This story is part of Home Tips , CNET’s collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out….CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING
Lemons aren’t just good for freshening up drinks. Thanks to its antibacterial properties and appealing scent, the ubiquitous yellow fruit has a multitude of uses around the house …..
The citric acid in lemons can kill germs and remove mold and mildew, while the oils in lemon peels can cut through grease and stains.
So whether you want a more environmental alternative to your usual household cleaners — or just find yourself with too many lemons — give these household hacks a squeeze.
For more home tips
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To get streaks off windows and other glass surfaces, squeeze about two tablespoons of lemon juice into an empty spray bottle. Add about a tablespoon of white vinegar and a cup of hot (but not boiling) water.
Shake the mixture well and apply to whatever needs cleaning.
If there’s a funky smell coming from your kitchen sink, try throwing a few lemon wedges or peels into the disposal and chase them with some cold water.
For particularly potent odors, add some baking soda to the mix.
Has a set-in stain ruined your linens? Treat them with a mixture of lemon juice and salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and vinegar and then let it dry in the sun. Repeat as needed. (This technique is also good for sweat stains on shirts.)
If your white sheets have gotten dingy, you can also use lemons to restore their brightness.
Fill a large pot with water and add some lemon slices, then bring it to a boil. After you turn off the heat, add in the sheets and let it soak for a good hour. …..
Then launder your linens as you normally would.
Even if they’re not dirty, chrome fixtures can lose their luster due to hard water stains, limescale and soap scum.
To bring back their brightness, cut a lemon in half and run it over the faucet, handles, drain and any other metal surfaces.
When you’re done, rinse and dry thoroughly.
Coat half a lemon with coarse salt, then rub it over tarnished pots, cabinet pulls and other metal items. (Make sure they’re not varnished, though.)
When you’re done, wipe it down with a damp cloth, followed by a pat down with a soft, dry cloth.
You can also give wood furniture new life with a two-to-one solution of olive oil and lemon juice.
If you’re not thrilled at the idea of keeping harsh chemicals in reach of children or pets, a little lemon juice can serve as a functional weed killer.
Be careful how much you use and where you apply it, as the acidity in the lemons can damage plants you want to save and even change the pH of the soil.
If you’ve ever put spaghetti in a plastic container, you know how easily tomato sauce can leave an unappealing tinge.
Rather than throw it out, fill the container to the top with lemon juice and let it sit for a few hours. Pour the juice out, then scrub the item thoroughly to get rid of the stain….CONTINUE READING
