I use leftover lemon to scrub my sink, and the results are spotless every single time
I rely on this citrus staple in my kitchen in more ways than one – here's why I think it will change the way you clean, too
When it came to cleaning my kitchen, I admit that my sink was not always at the top of my priority list.
As controversial as it sounds, I was known to put all my effort into my countertops (because this is where I do my food preparation, after all). However, after giving my sink a quick rinse around with liquid soap, I would tend to see it as a job well done. Things changed, though, when I heard about a lemon-cleaning hack that made my sink look cleaner than I had ever seen it before.
I had already heard all about the powers of cleaning with lemon juice, and I myself am no stranger to using lemon juice in laundry, but even despite this, I was still pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of this result.
How I use a leftover lemon for a spotless sink in seconds
After coming across this Fabulosa video on TikTok and seeing the results on the footage, I was inevitably tempted to give the hack a try. So, when I next used a lemon, I refrained from putting it in the trash and proceeded to cut the fruit in half.
I added a drop of liquid dish soap around the sink and then started scrubbing as I would have done previously with a sponge. In less than a minute, I began to see the spotless results. Since then, I have seen my sink gleam, and (though I didn't live in this apartment when the sink was put in place) I am almost sure it looks as good as new.
While knowing which kitchen sink is easiest to maintain is a great way to ensure it looks as good as possible for longer, this trick is undeniably easy to follow. And I'm quite sure that you will have the same results as me.
This kitchen sink idea has the way I clean my kitchen, but I couldn't help but wonder – what makes the lemon so capable of such a spotless clean? I, therefore, sought the expertise of Natacha Rey, the founder of Lemon Aide Cleaning Products (which are available on Amazon).
'For centuries, lemons have taken center stage as natural cleaning agents before commercial cleaning products even existed,' Natacha says. In all its power, cleaning with vinegar is another great way to clean your home using household essentials. However, the expert suggests that the zesty aroma makes using lemons a superior experience. 'The true aroma of lemons is known to uplift and invigorate emotions,' she adds.
So, why does it work so well when I use a lemon instead of a sponge? 'Lemons are nature's cleaning helpers,' Natacha says. 'Lemon juice contains a high amount of citric acid, which provides natural anti-bacterial properties, which is why it's great for cleaning sinks (which often harbor food bacteria).'
It is, however, important to note that my sink is made of stainless steel, which is part of why I see such a shiny result. If you have a sink made of natural stone like granite and marble, you should avoid this hack and stick to your trusted cleaning practices.
In every other case, however, a spotless sink is perhaps only moments away.
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Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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