We in the Easy Food test kitchen, we go through lemons by the case! This has equipped us with a few handy pointers on how versatile and useful lemons are, especially outside of cooking.

 

1. Deodorise your fridge/ dish washer

If you are zesting lemons or have some that are starting to go off try using them as a deodorizer. The next time your fridge or dish washer starts to smell throw a few lemons at it! Adding some bicarbonate of soda along with it will also help with the bad odors.

2. Sanitise your chopping board

Wooden chopping boards can be a nightmare to remove harsh smells and stains. Your chopping board needs some TLC….Tender Lemon Care! Take a half a lemon and use to scrub down your chopping board. If the chopping board needs a little extra exfoliation, try sprinkling it with some salt.

3. Funky fingers

If you have been working with fish, onions or any other smelly food and need a serious clean…the mighty lemon is what you need! Just rub a small amount on your hands and rinse away…Oooh lemony fresh!

4. Sore throat? No problem!

A sore throat can be a real pain in the neck (literally). As most of us know some classic hot honey and lemon water is exactly what you need! In a cup just mix about a half a lemon, a tablespoon of honey and some hot water. Stir the until the honey is dissolved and the liquid isn’t too hot. For some extra help, add in some fresh ginger. Oh and as Mammy always says…”go to bed early”

5. Berry stains

Berries are delicious but can be a pain when they stain your fingers. To help remove the stain, rub some lemon juice onto your hands and all to sit for a few minutes. Rinse your hands with warm soapy water. Repeat the process until all the stains are gone.

6. Microwave smelling?

Microwaves can get quite a variety of smells in it! Squeeze a the juice of a lemon into a cup with the remaining lemon and some water. Put the cup in the microwave for 30 seconds-1 minutes and allow the lemons to work their citrus magic!

7. Clean kettle

If your kettle starts to get some hard water build up, boil some lemon juice and water to get it sparkling again.

8. Natural surface cleaner

If you don’t like to use harsh chemicals around the house, in a jar combine the peels of 4-6 lemons, white vinegar and some fresh herbs if you like. Allow the mix to sit for about a week so the herbs and lemon infuse the vinegar. Strain the mixture into a spray bottle and get scrubbing!

9. Preserve!

Lemons help prevent the browning of fruit and veg. A water bath of lemon juice and cold water can crisp up wilted lettuce and prevent chopped apples from going brown. A little toss of lemon juice on chopped avocado can also prevent it from browning.

10. Delicious ice on a sunny day!

If you have bought too many lemons or know they may go off soon, get freezing! You can freeze your lemons into slices so they are ready for a jug of water on a hot day! Mmmm ice cold lemony goodness!

Are you a lover of lemons too? Have any other uses for lemons? Comment them down below or have a look at some of our favourite recipes with lemons!