Although it does involve lemons and lemon juice. Reader Peggy B. of Monroe, CT, reminds us this versatile fruit has a lot of household uses.
Clean teakettles with lemon peel. The brown film that sometimes builds up on the bottom of teakettles can be removed by boiling lemon peels with water and letting it sit for about an hour. Any remaining stain can be scrubbed away with a lemon peel.
Clean a microwave oven. Add four tablespoons of lemon juice to one cup of water in a microwave-safe four-cup bowl or measuring cup, and boil for five minutes in the microwave, allowing the steam to condense on the oven walls. Wipe clean.
Clean stainless steel sinks. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt, scrub gently, then rinse with water. (Can also be used to clean brass or copper.)
Remove ink from clothing. While ink is wet, apply lemon juice, then wash the garment in cold water with regular detergent.
Cleaning hands. Rubbing a squeezed lemon over your hands removes odors like fish, onion, or bleach. If you're a smoker, this is also good for nicotine stains.
Removing stains from marble. Sprinkle salt on a fresh cut lemon and scrub. wash again with soapy water.
Removing rust. Make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. (Borax and lemon juice will also work.) Apply it to rust and leave for two hours, then scrub with s soft-scrub pad.
Deodorize cutting boards. Rub them with a cut lemon to remove the smell.
Thanks, Peggy!
