Nothing is quite as refreshing and energizing as the scent of lemons. Sometimes I’ll inhale lemon essential oil for a quick mood booster or have a cup of hot water with lemon slices for a soothing and relaxing hot drink. Lemon juice has so many varied uses, but these are my favorite 5 Practical Uses for Lemons.
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5 Practical Uses for Lemons:
- Whiten laundry: Lemon juice is a great way to whiten and brighten your white laundry. Use the juice of one lemon (about an ounce) in an average size load of laundry. This substitute for harsh bleach works better than a lot of other alternatives I’ve tried.
- Air freshener: Cut a lemon in half and place it anywhere you need help keeping the air in your home fresh. I put one near the cat box and also keep one in the refrigerator to absorb odors. Another way to eliminate odors and freshen the air is to add the juice of one lemon to 1 cup of water and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Simmer the “juice” for a sweet lemony cake smell.
- Deodorant: Lemon juice can be used as a natural deodorant! I read about using lemon juice as a deodorant and I was a little skeptical. But I tried it and it works great. According to an article in Allure magazine, it’s lemon’s citric acid that kills bacteria and odor. Lemon doesn’t, however, have antiperspirant properties so it can’t be counted on to keep you dry. Most of the time I’ve used it, though, it has kept me pretty dry. Not every time, but most.
Related: Homemade Coconut Aluminum-Free Deodorant
- Salad dressing: Lemon juice makes for a quick and easy salad dressing. Use 4 parts Olive oil (fat), 1 part lemon juice (acid), 1 part herbs (flavor). Wisk or shake in a jar.
- Flavor enhancer: Poke holes in 1 whole lemon with a fork and place the lemon inside the cavity of a chicken. If you like, place several garlic cloves in the cavity as well. Season with salt and pepper. Coat chicken with Olive oil. The chicken will be flavorful and moist.
If you’re like me and like to buy the big bag of lemons at the grocery store because they’re a much better deal, then you’re always looking for more and new ways to use lemons. Try these 5 Practical Uses for Lemons the next time you pick up a bag. They’re simple, quick, and effective!
Related: 10 Uses for White Vinegar
Have you tried any of these lemon uses before? How did it work out for you? How do you use lemons?
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Lisa is a mother of three lovely young women and is a new grandmother to a baby boy! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than thirty years. Lisa is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. Running a small business for over 25 years and raising a family has made for a busy, busy life with many ups and downs; it’s definitely been an adventure.
Lisa’s always involved in one project or another whether it’s work related or serving her community. She also recently went back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Lisa tries to make every day a good day—that means learning something new, practicing kindness, and enjoying the present moment.
I learned something new today. I recall being just outside Pompeii and the small store was featuring lemons the size of melons. It was amazing.
They sound good. And I like the idea too. I like creativity. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lemons are so practical! Now I’m going to put them in good use instead of only making lemonade with them haha
I love all of your tips for lemon and I did indeed learn something. I do use it for all of the ways that you suggested but did not realize that it helps to whiten your laundry. I am most definitely going to try that tip out. Thank You!
This is very important things about the lemon that not just a fruit that help us in our daily lives.i love Lemon in all it has .
Oooh what a fantastic post, I never would have thought to use it to whiten laundry. Bet they smell amazing as well.
These are the reasons why we dont easily throw away lemon peels coz they are truly useful! We love it.
There are tons of uses for lemons. I do love them on my water, salads and seafood.
Thanks for sharing! Lemons are quite useful and I use almost everyday for something or other. Salad dressing with lemons does make a lot of difference.
I love lemon! And I had no idea you could use it as part of a natural deodorant. I love that idea so much!!
I love cooking with lemons and adding a little juice when the meal is prepared. I recently added a few drops to broccoli when I finished cooking and the flavors were great. Adding lemon to water is also a great way to add taste. The one thing I didn’t know is that adding lemon to whites when doing laundry helps brighten the clothes. That’s a great tip and something I’ll do when I do laundry next 🙂 Thanks.
I love using lemon as an additive to my salad dressing! It’s literally lemon, mint, and olive oil and we’re on our way!
It is so great to know about so many different ways to use lemon. I loved the idea of using it as an air freshener 🙂
Lemons are so refreshing and rejuvenating. Glad to know some extra uses of it
I’ve never heard of using lemons to whiten laundry before. I normally use lemons for recipes, flavor enhancing and homemade cleaning products. I’ll have to try some of the other uses you mentioned a try.
Love using lemon as a salad dressing to save calories! I had no idea that it could be used to whiten laundry. Will definitely be trying this.