25 Surprising Things You Never Knew Lemons Could Do We all know lemons are delicious, adding a citrusy kick to everything from salad dressings to cocktails. And the laundry list of health benefits is seriously impressive – not only does the fruit contain antibacterial properties that cleanse the kidneys and liver and strengthen your immune system, but it offers a hefty dose of vitamin C and antioxidants that fight free-radicals and help keep you looking younger. Health booster: Get in the habit of starting the day with a cup of hot water and lemon – it’ll kick start your metabolism and get your morning off to a healthy start! Everyone loves the scent of freshly cut lemons. Great on salads, zested over pasta, or squeezed over vegetables prior to serving, lemons are a versatile culinary ingredient. Here are 25 other ideas for lemons from the domestic to the mysterious. 1. Naturally keep bugs outside Cut up lemon peels and put them along windowsills and cracks where insects may be sneaking in from outside. They don’t like lemons so they’ll go bug someone else. 2. Make homemade shoe polish Mix 1 tbsp. of olive oil with 2 tsp. of lemon juice for a killer shoe shine. 3. Deodorize the entire house Cut lemons in half and place them (cut side up) in small, decorative dishes around the house. 4. Make your own lemon-scented humidifier Simmer water, lemon peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple skins in a cast-iron pot or bowl for a steamy air freshener. 5. Make your own invisible ink Messages written with lemon juice can be developed by applying heat with a hairdryer. 6. Homemade vitamin C mouthwash Squeeze a bit of lemon juice into a small, warm glass of water. Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds and swallow. 7. Deodorize your garbage disposal Put half of a lemon in the garbage disposal. Run warm water for a few seconds and then the disposal. Leave the slightly chopped lemon in the disposal overnight. Finish running the disposal the next day. 8. Sanitize your microwave Microwave 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of squeezed lemon juice for 5 minutes. The lemon-y steam will loosen up grease and grime for an easier wipe down. 9. Eliminate acne Rub half a lemon on a clean face. Leave on for 20 minutes. Stay out of the sun though, lemons enhance sun sensitivity. 10. Make your own veggie/fruit wash Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar, 1 tbsp. of lemon juice and 1 cup of water to create an inexpensive and natural veggie and fruit wash. 11. Remove warts Rub lemon juice on the wart daily until it vanishes. 12. Decorate with lemons Put fresh lemons in a vase for a bright and cheerful centerpiece. 13. Sanitize a cutting board Rub half a juiced lemon over your cutting board after it’s been washed to remove stains and sanitize. 14. Whiten fingernails Juice half a lemon into a small bowl of water and soak your fingernails for 10 minutes. Rinse with vinegar and voila, brighter nails. 15. Whiten laundry Add 3 tbsp. of lemon juice to a load of wash for stain-free laundry whitening. 16. Eliminate greasy hair Rinse just-conditioned hair with 2 tbsp. of lemon juice and 3 cups of water for a cleaner and grease-free rinse. 17. Soothe sunburns Soothe on contact by gently rubbing the cut side of a juiced lemon on the sunburned areas. 18. Make homemade lemonade Squeeze eight lemons into a gallon jar, add ¾ cup of sugar and stir well. 19. Lighten age spots Dab a bit of lemon juice on age spots for a few consecutive days for quick lightening. 20. Make your own furniture polish Mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice for natural and effective furniture polish. 21. Instantly energize The scent of a fresh lemon can be an anti-depressant. Try keeping a fresh lemon at your desk or taking a bite into half a lemon—that’ll wake ya up. 22. Scrub limescale off draining boards and taps Rub half a lemon on stainless steel, leave for a few minutes and then rinse. 23. Freshen the fridge Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and put in the back of the fridge for some intense freshening. 24. Prevent rice from sticking Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to cooking rice to prevent rice-on-rice sticking. 25. Perk up your immune system Add sliced lemons to your water for a boost of vitamin C that will pump up your immune system and support proper digestion.
