I‘m a big fan of lemons, and have been lucky enough to have a lemon tree for the last few years. Since I’m often faced with an abundance of lemons I have found lots of ways to use them in my home, (other than making lemonade, of course)!

In Cleaning

Lemon juice is the perfect addition to your cleaning supplies. It is a disinfectant, cuts through grease,removes stains, and leaves behind a clean, fresh scent. Try these uses for cleaning with lemon:

1. Wood Cleaner/Polisher

Mix 1 part olive oil with 1 part vinegar and add a squeeze of lemon. Shake well and use a cloth to rub into wood surfaces to clean and polish. I used this recently after moving into a home and finding lots of grime and grease all over the kitchen cabinets, and it left them shiny and clean.

2. Degreaser

Use straight lemon juice as a general degreaser, or as a way to get sticky residue off of jars.

3. All Purpose Cleaner

Infuse your vinegar with lemon peels to add a cleaning boost. Add lemon peels to a jar, cover with vinegar and wait for 2 weeks. Every couple of days give the jar a shake. After 2 weeks, strain out the lemon peels and use your vinegar as you regularly would in your cleaning routine.

4. Stain Remover Sink/Tub Scrub

Mix some baking soda and lemon juice together to form a paste and use to remove those tough stains in your sink. Or, sprinkle baking soda in your sink, squeeze some lemon juice over the baking soda, and let sit. Use the squeezed out lemon half sprinkled with salt as a scrubber and scrub the sink clean, then rinse.

5. Disposal Cleaner

Don’t toss your lemon peels! Cut up extra lemon peels and run through your disposal to clean the blades and remove any odors.

Personal Care

6. Lemon Hand Scrub

After handling strong smelling foods (like onion and garlic,) I like to use a lemon hand scrub to get rid of the smell and moisturize at the same time. To make, combine:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • Juice and zest from 1/2 a lemon

Stir together and keep in a jar near your kitchen sink. To use, add a small amount to hands, scrub, and rinse.

7. Natural Hair Lightener

I tried this a few times in high school, but haven’t done it recently, now that my hair is dark, but lemon juice + sun is a natural way to lighten your hair or add in some natural highlights in the summer. You can put the lemon juice right on your hair or dilute it with a bit of water and then head out into the sun.

Home Remedies

8. Sore Throat

Lemon is great for a sore throat and provides a needed Vitamin C boost when sick. I keep a jar filled with lemon slices covered in honey in my refrigerator to spoon into hot water or tea.

9. Lemon in Water

Lemons have many health benefits, and are helpful in boosting immunity, which is especially important during the Winter months. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water every morning to start your day off right.

In Your Decor

10. Lemons on Display

I love the sunny splash of color lemons can bring to a room. Arrange lemons in a vase, bowl, or on a cake stand for a simple decoration. Or slice lemons and add to a vase with flowers.

What are your favorite uses for lemons?