Jackie Gower - Lovely lemons!

I remember as a teenager enthusiastically squeezing lemons all over my head, then rushing out to sit in the sun in an attempt to lighten my hair.  It worked – and was certainly cheaper than hair dye!  Years later I don’t use it to bleach my hair any more but I still use lemons to save money in heaps of other ways!


For a sparkling, lemon fresh kitchen
Many people don’t realise that lemon juice is a natural antiseptic, which makes it ideal for cleaning and deodorising surfaces such as benchtops and chopping boards.  The acidity in the juice can kill off all sorts of germs, mould and other nasties.  I always use a fresh lemon to clean the microwave; it makes this yukky job a breeze.  All you need to do is pop a couple of slices of lemon into a small bowl of water and ‘zap’ on high for 30 seconds, then simply wipe out for a spotless microwave.  For a pongy fridge, squeeze a couple of drops of lemon juice on a cotton wool and leave overnight.  It isn’t just the juice which comes in handy either; you can also keep your kitchen waste disposal odour-free by putting lemon peel into the unit once a month.


For tarnish-free metal
Lemon juice is brilliant for cleaning a variety of metal around the home such as chrome, copper, brass, and stainless steel.  How you apply the juice is up to you; if you like you can simply rub the area with a freshly cut lemon but I like to make a paste by mixing the lemon juice with a little salt.  Apply and leave for several minutes, then rinse in warm water and buff to a shine with a soft, dry cloth.  This method works particularly well on stainless steel sinks and kitchen and bathroom taps.  And, while you’re cleaning the bathroom, attack the shower walls and doors with undiluted lemon juice on a sponge.  Leave to dry completely; then rinse clean.  The natural acid in the juice will blast through any unsightly soap scum.


Keep ants out
For an effective, chemical free way to insect proof your home, reach for the lemons!  Squirt a little lemon juice into doorways and windowsills – anywhere the ants are getting in.  Scatter a few finely chopped pieces of lemon peel if you wish for good measure.  That should do the trick!