Oil Lemon
Lemon the Original DIY Green Cleaner
Lemon, or Citrus limon, has a long, exotic history as an oriental fruit, an ancient delicacy, a rarity of the wealthy in Medieval times, and now, a simple fruit of refreshment. First cultivated in India and surrounding areas, then migrated to the near East, and on eventually into Europe, lemons have been prized by homeowners and consumers for a variety of uses, both culinary and healthful.
Originally brought to the Americas as seeds by Columbus, lemons are grown now throughout the Western Hemisphere, mostly the warmer climates. Once a wildly-expensive treat in ancient times, now lemons are found in every grocery store–lemonade and lemon slices in iced tea are considered standard Americana refreshment.
Lemon: A Natural Cleaner and Disinfectant
Green cleaning consumers have been developing a new love for their yellow, acidic friend, whose ph level is 2.3, approximately 6 times more acidic than vinegar. Lemon carries a powerful punch as a cleaner with natural disinfectant qualities. Straight lemon juice, whether fresh-squeezed or in concentrate form, is able to kill most of the bacteria in your house, particularly in the Kitchen and Bathroom.
How Does Lemon’s Acidity Work as a Disinfectant?
The high level of acidity in lemons changes the pH level in bacterial cells, creating an acidic environment in which microbes can’t survive. Using straight vinegar as a disinfectant has been scientifically proven to have a disinfection kill-rate of 90%, in tests at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, so it would make sense that straight lemon juice would be more effective as a disinfectant than even vinegar.
Cleaning and then rinsing with soap, borax, or baking soda (all of which are non-acidic, base, or alkaline substances, on the other side of the ph scale from lemons) are the best way to handle washing soiled surfaces and fabrics, but following up afterwards with an acidic “disinfectant”, like lemon, is the way to “zap!” any remaining microbes.
Alkaline cleaners (such as soaps, borax, or baking soda) neutralize soils and stains, which are most often acidic in nature, producing effective results as the dirt is rinsed away in the water. Alkaline cleaners do kill certain types of microbes; this is why washing your hands with soap and water is an effective way to minimize germ transmission in normal daily life.
Acidic cleaners, including the natural cleaning lemon, kill a greater variety of microbes, and in my limited knowledge of chemistry, basically finish off the job!
Cleaning with lemons has the added benefit of leaving your home with that pleasantly-refreshing citrus aroma that always seems cheerful and clean-smelling.
Helpful Homemaking Tips Using Lemon as a Green Cleaner:
In the Kitchen, Bathroom, and Around the House:
All-purpose Disinfectant Spray:
Using Lemon Essential oil
Fill an 8 oz. spray bottle with distilled water, and add 25 drops of lemon oil.
Shake well, and use as a spray on counter tops, faucets, doorknobs, bed linens, etc.
Wipe with a clean towel as desired.
This is safe even if it gets on food items or surfaces that come in contact with food.
(Recipe from greenfeet.net)
Copper Polisher:
Rub with lemon juice and salt to polish, then rinse off.
Easy Microwave Cleaner:
Heat 1/2 cup of lemon juice on high in microwave for 3 minutes. The lemon juice will steam-clean the “yuk”. Wipe and you are done.
Coffee Pot Cleaner:
Run a cycle with water and the juice of 1-2 lemons. Let the pot sit overnight to clean-off coffee residue.
(I learned this one as a waitress during college)
Cutting Board Cleaner/Deodorizer:
Scrub cutting board with baking soda and water, then rinse. Rub ½ a lemon on your cutting board, let sit 15 minutes. Then rinse.
Grills and Pans:
I watched the chefs at a Hibachi grill recently, they wash/disinfect their stainless steel cooking surfaces with straight vodka and a fresh-squeezed lemon. After letting it sit briefly, they scrub and wipe and are done. Cool!
Vinegar-Lemon Juice Floor Cleaner:
· One gallon of water
· Four cups of vinegar
· One cup of lemon juice concentrate
Mix vigorously and use liberally.
