When life gives you lemons, you can do a lot more than just make lemonade. Lemons are a wellness essential hiding in plain sight. Packed with natural antibacterial, antifungal and freshening properties, this humble fruit goes far beyond the plate. From your laundry to your skincare routine, lemons are an easy, affordable and eco-friendly ingredient to include in your daily life.
Here’s how to make the most of lemons in ways you might not expect.
1. Brighten Your Laundry
Tired of dull whites or lingering odours? Add half a cup of lemon juice to your wash cycle to help naturally bleach and deodorise your clothes. Lemons contain citric acid, which helps break down stains and eliminate smells without harsh chemicals.
You can soak yellowing whites in a lemon-and-hot-water mix before washing or add lemon juice to your fabric softener drawer for a citrusy refresh. It is safe, sustainable and gentle on fabrics.
2. Natural Dish Cleaner
Skip the chemical-heavy dish soaps. Use lemon to help cut through grease, especially on glassware and stainless steel. You can add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to your dishwater or rub a slice of lemon directly on stubborn spots before rinsing.
For an easy DIY scrub, mix lemon juice with baking soda until it forms a paste. Use it to scrub pots, pans and cutting boards to remove stains and leave everything smelling clean.
3. Freshen the Air and Fridge
Lemons naturally absorb odours. Placing a lemon half in your fridge or microwave can help eliminate unpleasant smells. You can even simmer lemon slices in water on your stovetop for a gentle citrus scent that refreshes the air in your home.
For an easy fridge deodoriser, soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and leave it in a small bowl at the back of the fridge.
4. Boost Your Skincare
Lemon juice is often used in skincare for its brightening and exfoliating properties. It can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, oily patches and acne scars. However, it should be used with care and always diluted with water or mixed into other ingredients like honey or yoghurt.
Try a gentle exfoliating face mask using lemon juice and sugar or a diluted toner for oily skin. Always patch test first and avoid sun exposure directly after use, as lemon can increase skin sensitivity to UV rays.
5. Clean Your Surfaces
Lemon is a powerful cleaner for your countertops, sinks and taps. Mix lemon juice with vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner that smells as good as it works.
Rub lemon directly on taps or metal fixtures to remove mineral deposits and leave them shining. Its acidity makes it great for tackling grime, watermarks and soap scum without damaging surfaces.
6. De-Gunk Your Microwave
Cut a lemon in half, place it in a bowl of water and microwave on high for three minutes. Let it sit with the door closed for five more. The steam loosens grime and the lemon neutralises odours, making it easier to wipe your microwave clean with minimal effort.
A Citrus Essential for Everyday Life
Lemons are one of nature’s most versatile tools. Beyond their place in food and drink, they offer simple ways to support your health, your home and your wellness routine. With just one fruit, you can clean your space, brighten your laundry, care for your skin and create an environment that smells fresh and feels good.
Adding lemons to your lifestyle is an easy step toward living a cleaner, greener and more intentional life.