When Life Gives You Lemons ... Clean The House!

SO LONG HARSH CHEMICALS. Bye-bye bleach. Hello all-natural cleaner. With a host of uses, lemons will leave your house sparkly clean and smelling good too! From tossing used lemons in your garbage disposal for a fresh-smelling sink to making brass and copper shine, its versatility around the house will astound and inspire. Read on for a few more ideas and visit www.goodhousekeeping.com for other lemon uses:

Mix-up a great degreasing spray Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of white vinegar in a spray bottle … spritz and wipe with a rag or paper towels (*not recommended for wood surfaces).

Claim victory over microwave messes Microwave a bowl of water and fresh lemon juice (or rinds) for 3 to 5 minutes or until boiling. Wait another 5 minutes before opening the door; this allows the steam to do its work. Remove bowl and an easy wipe gets the job done.

Cut the grime off cutting boards Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the board. Rub the juice in with the lemon half, then let sit for 20 minutes. Get the gleam on your grater After grating soft cheese or sticky foods, cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side along the grater. It will clear away residue and leave a fresh scent. Clean stubborn plasticware Squeeze lemon juice onto the stained plastic and rub with the cut side of the lemon. Let the containers dry in the sun and wash normally.

Make bathtubs sparkle Mix equal parts baking soda and cream of tartar, then add a little lemon juice. Rub the paste on stubborn stains and your bath will shine!