If you have polyurethane on your hardwood floors, you shouldn’t use a wet mop, only a damp one. Both vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and can, over time, damage your finish. This floor cleaner also works great on linoleum, stone, or tile floors.
(Thanks to gomestic.com for a great recipe)
Wood Polisher:
1 lemon
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon water
Extract the juice from the lemon. Mix with oil and water.
Apply a thin coat on your wood surface and let sit for five minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.
(I use this regularly and have never had a problem with the oil becoming rancid.)
Laundry Enhancer:
Use as a bleach alternative. Add ½ cup to the laundry in the rinse cycle.
(Lemon juice is known for getting out perspiration stains in particular.)
Summary:
Two Thumbs Up For Lemon, I use it all the time!
Lemon juice in concentrate form is relatively cheap; you probably have some on you frig door right now. Fresh lemons are a slight bit pricier, but are easy, as well, to purchase 1-2 each week for cleaning, if you prefer using fresh. Pure lemon oil is higher-priced, but will last a long time, since only a few drops are needed in each chore.
Lemon has a naturally uplifting, “happy” smell that can brighten any home and create an atmosphere where you will want to clean—and isn’t that a big plus when trying to get motivated for your never-ending chores??
Knowing that you are cleaning and disinfecting in a natural, totally-biodegradable, non-toxic manner is an even bigger boon.
Check out my blog, Natural Cleaning Product Reviews, where I provide independent reviews filled with factual, background information on cleaning products and accessories, the ingredients they are created from, and the companies that produce them–plus my take on using them. I also provide a wealth of homemaking tips from my own experience and guest writers.
About the Author
Pamela Palmer is the founder and writer of Natural Cleaning Product Reviews at http://www.greenkeen.blogspot.com. Pam is also a contributing “Green” writer for the ezine, Suite 101 . She has written for print publications and other websites.She resides in Western Maryland, near the mountains and enjoys writing poetry from the porch of her almost one-hundred-year-old house. She is the wife of a very patient man for the last 21 years and is Mom to two energetic teens, a goofy dog and a street-smart cat. Visit her poetry blog goldapples.wordpress.com when you get the chance.
ADORNEDOILS 1: Lemon Oil
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Lodge Logic Skillet $59.99 The Lodge 10 1/4-inch Skillet was rated as one of the two dozen essential tools in the home and kitchen (Martha Stewart Living February 2008). We have a size and shape to meet any of your cooking needs, with assist handles for ease of movement on the stove top, in the oven or on the campfire. There are more expensive skillets on the market, but none can match the versatility, durability, and value… |
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6 Bottles – Gorgeous Italian Heavy Bottom Limoncello, Wine, Grappa, Liquer 375ml/12 Ounce Glass Bottles – 6 Pcs $19.95 A classic and elegant 375ML Italian glass bottle… |
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Bottle Pourers (395) $1.82 - Set of 2 – Perfect for flavored syrups, oil, vinegar, wine and other beverages – Allows a no-drip pour – Vented for smooth pouring – Caps included… |
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Oil & Gold $12.99 Digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of this 1985 album from the British Post-Punk featuring by former XTC keyboardist Barry Andrews and former Gang Of Four bassist Dave Allen. This enhanced edition comes with a newly remastered bonus disc of b-sides, some never before released on CD, as well as a enhanced booklet with new notes. Lemon. 2011…. |
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Oil Garlic & Lemon on Bread [VHS] $19.95 … |
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Scents & Sounds:Sensual Sax/Lemon $9.98 … |
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Repel HG-406T Lemon Eucalyptus 4-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray $11.10 The first truly effective, plant-based insect repellent on the market, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus has been proven to be effective against mosquitoes, deer ticks and no-see-ums for up to six hours. Derived from Lemon Eucalyptus, a renewable resource, this non-greasy pump, has a pleasant scent and is perfect for the whole family. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, in addition to DEET and Picaridin, has been reco… |
