Four savvy ways to make use of lemons around the house

The Sun

03-05-2025

WHEN life gives you lemons, don't just make lemonade.
The versatile citrus fruit is the key to many household task hacks.
From cleaning your kitchen to getting insects to buzz off, a bowl of lemons could benefit every home.
SIMPLY THE ZEST: Citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, so has lots of uses around the house.
If your chopping board needs a refresh, sprinkle it with salt and scrub the surface with half a lemon to give it a new lease of life.
You can also put half a lemon in a bowl of water then pop it in the microwave on high.
Once the water heats up, which will only take a few seconds, the citrusy steam will loosen the dirt inside the appliance, making it easier to clean.
COLD COMFORT: It is cheaper to buy lemons by the bag but that may mean that some of the fruit gets wasted.
Instead of letting them get overripe then throwing them away, cut any you won't use in time into slices and freeze flat, before bagging them up for whenever you need them.
You can even put small slices into ice cube trays then top up with water. The lemony cubes can go straight in a drink.
PEST OF THE REST: Lemons' strong citrusy smell is great for deterring ants, flies and other pests.
Mix one part lemon juice to three parts water and squirt it around doors and on windowsills to make ants do a U-turn.
Mrs Hinch shares her top tips for the big spring clean – from vacuuming your mattress to washing oven trays in the bath
To make flies buzz off, cut a lemon in half and stud the flesh with whole cloves.
SQUEEZY START: A l emon drink to start the day is said to aid digestion and boost immunity and hydration.
To make one, mix the juice of half a lemon with a teaspoon of honey then add just boiled water.
You can also add lemon juice to fresh grated ginger and turmeric. Mix and freeze in ice cube trays.
Pop a cube out and stir into boiling water for a speedy goodness-packed drink. Sieve if you don't like the bits.
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