In ancient Rome, lemons were a status symbol. Because they were rare and packed with health benefits, only the rich could afford to get their hands on them.
Luckily we don't have that problem now and most people can afford to buy this delicious citrus fruit in bulk.
Lemons are versatile, but just how versatile is something most people aren't aware of.
They have more uses than fighting the common cold, so check out these 15 unexpected ways to make the most of lemons!
1. Improves air quality
Arrange slices of lemon on a plate to naturally freshen up your home.
Lemons are packed with antioxidants that will help you breathe and sleep better.
Sometimes I put a plate of cut lemons on my nightstand before I go to bed. I find that when I do this I feel more refreshed in the morning.
Give it a try and let us know if you do too!
2. Picks up dust
Got a lot of dust in your home? The bare peel of a lemon is all you need to clean the area while also giving it a fresh scent.
You'll need a lot of these peels to dust your whole house, but they'll come in handy when you need to quickly dust a small area.
This has to be my favorite lemon hack because you're making good use of the peel.
3. Whitens clothes
Remove armpit stains and whiten your laundry by bleaching your clothes with half a cup of lemon juice (or sliced lemons) and a gallon of hot water.
You'll want to soak the clothes in this solution for at least half an hour for best results.
Then wash your whites like you normally do.
4. Stops hiccups
If you've ever bitten into a sour lemon, your world probably has stopped for a few seconds while you try to register the taste.
That tartness is believed to interrupt the nerve impulses that make you hiccup.
5. Cleans your bathroom
Remove soap scum and water stains on your metal faucets, bath tub, and shower door with a cut lemon.
Dip the lemon in coarse salt for best results.
The results will surprise you. And having your bathroom smell like lemon instead of chemicals is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.
6. Repels bugs
Insects absolutely hate the smell of citrus fruit.
To prevent ants and mosquitoes from getting in your home, keep lemon peels around places they love to hang out.
Fresh lemon juice sprayed on cracks, window sills, and floorboards will also do the trick.
7. Improves your health
Hot lemon water is arguably the best drink you can start your day off with.
Lemons are well known for their numerous health benefits. They detoxify your system, boost your energy, and aid in digestion.
I've been drinking this mixture for three years now and I can't remember the last time I got sick.
8. Keeps cut produce fresh longer
Prevent cut produce from browning by squeezing lemon juice on them.
The high vitamin C content in lemons prevent the oxidation process from happening and keep your fruit fresh longer.
But once the lemon juice evaporates your fruit slices will start browning.
What I like to do is cut up the fruit, squeeze lemon juice on the slices, and use a rubber band or two to put the fruit back into its original shape.
This way the ascorbic acid will remain on the fruit longer.
9. Exfoliates skin
I don't see why people buy expensive exfoliators that only dry out their skin when they can make their own. It's so easy!
Combine olive oil, sugar, honey, and lemon juice to gently cleanse your skin, brighten it up, and smooth your wrinkles.
The citric acid in lemon juice will also help to maintain pH levels on your skin and prevent dandruff.
10. Lightens hair
If you want to lighten your hair, the perfect time to do so is during the summer months.
The heat of the sun will open hair cuticles, and the acidic pH level of lemon juice will speed up the hair lightening process.
11. Removes foul odors
Lemons are the perfect natural disinfectant and are able to kill many harmful bacteria in your home.
Dropping half a lemon and a spoonful of baking soda in your garbage disposal will eliminate foul odors in no time.
An old lemon placed next to your dish sponge will also disinfect it and prevent your dishes from smelling funny after you wash them.
12. Polishes copper
Ditch the chemicals when it comes to cleaning and polishing your copper. Instead combine lemon juice and coarse table salt to get that shiny gleam.
This mixture will also prevent rusting.
13. Cleans the cutting board
Cutting boards can be hard to clean, especially if they're a little worn out.
After slicing garlic, onion, or meats, get rid of tough stains and smells by rubbing a cut lemon on the surface.
For a better clean, cover the lemon with coarse salt and then scrub the board.
Allow the lemon to soak for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
14. Cleans the inside of you appliances
Microwave stains are a pain to clean, but a lemon will come to your rescue.
In a cup of water, squeeze the juice of one lemon. Now place the cup in the microwave and heat it for approximately five minutes.
The lemon juice will loosen grease stains and other dried food particles so you can wipe them off easily.
Lemons are also great to clean your dishwasher, which you probably don't clean enough.
Next time you wash your dishes, place a used lemon peel in the top rack. You'll notice when you do this that there won't be any food residue, your dishes are cleaner, and your dishwasher and dishes smell great.
15. Removes stubborn stains
If you don't want to soak your clothes and just need to remove one stubborn stain, lemon juice will do the trick. For all you mothers or teachers out there, lemons will even remove permanent marker!
All you need is a cut lemon and an old, but clean, toothbrush. Squeeze lemon juice on the stain and scubadubdub.
