Alternative Uses for Lemons and Lemon Juice

Alternative Uses for Lemons and Lemon Juice

I like the scent of lemons, and I really love the simplicity (not to mention the low calories) of ice cold water with lemon slices. More often than not, that's what I have with a meal in a restaurant. And there's nothing like good, cold lemonade in the summer, is there? How many of you spritz lemon juice on sea food? And lemons are loaded with vitamin C.

But a lemon and its juice are more than just basic food elements. You can do so much more with them! Plus, using something as cost-effective as lemons and lemon juice in place of more expensive products just makes good economic sense. Check out these ideas...

* In the Laundry: To brighten, whiten, and freshen your clothes, add a half cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle and hang the wash outside to try. Ink can be lightened or even removed by soaking the spot in lemon juice before washing.

* In the Kitchen: To remove strong odors like onion from your counter tops and cutting boards, rub a lemon over the surface. This will work for your hands, too. You can also use to to freshen your drains. Just pour lemon juice in periodically to keep them smelling clean and fresh. Rubbing a lemon on your faucets (kitchen and bath) will help remove lime scale and grime. Lemon and salt is excellent for cleaning your stainless steel sinks, too. You can also freshen your garbage disposal by grinding up left-over lemon peel. To keep fruit from turning brown, spray it lightly with a solution of lemon juice and water.

* Around the house: Lemon is a wonderful glass cleaner. Rub a cut lemon over mirrors and windows, then scrub dry with newspaper. You can also use lemon to clean and shine many metals. Use straight lemon on copper and a paste of lemon and cream of tartar on aluminum and brass. One cup of olive oil mixed with one-half cup of lemon juice makes a super all-natural lemon furniture polish.

* Personal: Add highlights to your hair by streaking lemon through it and sitting in the sun. A weak lemon and water solution poured over your hair and scalp after shampooing will keep dandruff down. Lemon juice can be good for the skin--use it as an astringent to tighten pores or as a quick energizing facial. Lemon and honey combined to taste can ease a cough, soothe a sore throat, and help you relax if you aren't feeling well.

One word of caution: Be sure to check for color-fastness on fabrics and other surfaces before using lemon in an obvious area. Additionally, some people are allergic to lemon and other citrus fruits, so be aware of that when using lemon on your hair, skin, or if you take it internally.

Sherry C