Lemons are a staple of delicious cuisine—from mouthwatering lemon pies and puddings to lemon chicken to citrusy salad dressings. My family had a lemon tree in our backyard, and it was fun to pick lemons for fresh lemonade on a hot day.
If you’re a fan of herbs and holistic health, you also know there are medicinal and cleansing properties to lemon Citrus limonum (Risso) that have been used since ancient times. There are hundreds of ways lemons can be used in the home—from cleaning kitchens and bathrooms to natural flea repellent and air freshener. Here are four of my favorite techniques that you may not know of for using lemon around the house:
1. Lemons for Flea Management
One unique use of lemon juice is that it can discourage fleas. Lemons contain the constituent limonene, which is often used in flea-management shampoos and treatments. Plus, using lemon and a bit of water is much more economical and safer than expensive chemical flea control products.
Recipe: Natural Lemon Flea Spray
- Cut up six organic lemons
- Boil lemons in a quart of water for five minutes
- Steep lemons for eight hours in the covered pot
- Pour the liquid into a spray bottle (this will last about a week if stored in the refrigerator)
- Spray on your pet after bathing and avoid the animal’s eyes
- Spray on pet bedding and toys
2. Lemon to Perk Up Wilted Lettuce
Have some greens that have been sitting in the fridge for a day or two? Perk them up with lemon juice! I can’t stand wilted lettuce, and lemon is a fantastic, natural remedy to wake up those greens.
1. Put the juice of ½ of a lemon in a bowl of cold water.
2. Put the wilted lettuce in the mixture and refrigerate for one hour. Dry the leaves completely before putting them into a salad or sandwich.
3. Mighty Lemon in the Microwave
Have stuck-on food splatterings in your microwave? Lemons could be your answer. Lemon juice can be used to give your micro a good cleaning without scratching the surface or using a lot of effort. Give this recipe a try:
1. Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice into 1½ cups of water in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Run the microwave on high for five to 10 minutes. Let the steam condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven.
3. Wipe away food spots with a dishcloth. This will clean stuck-on food spots as well as fill your kitchen and microwave with a citrusy fresh aroma.
4. Lemons for Puppy Training
Some folks have trouble with barking puppies.
An old folk remedy using lemon may help. Most dogs are not fans of the taste of lemon juice, and it’s believed they can be trained with a squirt of lemon juice in their mouths. Although, take care not to spray near their eyes!
It is also believed that lemon juice can be used to keep pets off the furniture. Here is the recipe:
Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with 1½ cups of water, add to a spray bottle, and spritz on your upholstery. This will also give the room a fresh, lemony scent and it can discourage jumping on furniture.
These are just a few of the many creative ways lemon juice can be used in your home. Plus, doesn’t it smell fantastic? It’s inexpensive and it is better than using harsh chemicals when at all avoidable.
How do you use lemons in your home? Leave me a note in the comments!
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a graduate of American College of Healthcare Sciences, the Institution that publishes this blog. However, all opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
