8 BRILLIANT WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR HOME NATURALLY WITH LEMONS

Natural cleaning tips that actually work (with lemons) -updated for 2025

Lemons aren’t just for baking and gin and tonics (although I must be one of only a few people I know that dislikes gin and tonic)!

They’re one of the best natural cleaners sitting right there in your fruit bowl. Affordable, eco-friendly, and packed with antibacterial power, lemons can help you ditch harsh chemicals and freshen up your home in a way that smells amazing.

And if you're getting your home summer-ready, you might also love my blog on 10 tips to organise your home for summer.

If you’re looking for simple, low cost swaps to reduce clutter under your sink and keep your home feeling calm and clean, this is your sign to try a lemon-powered reset.

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1. All-Purpose Natural Surface Spray

   
   

   Mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and water in a spray bottle to create your own antibacterial cleaning spray. Use it on worktops, chopping boards, and kitchen shelves. For an added boost, you can mix in a splash of white vinegar - but avoid stone surfaces like granite or marble.

   
   

   Use with these stylish glass spray bottle for a clean, refillable solution. Keep them in the kitchen and bathroom for easy quick cleans.

   
   

2. Deodorise Your Fridge

   
   

   Half a lemon in a bowl works wonders at neutralising bad smells in your fridge. Replace it weekly and say goodbye to that lingering “what is that?” smell.

   
   

3. Freshen Your Sink or Disposal

   
   

   Pop a few used lemon peels into the plughole, turn on the cold tap, and run the disposal (or flush through your sink if you don’t have one). The natural citrus oils help dissolve grease and kill odours naturally. A plumber taught me that one for my waste disposal and it works a treat.

   
   

4. Brighten Your Wooden Cutting Boards

   
   

   Sprinkle salt on your wooden chopping board and scrub it with half a lemon. This gently disinfects, removes stains, and brings wood back to life - all without a plastic spray in sight.

   
   

5. DIY Furniture Polish

   
   

   Mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive oil for a gentle, all-natural wood polish. Rub onto wood with a soft cloth for a nourishing, streak free shine.

   
   

   Top Tip: Test on a small area first and enjoy the fresh scent as you clean!

   
   

6. Natural Air Freshener

   
   

   Simmer lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pot of water for 20 minutes. It makes your whole home smell clean, cosy, and inviting - with zero synthetic fragrances.

   
   

7. Tackle Grease and Stains Naturally

   
   

   Mix lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda in the USA) into a paste and use it on hobs, greasy oven trays, or grubby sink areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub lightly, and wipe clean.

   
   

   Try these eco-friendly reusable cleaning cloths for gentle but effective scrubbing.

   
   

8. Microwave Cleaner Magic

   
   

   Place a bowl of water with lemon slices (or juice) in the microwave and heat on high for 3–5 minutes. The steam loosens grime, while the lemon neutralises odours. Just wipe away with a cloth for a sparkling clean result.

   
   

Lemons are more than just a tangy addition to your recipes; they are versatile helpers in your daily household tasks. From cleaning and deodorising to removing stains and brightening surfaces, lemons offer a range of practical uses that are both effective and environmentally friendly.

So, the next time you have a basket of lemons, don't limit their potential to the kitchen alone -explore these seven easy ways to use lemons around the house and enjoy the fresh and inviting. Don't forget the gin too if you are weird and like that drink 😂

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

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I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.

Please share this blog with anyone you think may also enjoy it 💞 

Love, Jo x