Erase Lingering Food Smells From Pans With Lemon Juice

Lemons are a versatile citrus fruit with a multitude of uses beyond the kitchen. Lemon juice can be used to neutralise and eliminate pungent food odours from pans. To do this, simply cut a lemon in half and add it to a pot of boiling water, allowing it to simmer for around ten minutes. For even better results, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water. This method is also effective for removing burnt food smells.

Boil lemon juice with water to create a steam that neutralises pungent odours

Boiling lemon juice with water is a great way to neutralise pungent food odours. The strong, astringent smell of lemons clears the air of disagreeable cooking odours, replacing them with a fresh citrus aroma.

To do this, add two cups of water to a pot on the stove and squeeze in some lemon juice. You can also add lemon slices or lemon wedges to the water. Bring the water to a boil and then remove the pot from the stove and allow it to cool.

For even more odour elimination, sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda into the water. Baking soda neutralises acids that cause bacteria. You can also add a handful of cloves to the mixture for extra freshness.

Lemon juice is a natural deodoriser and a great alternative to chemical cleaning products. However, it's important to note that lemon juice may not be suitable for all surfaces or fabrics, so it's always good to test on a small area first.

Create a lemon-based natural air freshener by mixing lemon juice with water and essential oils

Lemons are a great natural ingredient for an air freshener as they have an astringent scent that clears the air and neutralise compounds that create pungent smells. They also have a therapeutic scent that can energise and uplift your mood.

Method 1:

You will need:

• 1/2 cup of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil
• 1/8 cup of baking soda
• 2 cups of hot water

Instructions:

• Measure the baking soda into a clean bowl.
• Pour in the hot water and stir to dissolve.
• Add the lemon juice and lemon essential oil. Stir together thoroughly.
• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
• Pour the air freshener mixture into a clean spray bottle.
• Shake well whenever you use it.
• Spritz where you need it.

Method 2:

You will need:

• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon balm or lemon verbena (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon peel (grated)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

Instructions:

• Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan.
• Add lemon balm, lemon peel, lemon juice, and baking soda and stir until the baking soda dissolves thoroughly.
• The mixture will foam up, so be sure your saucepan is large enough.
• Let cool and fill a spray bottle.

Method 3:

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 7 drops of lemon essential oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 cups of hot water

Instructions:

• Add the lemon juice and baking soda to your spray bottle.
• Pour in the hot water and shake the bottle to dissolve the baking soda and combine all ingredients.
• Add the lemon essential oil (if using) and shake again.
• Spray whenever needed.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 weeks. If the water turns murky, then discard.

Method 4:

You will need:

• 4 cups of high-proof vodka
• Peels from 2-4 oranges, grapefruit, and/or lemons
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs (optional) such as mint or rosemary
• 30-35 drops of sweet orange essential oil per 16 oz. bottle of air freshener
• 20-25 drops of germ destroyer synergy essential oil (optional) per 16 oz. bottle of air freshener

Instructions:

• Place the citrus peels and fresh herb sprigs (if using) in a storage jar.
• Pour the vodka over the peels.
• Place the vodka in a cool, dark place and infuse for 7-14 days.
• Fill a spray bottle with 1/2 of the infused vodka and 1/2 distilled water.
• Add the essential oils until you reach the desired scent.
• Use this air freshener on the couch, rug, clothing, linens, or a stinky bathroom! Always test a small area before applying to an entire surface.

Additional Tips:

• Baking soda is an important ingredient as it helps to make the lemon scent stronger.
• Hot water helps to dissolve the baking soda.
• Lemon essential oil is optional but will make the scent last longer and keep the spray from going bad.
• You can also use grapefruit or other citrus fruits instead of lemon.
• You can experiment with different essential oils and blends to create your favourite scent.

Use lemon juice to clean and deodorise your microwave

Lemon juice is a great natural cleaner and deodoriser. Here are some ways to use lemon juice to clean and deodorise your microwave:

Clean Stubborn Stains

Grease stains and splatters can make a mess in your microwave. To clean it, put 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high power for three to five minutes. The steam will loosen dried food particles on the interior surfaces, making them easy to wipe away.

