today’s love: arian behzadi

wrap up: {abstract} {arian behzadi} {feminine} {today's love}

 

 
 
 

part three of our road trip was visiting our hometown in north carolina and spending some time with our families. it was warm, green and bursting with blooms! i am so thankful for the time we spent there. it’s always hard to go home and sad to leave, but i’m excited for the opportunities we have ahead and can’t wait to see what the future brings. we are blessed with the most amazing families, so here’s a big shout out to them- thank you for all the delicious meals and all that you did for us! we love you. :) xox

wrap up: {home} {road trip}

Beautiful Light by Sam and Emma

The lemon is one of my favorite fruits – it’s perfect for beverages, great in desserts, and even yummy in main dishes. I’ve recently discovered many more uses for the lemon, especially around the house! I gave all of these ideas a try this week – find out which methods worked, and which ones to pass on!

Garbage disposal freshener

Slice up a whole lemon, place into disposal, run water and turn on disposal. Drain will now smell fresh and clean.

The verdict: This really works! While I prefer using a clementine, the lemon greatly improved the smell of our garbage disposal, naturally.

Cleaning glass

Apply lemon juice to windows or shower door with a sponge. Use crumpled-up newspapers to dry.

The verdict: I noticed a remarkable difference in the clarity of my windows after cleaning with lemon juice. I would say it cleaned as well as vinegar window cleaner, but smells nicer. Drying with newspaper is the key.

Countertop Cleaner

Cut a lemon in half; sprinkle with course salt. Supposedly removes stains even from laminate countertops with scrubbing. Rinse and dry.

The verdict: This did not work for me. It removed stains on my countertop only as well as regular water does – nothing special here.

Microwave Freshener

Place a few lemon slices in a bowl of water, microwaving on high for one minute.

The verdict: This works great if you really scrub the inside of the microwave afterward. Using chemical cleaners in the microwave is really not a good idea since we cook our food in it, but the steam from the water loosens grime, while the lemon gives the microwave a fresh scent. Good for getting rid of that burnt popcorn smell. (tip: if even the lemon juice doesn’t get rid of bad smells, try microwaving a bowl of vinegar on high for 2-3 minutes.)

Clean a stainless steel sink

Rub with the cut side of half a lemon. Rinse, and buff with a cloth.

The verdict: I also thought this method was so-so. While it did remove much of the grime in my sink, I don’t think it did a much better job than hot water and sponge. It was good enough though, with a good enough shine; not the method I would do for my big Spring cleaning, but maybe for touch-ups.

There are many more uses for lemons out there – here are a few more ideas:

DIY furniture polish: mix juice from one lemon, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1 tsp water. Rub a thin coat onto wood furniture, and buff to shine.

Remove tea kettle mineral deposits: thinly slice a lemon peel, place into kettle. Fill with water, and bring to a boil; remove from heat. Let set for one hour, drain, and rinse.

Freshen a cutting board: After washing a cutting board with soap and hot water, rub with half a lemon, let set in juice, and rinse.

Keep your brown sugar soft: wash and scrub wax off lemon peel, and try to remove as much pith from the peel as possible. Add to brown sugar supply – it helps retain moisture.

Have you tried any of these methods? How did they work for you? Do you have any other clever uses for lemons?

Out to find ways to make life simpler, Ashley is tackling life one DIY project at a time. Learning as she goes, she also spends her days writing Indie Pretty Projects and creating for her Etsy shop.