12 Fantastic Uses for Lemons When Cleaning

See the best ways to use lemons in your cleaning routine at home! Save money while using natural products is a total win, win!

Lemons are one of the most underrated household products in your kitchen. They're cheap, cheerful, and oh-so-effective when it comes to getting your home clean without relying on harsh chemicals. Plus, that sweet citrus scent? It’ll make your whole house smell like spring cleaning just happened—even in the middle of winter.

Sure, I love adding a slice of lemon to my water for a little zip, but fresh lemons and lemon juice are also powerful, natural cleaners. Here are 12 of the best ways to use lemon around the house—and trust me, you’ll want to keep a few in your cleaning caddy from now on.

Cleaning Cutting Boards

Rub the cut side of a lemon directly onto wooden cutting boards to lift food stains, eliminate bacteria, and neutralize unpleasant odors. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle coarse salt on the board first—then scrub away with the lemon. It’s a great way to naturally disinfect without toxic chemicals. See my full tutorial on how to disinfect cutting boards.

Keep Fruits and Veggies Fresh

Don’t toss brown apple slices or sad-looking guac. A bit of lemon juice prevents oxidation on apples, pears, avocados, and more. Just drizzle a small amount of juice over sliced fruit to keep it looking (and tasting!) fresh.

Clean Copper Pots

Lemon juice and coarse salt make the best way to remove tarnish and restore shine to copper pans. Mix them in a small bowl, apply to affected areas, and watch the magic happen. No elbow grease required—just a good scrub and a rinse. You can see all the details on cleaning copper here.

Clean The Microwave

Forget the harsh chemicals. Fill a small container or large bowl with equal parts water and lemon juice (or toss in some lemon wedges), then microwave for 3–5 minutes. Let the steam loosen grime, and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth or paper towel for a streak-free shine. See how I clean my microwave the easy way!

Freshen the Garbage Disposal

Drop in lemon rinds, lemon slices, or even frozen cubes made of lemon juice and white vinegar for a burst of freshness. It helps break down food particles and banishes unpleasant odors. It’s a natural disinfectant with zero harsh ingredients.

Deodorize Plastic Containers

If your Tupperware or plastic containers smell like tomato sauce or last week’s leftovers, soak them in a mix of one cup of lemon juice and warm water. In just 20 minutes, those lingering smells are gone.

DIY Lemon Vinegar Cleaner

Make a purpose cleaner with citrus power. Combine lemon peels with white vinegar in a spray bottle and let it sit for a couple of weeks. Use it to clean kitchen sinks, countertops, glass surfaces, and more. It’s a green way to cut through soap scum and stubborn stains—and it smells way better than plain vinegar.

Simmer a Natural Room Refresher

Toss leftover lemon peels into a small pot of warm water with a splash of lemon oil or essential oil. Let it simmer on low, and your whole home will be filled with a sweet scent. A great cleaner and air freshener in one!

Natural Disinfectant Spray

Mix the juice of a lemon with part water in a spray bottle for a gentle but effective surface spray. It works well on door handles, metal surfaces, and wooden furniture. Want to kick it up a notch? Add a few drops of lemon essential oil or bicarbonate of soda for extra scrubbing power.

Repel Ants Naturally

Skip the bug spray. Squeeze a little lemon juice in the corners and cracks where ants are getting in. They hate the acidic scent and will steer clear—no toxic chemicals required.

Neutralize Fridge Odors

Got a whole lemon going soft? Slice it and place it in a small bowl in the fridge. It’s an effective way to absorb unwanted odors from citrus fruits, onions, and leftovers.

Make a DIY Rust Remover

Lemon juice cuts through rust on cheese graters, knives, and metal surfaces. Combine it with baking soda or coarse salt to clean set-in stains or remove rust from tools and fixtures. Just apply to affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth.

Lemons aren't just for cooking anymore. There are so many great ways to use a lemon when cleaning.

Need some more cleaning ideas?

• Homemade Lemon Vinegar Gel
• Lemon and Lavender Room Refresher
• Homemade Goo-Gone