When life gives you lemons, don’t just make lemonade—make your kitchen sparkle! Lemons are more than just a zesty addition to your tea or a tangy salad dressing.
These humble citrus fruits are a powerhouse of natural cleaning, deodorising, and stain-busting abilities.
And with the price of cleaning products climbing higher than a Queensland summer, it’s good to know that a single lemon (even at $1.30 a pop) can do the work of a whole shelf of chemical-laden sprays.
If you’re looking for simple, affordable, and eco-friendly ways to keep your kitchen in tip-top shape, read on. Here are 10 clever ways to use lemons for a cleaner, fresher home—plus a few bonus tips to make your lemon go even further.
1. Descale your kettle
Ever peeked inside your kettle and noticed chalky white spots or a cloudy film? That’s limescale, and it can affect the taste of your cuppa. To banish it, slice up a lemon and pop the pieces into your kettle with water.
Boil, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then boil again and pour out. Rinse well, and your kettle will be as good as new—no harsh chemicals required.
2. Steam-clean your microwave
Microwaves can quickly become a graveyard for splattered soup and reheated leftovers. For an easy clean, place lemon slices in a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water.
Microwave on high for five minutes, then let it sit (door closed) for another 10–15 minutes. The lemony steam will loosen grime, making it a breeze to wipe away with a cloth. Bonus: your microwave will smell fresh, not like last night’s curry.
3. Deep-clean wooden cutting boards
Wooden chopping boards are kitchen workhorses, but they can harbour odours and stains. Sprinkle coarse salt over the board, then scrub with half a cut lemon, squeezing gently to release the juice.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrape off the residue and rinse. This not only cleans but also deodorises and helps sanitise the wood.
4. Deodorise your fridge
If your fridge is starting to smell more like a science experiment than a food storage space, lemons can help.
Place a few lemon halves or peels on small dishes throughout the fridge. They’ll absorb odours and leave a subtle citrus scent. For extra power, combine lemon peels with a spoonful of baking soda in a bowl.
5. Remove rust from knives
Those pesky orange-brown spots on your favourite knives? Lemon to the rescue! Rub the cut side of a lemon directly onto the rust stains.
For stubborn spots, sprinkle a little salt on first, then scrub with the lemon. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent further rusting.
6. Erase stains from plastic containers
Tomato sauce stains, be gone! Rub half a lemon over the stained area of your plastic containers, squeezing gently to release the juice.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and wash as usual. The natural acidity helps break down stubborn stains and odours.
7. Clean cheese graters (without shredding your sponge!)
Cheese graters are notorious for trapping sticky residue. Instead of risking your fingers or ruining a sponge, rub the cut side of a lemon over the grater.
For extra scrubbing power, dip the lemon in salt first. Rinse well, and your grater will be ready for your next cheese toastie.
8. Freshen up your dishwasher
Dishwashers can develop a musty smell over time. Place a few lemon halves (seeds removed) on the top rack of an empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle.
Alternatively, pour a cup of lemon juice into a bowl on the top rack and run the hottest cycle. This helps remove odours and leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh.
9. Revive pots and pans
Burnt-on food and stains on your pots and pans? Fill the pan with water, add lemon slices or a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and bring to a boil.
Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes, then pour out the water and scrub once cool. For stains on the outside, sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a cut lemon.
10. Steam-clean your oven
Oven cleaning doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals and hours of scrubbing. Preheat your oven to 120°C, place two lemon halves in an oven-safe bowl of water, and bake for 30 minutes.
The steam will loosen baked-on grime, making it easy to wipe away. For the oven door, sprinkle baking soda on a cut lemon and scrub away stubborn spots.
Bonus tips: Make the most of every lemon
Compost the peels: After cleaning, toss used lemon peels into your compost bin to enrich your garden.
Polish chrome taps: Rub lemon peel over chrome fixtures for a streak-free shine.
Natural air freshener: Simmer lemon peels with cloves and cinnamon on the stove for a DIY air freshener.
Why choose lemons over commercial cleaners?
Lemons are biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for most surfaces. They’re especially handy for those with allergies or sensitivities to strong chemical scents. Plus, using lemons means fewer plastic bottles and less waste—good for your home and the planet.
A few cautions
Test first: Lemon juice is acidic and can damage some surfaces, like marble or granite. Always test on a small area first.
Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse surfaces well to prevent stickiness or residue.
Have you tried any of these lemon cleaning hacks? Do you have your own citrus-powered secrets? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below—let’s help each other make our kitchens shine, the natural way!
Also read: Is your kitchen full of microplastics? Here’s what to do
