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In the name of reducing, re-using and recycling, we try to throw out as little as possible. Lemons are great in all kinds of recipes, but not every recipe calls for using their zest. If you’ve used lemon juice in your cooking, you may not know what to do with those lemon peels. Here’s the answer. Lemons contain citric acid, but have a low PH level, making them perfect for breaking down stains without dulling finishes. They’re also good for home beauty products, and skin brightening lemon juice can be applied straight from the rind.

De-greasing

Use lemon halves to deal with greasy pans and messy stove tops before turning to kitchen cleaners that could well be toxic – and are very likely not biodegradable. Sprinkle salt on a lemon half (the salt will act as an abrasive) and rub over greasy spots. Just be careful when it comes to marble countertops, which could be sensitive to the acid in lemons.

Cleaning your microwave

Food has a way of exploding in the microwave, leaving you with big messes to clean up. Rather than using a strong chemical cleaner, try using lemon peels. Add them to a microwave-safe bowl you have half filled with water. Cook this on high for five minutes, allowing the water to steam. The steam will condense inside the microwave, and help ease that mess from the inside of your microwave – simply wiping it down with a cloth should remove any unwanted gunk.

Keeping insects out

Many pests can’t stand the acid in lemon. Try chopping up leftover lemon peels and placing them wherever insects may be entering your home – windowsills, thresholds, and any holes or cracks you can find.

Zesty home beauty

It’s long been thought that lemon juice will help lighten age spots. Try applying a piece of lemon to any uneven pigmentation and leave on for half an hour. To soften dry elbows, sprinkle baking soda on a lemon half and twist over your elbows as though you were juicing the lemon. Rinse and dry after a few minutes.

Keeping brown sugar soft

Brown sugar has an annoying way of turning solid. Adding lemon peels to your brown sugar will keep it moist. Remove the pulp and pith from lemon peels, chop them, and place them in your sugar bowl.

Finally, when there’s absolutely nothing else you can do with your lemon rind and lemon halves, put them on your compost heap. There’s no excuse for throwing them away.

Tags: compost heap