10 ways I use lemons to clean my entire home – from microwaves to whitening laundry

are considered a good natural cleaning item due to their and antibacterial properties, which can be powerful.

From chopping boards to banishing microwave grease, there are many uses for lemons around the home.

Not only are they cheap, but you can use both the juice and the peel to avoid any food waste.

After discovering natural cleaning methods a couple of years ago, I now use the fruit to clean multiple areas of my home.

Here’s how I use the citrus fruit to clean 10 areas of my home, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.

1. Wooden chopping boards

A lemon simply cut in half can go a long way when it comes to cleaning chopping boards, specifically wooden ones.

Wooden chopping boards harbour lots of bacteria, which can be removed when scrubbed lightly with half a lemon and some baking soda.

2. Microwave cleaning

Placing half a lemon in a bowl of water before placing it in the microwave can dislodge the grease and grime from the appliance.

I use this trick often, and it fills my kitchen with a glorious fresh lemon scent, too.

3. In the fridge 

If you’re struggling with odours in the fridge, simply scoop the flesh out of a lemon, add some baking soda and place it into the fridge.

The baking soda will work to remove any smells, while the lemon peel will add a delicious smell inside.

4. Dishwasher cleaning

Similarly, placing half a lemon on the top rack of your dishwasher can help to clean glasses as well as remove odours.

Pair it with a small bowl of white vinegar on the top rack for gleaming results.

5. Limescale remover

Due to the citric acid content in lemons, limescale can be easily broken down, especially on taps.

I simply rub half a lemon onto the affected area and let it sit for a while before wiping it away with a clean cloth.

6. Removing stains

Lemon juice can also be used to remove stains from fabrics if you’ve found yourself with a stubborn food stain.

Apply lemon juice to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before adding the clothing item to a normal wash cycle.

7. Killing weeds

Citric acid acts as a natural herbicide, which effectively dries out weeds on patios and driveways.

It’s most effective when combined with white vinegar and can show results within just two days.

8.  Brighten whites

Lemon is considered a natural alternative to bleach for whitening clothes by adding a quarter cup of lemon juice to your washing machine along with the regular detergent.

I also sometimes use the mixture as a pretreatment for clothes, especially ones with stains.

9. Oven cleaning

Similarly to microwave cleaning, preheat your oven to around 80C and then squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into an oven-safe bowl.

I place the bowl in the oven for around 15 to 30 minutes before turning off the oven and letting the water cool. Taking a sponge, I cover the inside of the appliance with the mixture and watch the grease and grime melt away.

10. Spider deterrent

Lemon juice can be wiped on the bottom of every skirting board, window frames and door frames throughout the spider season.

The strong scent will help to keep spiders away, similar to how peppermint, vinegar, and lavender scents also keep the eight-legged creatures at bay.