by Debra Frank

Created on: January 22, 2009   Last Updated: November 18, 2011

Everybody is going green these days. How about some of your cleaners going lemon yellow? That's right, with the lemon's tart citric acid content, not only can it make you pucker but it can clean and disinfect. The beauty of a lemon is that you can find them easily in the grocery store or if you are blessed to live in a warmer climate, they may be right in your backyard. Lemons can be stored for about two weeks without refrigeration and up to 6 weeks in the fridge. Here are some great ideas for making your household lemon fresh.

In the laundry

* Combined with the sun, lemon juice can brighten those dingy whites. Allow your washing machine to fill with water and add 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Let the clothes soak for a while before rinsing and then hang them on the line to dry. Remember, the sun is part of the brightening process.

* For stains, make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply it directly to the stain. Check the item often, as lemon power can take the stain and bleach more than you desired.

* To brighten and deodorize your tennis shoes, spray them with a 1/2 water - 1/2 lemon solution and let the shoes sit in the sun for an hour.

In the Kitchen

* Although not a hospital strength disinfectant, lemon juice is great for deodorizing and it does kill mold, bacteria, and germs. Use it on your countertops and cutting surfaces.

* Soak your sponge in a water and lemon juice solution and then microwave it on high for two minutes. Not only will you be sterilizing your sponge, but the lemon and water steam will loosen debris in the microwave, making it easy to wipe away with a damp cloth. Your kitchen will have the added benefit of a lovely lemon scent. Use caution in handling that hot sponge. Also, do not do this with a sponge containing metal threads.

* Put your leftover lemon rinds down the garbage disposal. This will freshen the disposal and aid in clearing old food.

* Clean and shine your kettles, pots, and pans with lemon juice. Lemon juice works especially well on brass. If a bit of abrasive is needed, make a paste with baking soda or salt.

* To clean and shine the sink, make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Rub over all surfaces and rinse. Look at that sparkle!

* Deodorize storage containers with lemon juice. Spray on and let sit overnight and wash as usual.

* Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to your dishwater to help cut grease.

In the Bathroom

* With its high acid contact, lemons are great for removing hard water deposits and soap scum. Spray

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