Natural Cleaning Tricks Using Lemon and Salt

Natural cleaning tricks are popular due to their effective results. In this context, combining lemon with salt creates a natural household cleaner that is effective for caring for wooden cutting boards, toilet bowls, and unpleasant kitchen trash bins. Below are several homemade recipes that combine lemon and salt for many household tasks—offering a more effective and safer alternative to chemical products that may be hazardous.

6 Lemon and Salt Cleaning Recipes for the Home

1. Stain Removal:

Make a paste by mixing lemon juice and salt. Apply the paste to stains on any household surface, whether wood or plastic, and leave it for 20 minutes to allow the mixture to penetrate tough stains. Then gently scrub the area with a sponge, cloth, or brush, and rinse well with warm water.

2. Polishing Brass:

Cut a lemon in half, dip one half into salt, and use it to rub the brass surface. After scrubbing, rinse the brass well with water and dry thoroughly.

3. Removing Odors from Cutting Boards:

Sprinkle salt over the cutting board, then rub half a lemon over the salted surface. After waiting 15 minutes, rinse the board with water and dry thoroughly.

4. Laundry Cleaning:

In your laundry routine, a mixture of salt and lemon can act as a natural fabric brightener and stain remover. To whiten white clothes, add between a quarter to half a cup of salt mixed with lemon juice to your washing machine along with your usual detergent. Use warm or hot water for best results. This method is particularly effective for whitening towels, bed sheets, and cotton clothes. For extra brightness, you can add half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle.

5. Gardening Uses:

Salt and lemon are practical in the garden, especially for pest control and weed removal. To repel ants, sprinkle a line of salt and lemon at plant entrances or wherever ant trails are visible. To eliminate wasps, create a circular barrier around plants by spraying the salt and lemon mixture—taking care not to spray directly on leaves or roots. Reapply after heavy rain or dew.

For weed removal, mix one cup of salt and lemon juice with two cups of white vinegar and one tablespoon of dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and spray directly onto weed leaves on a sunny day. Reapply every few weeks as needed. Be careful as this mixture will kill any plant it touches, so avoid spraying near desirable plants.

6. Jewelry Cleaning:

For tarnished silver or gold jewelry, a salt and lemon mixture helps restore shine. To prepare a homemade jewelry cleaner, mix one tablespoon of salt and lemon juice with two tablespoons of warm water to form a paste. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the paste and gently scrub each piece, focusing on crevices with tarnish. Rinse well with warm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For heavily tarnished pieces, soak them in the salt and lemon solution for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Freshening the Air with Lemon and Salt Mixture

You can also use the lemon and salt mixture to freshen your home’s air. To prepare a citrus-scented air freshener, dissolve one tablespoon of salt mixed with lemon juice in a cup of warm water, then add 15 drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon, orange, or grapefruit). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well before each use, and spray in rooms, on fabrics, or into the air.

Alternatively, try the "slow simmer" recipe to create a fragrant atmosphere: fill a small pot halfway with water and place it on low heat. When the water nears boiling, add two tablespoons of salt and lemon juice, two sprigs of fresh rosemary, and a slice of lemon. Let it simmer gently, adding water as needed. The steam will spread a fresh, clean scent throughout your home. You can customize this recipe by adding other herbs like thyme or lavender, or spices such as cinnamon sticks or star anise for a more intense aroma.

Tips and Precautions When Using Lemon and Salt Mixtures

• Test the lemon and salt solution on a hidden area before using it on delicate household surfaces.

• Avoid using lemon or salt on marble or granite surfaces, as they may cause damage.

• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to prevent residue buildup.