Alternative Uses for Lemons

When life gives you lemons…. savvy people find alternative uses for them!  😉 Frugal living is not just about clipping coupons.  It’s also about using creativity to help you save on everyday items.  You know I love to repurpose products, but finding alternative uses for things is another thrifty way of thinking.  Here are some fresh ideas for…

Alternative Uses for Lemon

Whiten Socks

To whiten socks that have become dirty and faded you can do one of two things; boil water and add ½ cup lemon to the water letting the socks boil for a while, or use the hottest setting on your washing machine and add ½ cup lemon to that. Both options will whiten your socks naturally.

Garbage Disposal Cleaning

Grind sliced lemons or lemon peels in the garbage disposal to freshen and clean it. This leaves behind a wonderful scent. (orange peels are great too!)

Furniture Polish

Mix 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts olive oil and use it as a furniture polish on wooden pieces. This should not be applied to leather due to the acidity of the lemon juice.

Lemon Bleach

Lemon is an all-natural alternative to bleach. Rather than using bleach and risking wrecking your clothing, throw ½ cup of lemon juice into your laundry when washing. It will bleach all colors back to how they should look. Wash whites and colors separate just to be sure no colors bleed onto your whites.

Clean Paint Brushes

You can clean dried out paint brushes by boiling them in lemon water. Boil them for 15 minutes, remove them, rinse, and let them dry. This will rejuvenate the dried bristles of the brush.

Lemon and Salt Grease Cleaner

If you have a grease buildup in your kitchen the best way to clean it is by using a half of a lemon with salt on it. Scrub the areas with this and the grease will come right off.

Deodorant

Simply a lemon can be used as an effective deodorant. Just dab some under the armpits for a day of lemony scents without the harsh chemicals added to most store bought deodorants.

Cutting Boards

Sanitize and freshen those cutting boards with lemon! This works well both on plastic and wooden/bamboo boards. Just use some salt and a half of a lemon and scrub them down. Once you’re finished rinse them off and they will be left smelling fresh rather than like onions and garlic.

Stomach Aches

Sucking on a lemon wedge will relieve nausea. This is a great trick, especially for travelers. Just about every restaurant or location that sells food has lemons on hand.

Whiten Nail Whites

To whiten the tips of your nails simply take a lemon wedge and apply it around the tips. The lemon is an effective agent at whiting many things including your fingernails.

Have you tried any of these alternative uses for lemons?  Or do you have another idea to add to the list?  Leave your reply below!