Don't Throw Out Old Lemons When You Could Be Using The Scraps To Clean

Lemon zest is a versatile ingredient that adds a burst of citrus to a wide range of dishes. Obtained by shredding the back of the lemon peel, zest can always add a kick of flavor to a sweet or savory dish. Its uses go beyond cooking and baking, however, as it can also be helpful in household chores. Lemon zest can be used in the garden to make the soil more acidic, and it can be used in the kitchen as a natural scouring powder.

Lemons can disinfect surfaces and cut through grease, grime, and mineral deposits due to their high acidicity. Their juice can be mixed with water or baking soda to make an all-purpose cleaner for countertops, mirrors, glass, and other surfaces. Their peels can be used to neutralize odors in contained spaces like the trash can, fridge, or pantry, and they can be boiled whole to freshen the air. However they're used, lemon and their scraps make a versatile, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning substance. Turn them into a scouring powder to help tackle tough stains in the kitchen.

It helps to gather your scraps for a while to have a significant amount. You can save lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, and any other citrus fruit peels and store them in the freezer. When you have enough, dry them out entirely and grate them with a grater or grind them with a mortar and pestle or a grinder. You want the peels to become like a powder, but it doesn't need to be fine.

Next, spread the powder on a tray overnight and combine it with baking powder or baking soda the next day. You can also add dried lavender if you want to enhance the scent. That's all it takes to create your homemade scouring powder. To use, pour a bit of water first and then sprinkle it on where there are tough stains in your kitchen. Let the powder sit for a few minutes, then use a damp sponge to scrub the area and rinse off with water. The abrasive nature of the citrus zest will help remove dirt and rust on your kitchen surfaces. It will also leave behind its pleasant aroma.