—combine with vinegar or baking soda for extra power.
10. Refrigerator deodorizer
Wipe shelves with lemon juice to sanitize and leave a clean scent.
11. Copper and brass polish
Make a paste with lemon juice and salt or baking soda to restore shine to tarnished metals.
12. Laundry brightener
Add lemon juice to your wash cycle to brighten whites naturally.
13. Hard water stain remover
Rub lemon juice on shower doors or faucets to dissolve mineral buildup.
14. Floor cleaner
Mix lemon juice with water and vinegar for a natural floor-cleaning solution (test on sensitive surfaces first).
15. Plastic container deodorizer
Rub with lemon juice and let sit to remove food odors and stains.
With any homemade cleaning solution, it’s best to do a test swap on areas that may be more sensitive than others (such as wood surfaces or fabric). Swab a small area with any solution listed in this post and wait 5-10 minutes. Once you see the results are safe, you’re good to go. So, if life gives you lemons this summer, take advantage and use them to make your whole house a little bit fresher and cleaner with every lemony drop!