Clean and Deodorise Your Microwave

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 1/2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture on high for five to ten minutes. The steam will loosen grease and dried-on bits of food. Wipe the microwave with a cloth.

Clean and Deodorise Your Dishwasher

Place a lemon wedge in the top rack of your dishwasher and run it with your dishes to freshen up the appliance.

Clean and Deodorise Your Garbage Disposal

If the odour in your garbage disposal has you holding your nose, try dropping in half a lemon along with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. It will eliminate odours quickly.

Clean and Deodorise Your Refrigerator

Place a sliced lemon or a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice in your refrigerator to absorb odours and leave a pleasant scent.

Clean your pans with lemon juice and baking soda

Lemon juice and baking soda are excellent natural cleaning agents for your pans. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can help remove tough stains, while baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away burnt-on food. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean your pans with these two powerful ingredients:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of water. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your pan, but make sure it is enough to cover the entire surface.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. The amount of baking soda you use will depend on the size of your pan, but make sure it is enough to cover the entire surface of the water. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the baking soda before sprinkling it on for extra cleaning power.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the pan sit for several hours. This will give the baking soda and lemon juice time to work their magic and loosen any burnt-on food or stains. If you are cleaning a particularly stubborn stain, you can let the pan sit overnight.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After the pan has soaked, it's time to scrub away the residue. Use a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush or the scouring pad to scrub off any remaining crusty food or burnt-on oil. Once you have removed as much residue as possible, rinse the pan with warm water.

Step 5: Wash and Dry

Wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water to remove any remaining residue and the baking soda solution. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel.

Additional Tips:

• For extra scrubbing power, you can add natural cleaning agents like vinegar or salt to the baking soda and lemon juice solution.
• If you are cleaning a non-stick pan, be gentle with your scrubbing and avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Always make sure your pans are completely cool before cleaning them. Submerging or splashing hot pans with cold water can cause warping.
• If you are cleaning a cast iron pan, refrain from using lemon juice or other acidic substances, as these can create rust.

By following these steps, you can effectively and naturally clean your pans with lemon juice and baking soda, removing food odours and leaving them sparkling clean!

Use lemon juice to clean your cutting board

Lemon juice is an effective way to clean and deodorize your cutting board. It's a natural cleanser that removes tough stains and neutralizes unwanted odours. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use lemon juice to clean your cutting board:

Step 1: Prepare the Cutting Board

Start by sprinkling coarse salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, onto the surface of the cutting board. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, helping to scrub away food stains and remnants without damaging the wood. You can adjust the amount of salt depending on how stained or dirty your cutting board is.

Step 2: Apply Lemon Juice

Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side of the lemon onto the salted surface of the cutting board. Squeeze the lemon slightly as you go to release more lemon juice. For particularly discoloured areas or stubborn stains, you can squeeze some extra lemon juice directly onto those areas and let it sit for a few minutes. The lemon juice will help lift stains and neutralise any lingering odours from chopping garlic or onions.

Step 3: Scour and Let Sit

Using the lemon half, scour the surface of the cutting board by scrubbing in small circles, following the direction of the wood grain. Continue scouring for a few minutes, then let the lemon and salt solution sit on the board for about 5 minutes. During this time, the solution will work to break down stains and absorb odours.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After the solution has had time to work its magic, it's now time to rinse and dry the cutting board. Rinse both sides of the board thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining salt and lemon juice. Then, dry the board with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure to get the board completely dry before storing it away.

Additional Tips:

• Frequency: Depending on how often you use your cutting board, deep cleaning with lemon juice and salt is recommended once a week to once a month.
• Avoid Soaking: Do not let your wooden cutting board soak in the sink. Instead, wipe it down with a rag or wash with soapy water for everyday cleaning.
• Air Dry: After rinsing and drying with a towel, lean the board against the sink or prop it upright to air-dry completely before storing it away.
• Maintenance: To maintain the condition of your wooden cutting board, oil it with food-grade mineral oil or cutting board oil once a month.

Frequently asked questions