Cleaning the Kitchen with Lemon: The Results (And the Smell) Were Amazing!

Maintaining a clean, tidy home is a priority for many households, but balancing that with busy schedules can be a challenge. For families with young children and hectic routines, keeping up with home maintenance often feels like a constant effort. Despite having systems in place to manage the mess, using harsh chemicals daily for cleaning isn’t always appealing, especially when there are natural alternatives available.

One such natural option gaining popularity is lemon, particularly in kitchen cleaning. Known for its versatile properties, lemon can help tackle various messes without resorting to harsh chemicals. Its citric acid content makes it an effective antibacterial, antiseptic, and bleaching agent, which is why it’s frequently recommended for cleaning tasks, from grease and rust to general kitchen messes.

Cleaning Countertops

In a rental home with black granite countertops, stains and marks can be a constant struggle, especially when paired with hard water, which leaves unsightly limescale rings around the sink area. Traditionally, vinegar or all-purpose sprays are used, but these often come with a lingering smell. Instead, a simple lemon hack was tested. By cutting a lemon in half and using it like a sponge, applying it in circular motions across the countertop, the results were surprisingly effective. The limescale rings were removed, and the lemon left behind a pleasant scent, making it a worthwhile solution—especially when there’s a leftover lemon to use.

Cleaning Wooden Accessories

Wooden kitchen tools, such as cutting boards and utensils, benefit from lemon’s antibacterial properties. After using one half of the lemon on the countertops, the remaining half was put to work on the wooden accessories. While the absence of suds or a glossy finish made it unclear whether the cleaning was deeply effective, the pleasant scent and natural cleaning properties of lemon made this an appealing quick fix. However, for cleaning tools that have come into contact with raw meat, traditional dish soap may still be the best choice for thorough sanitation.

Freshening Up the Microwave

To combat lingering odors in the microwave—especially after a movie night that left the appliance smelling like buttery popcorn—a new lemon hack was tested. A lemon was cut in half, its juice squeezed into a Pyrex measuring cup filled with water, and the mixture was microwaved until boiling. The results were impressive: the strong, stale popcorn odor was completely replaced by a fresh lemon scent. This method proved to be a favorite and one that’s sure to be repeated in the future.

Leaving Glassware Streak-Free

After using the lemon and water mixture in the microwave, it was cooled and transferred to a spray bottle for use on drinking glasses. The goal was a streak-free shine, but unfortunately, the results didn’t live up to expectations. The glasses were still a bit streaky, leading to the decision to return to regular cleaning methods for glassware.

Final Thoughts

Lemon cleaning hacks can be a pleasant and effective way to freshen up a kitchen, especially when looking to reduce chemical usage. From eliminating popcorn smells in the microwave to tackling limescale on countertops, the citrus fruit can certainly lend a helping hand. However, it may not replace all traditional cleaning methods, especially for more stubborn tasks. Still, it’s a great option for a quick and natural refresh in between deeper cleans.