We all know the frustration of carefully washing our favourite white shirts or blouses, only to find that they lose their brightness over time and develop an unwelcome yellow tinge.
Finding effective ways to tackle these stubborn stains can often feel like an ongoing battle, with many remedies promising results but falling short. It would be wonderful to discover a simple, affordable solution that works, wouldn’t it?
The good news is that a cleaning professional recently shared a tip that might be the answer we’ve been looking for. It involves something you already have in your kitchen.
Nigel Bearman, a stain removal expert from the United Kingdom cleaning company Daily Poppins, swears by the humble lemon for tackling this all-too-common laundry woe.
While lemons may not be the cheapest fruit on the Australian market, current specials at Woolworths offer them for $1.03 and Coles for $1.60. They are still a bargain compared to many specialised stain removal products.
‘Lemon juice is a natural cleaner with antibacterial properties, which means it effectively cuts through stains and kills any bacteria,’ Bearman explained.
‘Not only does it effectively clean your clothes, but it will also leave them feeling soft and smelling amazing.’
To harness the power of lemons for your discoloured whites, juice an entire lemon and mix the juice into a bucket of hot water.
Submerge your white clothes in this lemony bath and let them soak for one to two hours before proceeding with your regular wash cycle.
The science behind this trick lies in the citric acid found in lemons, which acts as a natural bleach and stain remover.
For more stubborn stains, Bearman suggested creating a paste with salt and lemon juice and rubbing it directly onto the affected area.
Another pro tip for brightening your whites is to dry them in the sun. The ultraviolet rays work wonders as a natural bleaching agent, further enhancing the lemon’s stain-fighting capabilities.
But the magic of lemons doesn’t stop at your laundry. Bearman also recommended using lemon juice as a versatile household cleaner.
‘Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle to create an all-purpose cleaner,’ he advised. ‘Its acidity helps to break down grease and grime without the harsh chemicals.’
For those looking to tackle tough bathroom grime, cleaning expert Amy Brookes from Bella Bathrooms endorsed a paste made from lemon juice and bicarb soda for sparkling shower glass.
‘Ideally, when using lemon, you will want to combine it with bicarb soda as the acid will create a reaction with the bicarb soda. This reaction will create a foam that is perfect for scrubbing down any part of the bathroom, not just your shower door,’ Brookes said.
To use this paste, spread it over the shower glass, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a sponge and rinse with water. Alternatively, for a quick fix, dip half a lemon in bicarb soda and use it to scrub the glass directly.
For heavy buildup, swap out the bicarb soda for salt to create a more abrasive scrub.
So, the next time you’re faced with yellow stains or household grime, reach for a lemon and try this $1 hack. Your whites—and your wallet—will thank you.
Have you tried using lemons in your cleaning routine? Share your experiences and any additional tips in the comments below.
