Make lemonade when life gives you lemons! But what to do with all those lemon peels? Don’t toss them; put them to work. Lemon juice is about 5 to 6 percent citric acid and has a pH level of between 2 and 3. This low pH acidity makes lemon juice a great ally in breaking down rust and mineral stains, but gentle enough to not dull finishes. There is generally sufficient juice left in used lemon halves to tackle small tasks, and it all comes with its own applicator (the rind itself). Plus, the oil in the peel is perfect for clever culinary applications, and not bad in the beauty department either. Here’s what you can do:
Step Two
Rough Elbows - Lemons are fantastic tools to soften tough skin! Place your elbow directly in the cut half of the lemon sprinkled with some baking soda. Allow it to sit for about 5-8 minutes. Repeat as needed!
Step Three
Whiten your Teeth! - This new trick has been getting a lot of attention lately and I am hoping that it works! Take your toothbrush and place some baking soda on it with a few drops of lemon juice (it will fizz a bit) and brush away. I do not recommend doing this every day as lemons are acidic but they are no worse than soda and other acids so I would assume once a week is safe (check with your dentist)!
Step Four
Water and Beverages - There is so much flavor in the peel of the lemon! Most bars and restaurants actually use the peel in drinks to subtly enhance the flavor of their andcrafted drinks. If its a working day...drop your "used" lemon into a water bottle with a few slices of cucumber for a refreshing "fancy" spa like beverage. If its the weekend....make a lemon mojito! All you need is some rum, mint, lemons, rum (did I already say that?), sugar, and soda water!
Step Five
Polishing Silver - This trick has been passed down from grandmothers and mothers for hundreds of years....if you have some dingy silver, gently polish away stains and prints with lemons! No trick here just use the lemon.
Step Six
Laundry Stain Removal - Lemons will have the same effect as bleach so I suggest testing this first. Rub a stain with the cut side of the lemon. If it is a really tough stain, add some baking soda to the stain and then rub with the lemon. Wash as normal after that!
Step Seven
Clean your microwave! - Place the "used" lemons into a microwave-safe bowl and fill it halfway with water. Place the bowl in the microwave and set the timer for 5 minutes allowing the water to boil and to steam. Allow the steam to fill the microwave and to sit for a few minutes then carefully remove the bowl and wipe away the mess!
Step Eight
Homemade "Febreeze" Air freshener - make your own air freshener! Mix as indicated below them let it set for a bit so the oils in the lemon will infuse into the liquid. !•16 ounce empty spray bottle •vodka, rubbing alcohol or witch hazel •smash then add the "used: lemons •Water