Lemon is one of the most popular fruits in the world and is used in a myriad of different preparations, both sweet and savory . However, the juice of the lemon is almost always used, while everything else is thrown away.
If lemon juice can be used in cooking, cosmetics and cleaning, its peel is certainly no less so. It is a real concentrate of nutrients and it is really a shame to throw it away.
Pressed lemon peels are a valuable resource and can be reused in a variety of ways, each more useful than the last. Here are some very useful ideas.
Homemade laundry detergent
By combining squeezed lemons and vinegar, you can get an excellent natural detergent to remove grease and disinfect surfaces. Pour the squeezed lemons into a glass jar, then pour vinegar over them until they are completely covered. Close tightly and let sit for two weeks.
After this time, filter and store the liquid. Mix the solution with one part water (for example, 100 ml of water and 100 ml of vinegar-lemon solution) and use it as you would a normal surface degreaser.
Disinfect cutting boards
This use of squeezed lemons is as simple as it is effective: simply pour a little lemon on freshly washed cutting boards and rub them with the lemons to eliminate bad odors and sanitize them.
Lighten skin
With lemon you can prepare an excellent facial tonic, capable of lightening the skin and removing spots. You can pass the squeezed lemon peel directly on the skin spots, then rinse it off after about 10 minutes.
Be careful though, apply this remedy only before going to bed, never during the day.
Repellent against ants, cockroaches and other insects
Cut the squeezed lemons and distribute the different pieces in the corners of the house through which these insects enter. You will see that after a few days there will be no more trace of these unwanted guests.
Deodorize the refrigerator
After squeezing the lemons, place the zest in the refrigerator. They will absorb bad odors, provided you change them frequently.
Cleaning Chrome Faucets
Squeezed lemons can help us polish chrome faucets. Simply rub the inside directly on the metal. The lemon will remove limescale and food residue, leaving the faucet looking like new.
Freshens breath
Squeezed lemon peels are a great substitute for chewing gum. Make sure they are organic, and chew them for a few minutes: your breath will be nice and fresh.
Cleaning the moka
Many of us have chosen not to wash the coffee maker with dish soap. Lemon zest can be a great help: the acidic substances it contains can dissolve water and lime deposits, as well as coffee stains.
Sprinkle the moka with salt, then rub it with one or more lemon zests. Finally, rinse the coffee maker well and dry it before storing it.
Dishwasher Deodorizer
You can also recycle squeezed lemons to deodorize your dishwasher. Once the drying cycle is complete, the dishwasher will release a wonderful (and totally natural) lemony aroma.
Clean the oven
You can say goodbye to abrasive and toxic oven cleaners forever. Sprinkle baking soda on the inside of your oven, then scrub with a squeezed lemon, making sure to reach every corner of the oven. Finally, rinse with the lemon and vinegar cleaner we described earlier in this article.
This extraordinary combination of ingredients helps remove the most stubborn grease, leaving the oven like new.
As you have seen, lemon peels are truly valuable, and now that you know how to reuse squeezed lemons, you will think twice before throwing them away.