Don’t throw away a squeezed lemon: six ways to use it around the home

A squeezed lemon half does not have to go straight into the bin. Its acid can help loosen grease, limescale and soap residue, while leaving a fresh scent, but it is not suitable for every surface.

For a microwave, place water and several lemon slices in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for about three minutes. Keeping the door closed for a few more minutes lets the steam soften dried food, making it easier to wipe away with a damp cloth. The lemon can also help reduce unpleasant smells.

A cut lemon can be rubbed over wooden or plastic cutting boards that have absorbed odors from onions, garlic or fish. For a stronger scrubbing effect, add a little coarse salt. The board should then be rinsed thoroughly with warm water and dried.

Lemon can also help remove water marks and small limescale deposits from chrome taps. Rub the surface with half a lemon, wait a few minutes, rinse and polish it dry with a soft cloth. The method may work on water marks on shower glass as well, but the acid should not remain on an unknown finish for long. Testing a small, less visible area first is recommended.

Light grease on a stovetop can be treated by rubbing it with lemon, waiting several minutes and wiping it with a damp cloth. Manufacturer care instructions should be checked first. Lemon is unsuitable for natural stone, some metals and finishes that do not tolerate acids. It should not be treated as a substitute for disinfection, especially after preparing raw meat or fish.

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Lemon juice has some antibacterial properties, but in household use its effect is not as reliable as special cleaners or warm water and dish soap.