Contrary to all those catchy commercials, you don’t need to use expensive products and toxic chemicals to clean your home, ease a cough, or soften your skin. Lemon juice can replace countless bottles of overpriced chemicals for a fraction of the cost.
1. Deodorize and Disinfect Your Kitchen
Surfaces like refrigerator shelves, counter tops and cutting boards need to be clean, but I can’t imagine using harsh chemicals where I prepare and store food. Lemon juice is perfect for disinfecting all of these surfaces without leaving behind a toxic residue. It also removes unpleasant stains and odors, so my kitchen is fresh and clean.
2. Remove Grease and Grime
Lemon juice can power through grease and grime throughout the home. I use a mixture of lemon juice and salt to scrub away grease build-up in the kitchen or other work areas. Lemon juice can also help remove grease stains from clothing (but don’t use on silks or other delicate fabrics).
3. Tone and Brighten Your Skin
Lemon juice is an astringent, which makes it perfect for treating blemishes and preventing break-outs. It also softens the skin, and over time can lighten scars and dark spots. Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water (or witch hazel) to use as a brightening toner for your skin after cleansing.
4. Aid Digestion and Detox
Adding a little fresh lemon juice to your water during meals can aid digestion. Drinking a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning is said to have a cleansing and energizing effect on the system (some even say it helps you lose weight!). Or try this great lemon detox drink recipe.
5. Soothe a Cough or Sore Throat
Stir together equal amounts of raw honey and fresh lemon juice. Take a spoonful as needed to ease coughing or treat a sore throat. I love this because it’s so kid-friendly and it really helps! You can also stir the mixture in with warm water or herbal tea to ease cold symptoms. Buy quality raw honey online here.
6. Clean and Deodorize Your Toilet
Yes, the toilet can be icky. But that doesn’t mean you have to use heavy chemicals to get your toilet bowl clean and sparkling. Instead, use a mixture of borax powder and lemon juice to get your toilet looking (and smelling!) like new.
7. Soften and Clean Your Hands
Lemon juice can remove stains and odors from your hands. It also softens and brightens the skin. (For really soft hands, try this Homemade Lemon Hand Scrub Recipe.)
8. Get Beautiful Sun-Kissed Highlights in Your Hair
Highlights in a box may sound convenient, but in reality hair color can irritate your scalp, damage your hair, and may not even come out looking natural. Save your money (and your hair) by using lemon juice instead! Simply spritz your hair with lemon juice before you go out in the sun. You can repeat as needed to get the level of highlights you want. As a side bonus, lemon juice rinses away build-up and gives your hair a beautiful shine.
9. Get Glass Sparkling Clean
Use one part lemon juice with ten parts water to clean windows, mirrors, coffee pots and more. Simply give the surface a light spray and wipe away with a microfiber cloth.
10. Remove Tarnish Naturally
Make a paste with lemon juice and salt. Apply the mixture to tarnished copper, chrome or brass. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then rinse and buff to a shine.
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