When it comes to environmentally-friendly cleaning products, many people think of white vinegar. However, experts say that there is another common fruit in households that also has remarkable cleaning and deodorizing properties, making it a valuable natural cleanser.
Paulo Filho, the owner of the “Celestial Commercial Cleaning Service” in the United States, shared some clever cleaning tips with The Sun. For those who prefer using natural cleaning methods at home, he recommends using lemons.
He explained that the cleaning power of lemons surpasses people’s expectations.
He said, “Nature holds many cleaning miracles, but our favorite is the humble lemon. Its acidic properties work wonders in removing stains and odors, leaving behind a refreshing citrus scent that our customers love.”
The “Good Housekeeping” website points out that lemons can be used for various tasks around the house, such as removing stains from fabrics, deodorizing microwaves, shining metal surfaces, cleaning wooden cutting boards, restoring shine to bathroom fixtures like faucets, creating simple humidifiers with aromatic scents, killing weeds, and whitening white clothing.
For example, to clean stains on wooden cutting boards, you can rub a cut lemon on the board to remove food residue and odors. For added cleaning power, you can sprinkle some salt or baking soda on the board. If the stains are stubborn, let the board sit overnight before rinsing with water.
It is worth noting that lemons are not disinfectants, so they should not be used to eliminate bacteria on surfaces like cutting boards used for raw meats.
In addition, lemon juice can also serve as a fabric softener similar to white vinegar. Adding half a cup of lemon juice during the washing cycle of clothes, towels, or sheets in the washing machine can keep them soft, fluffy, naturally scented, and skin-friendly without the irritation from commercial detergents.
Filho also mentioned that many people underestimate the effectiveness of common household items. Not only lemons, but baking soda and vinegar are also effective in removing tough stains and grease.
He recalled a situation where a bottle of bleach left on an unsealed surface caused a ring to appear. However, their team quickly used baking soda to neutralize the acidic reaction, effectively removing the ring.
He added that there are more natural methods in households to save money. For instance, coffee grounds can be used to eliminate odors. Simply place a bowl of coffee grounds in the refrigerator or microwave overnight, and by morning, those pesky smells will vanish.
Furthermore, coffee grounds can also be placed inside smelly shoes to deodorize them.
As spring arrives, Filho encourages people to stock up on cleaning supplies like microfiber cloths, eco-friendly cleansers, glass cleaners, and floor cleaners for a thorough spring cleaning.
By incorporating these natural and effective methods into household cleaning routines, not only can money be saved, but a healthier and more environmentally-friendly living space can be achieved.