How using Lemons can make your day easier!

When life gets really busy, there is nothing better than a few hints and tips that help make the day go smoothly…. and doesn’t cost a lot.

So…Lemons?

Yes, lemons have amazing properties…not just to add a citrus taste to cooking or to add to warm water  in the morning to kick start your day… but they can be used to make some jobs we need to do, easier (and cheaper)!

We all know that cleaning a microwave is really easy when adding slices of lemon to a bowl of water, bringing it to the boil in the microwave and then simply wiping clean….

…but do you know these other unusual lemon tips?

To freshen your fridge and bin…

The best way to freshen your bin is by placing lemon peel at the bottom of your rubbish bin .The lemon absorbs any smells and helps to give your bin a cleaner, citrus smell.  This also works well in the fridge, simply cut a lemon in half and place one half on the top shelf of the fridge and one on the bottom.

To clean your kettle…

To clean your kettle and remove hard water mineral deposits, fill the kettle with water, add a handful of thin slices of lemon peel and bring the water to the boil.

Turn off the kettle and let the water sit for an hour, drain and rinse. The result – one clean kettle!

How to repel insects naturally…

If you have a problem with bugs and insects around your home or on your window sill, simply spray lemon juice into cracks around your home and this will repel insects naturally.

Remove rust spots on knives and forks…

If you put your knives through the dishwasher and they come out with little rust spots, simply use lemon juice to remove them. Dip one half of the lemon in salt (or baking soda) and rub where the spots are. I let mine sit with the juice on it for 5 mins or so and then rinse off with soapy water and then polish.

Cooking fish on the grill…

When cooking fish on the grill or a BBQ, simply add slices of lemons on the grill first and then put the fish on top. It will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill and make it easier to remove and give the fish a lovely lemon flavour.

Making Stored Lemon Zest

Lemon Zest can be made in one batch and then used either fresh, dried or frozen.

Using a zester or a grater (the smallest side of the grater) simply zest the lemon peel, and to dry it, spread it on a tea towel and leave it out until dried out.

Then store in a mason jar so it is easier to add to baking and cooking.

You can also freeze the zest in container (like an ice cube tray) and then use in salads, cooking or even add to risotto or pasta.

Nail Whitener

Simply cut a lemon in half and rub on your fingernails to get white, clean fingernails!

So these tips are probably not rocket science…but the humble lemon really can make life easier!!

I bet you look at lemons differently when you are shopping next!

Enjoy!

😃

You might also like…

Gluten Free Lemon and Coconut Cake!