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Formbys 30015 Lemon Oil Finish, 8-Ounce $3.34 Wood preservative that brings out natural luster without wax or silicones. Penetrates into wood and prevents it from drying out. Helps prevent finish from checking and deteriorating. To be applied after cleaning old wax and polish from furniture with Furn… |
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Formby 30000 Almond Lustre Furniture Polish, 6-Ounce $4.69 Care product for wood furniture. Nourishes wood while it cleans and shines. Will not create a wax build up. Almond…. |
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Coromega Omega-3 Supplement, Orange Flavor, Squeeze Packets, 90-Count Box $23.62 A Delicious Pudding-Like Alternative to Capsules Coromega? Provides Superior Bioavailability. In a clinical study, the Omega-3 in Coromega? was shown to enter the bloodstream faster–at three times the levels of a fish oil product in softgel form. Each packet of Coromega delivers the daily intake levels of Omega-3 EPA and DHA recommended by experts for adults and children. As pure as it is del… |
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Weiman 16-ounce Lemon Oil/ Sunscreen (Pack of 2) $25.49 Keep your wood furniture looking new and healthy with this lemon oil from Weiman. This oil also has a UVX-15 sunscreen to help prevent fading and drying out. This oil is non-greasy and will not show fingerprints. |
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Old Holland Cadmium Yellow Lemon D9 Classic Oil Color $46.99 This Old Holland oil color features paint that is still manufactured according to 16th century methods. No fillers are used in these paints, only pure pigments and virgin cold-pressed sun bleached linseed oil is used. |
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Tavern on the Green Manhattan Marinade and Balsamic Sampler Gift Set $25.49 Tavern on the Green’s ‘Manhattan Marinade’ and Dipping Oil Gift Set includes all-natural, multipurpose sauces for marinating, grilling, dipping, and finishing. This set will be sure to delight the palate of your guests. |
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Tavern on the Green Flavors To Savor Gift Box $44.99 This gift box features Tavern on The Green’s Signature Series. This set includes 1870 steak sauce, Central Park signature dipping oil, and citrus on the Green. |
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Aromaland 1-gallon Tea Tree/ Lemon Shower Gel $37.49 Aromatherapy shower gel will inspire the mind with pure essential oilsTea tree and lemon body gel offers coconut’s fine lather and long-lasting foamSkin care product can be used as a shower gel, bubble bath or hand soap |
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Karess Krafters Lemon-Mint Foot Balm $9.93 Karess Krafters Lemon-Mint Foot Balm is the ultimate, total foot moisturizer. Nourish your feet with this wondeful foot balm that will regenerate, soften and moisturize your tootsies with its natural, wholesome ingredients. |
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Karess Krafters Ginger Clove Natural Handmade Soap $8.99 Soothing aloe vera, moisturizing olive oil and conditioning Shea butter will give you a natural, healthy cleanse. This soap’s scent is an herbaceous overtone with fresh ginger infused with spicy notes of clove. |
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Weleda 3.4-oz Citrus Deodorants (Pack of 4) $44.99 Biodynamic lemon peel oil has invigorating properties and also serves as a purifying disinfectant in these deodorants by Weleda. These deodorants work without risky antiperspirants such as aluminum salts. |
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Karess Krafters Tea Tree and Neem Handmade Soaps $19.99 Pure neem and olive oils, blended with neem powder make our tea tree and neem bars mildly exfoliating and soothing. These soap bars are infused with the healing oil of tea tree into a moisturizing delight that is perfect for psoriasis and eczema. |
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Aromaland Tea Tree and Lemon 12-oz Shower Gel (Pack of 3) $24.99 Enjoy a soothing shower or bath experience with this shower gelShower gel is made with pure essential oils in tea tree and lemon scentsGentle cleanser offers the ultimate in personal care |
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Aromaland 1-gallon Tea Tree and Lemon Conditioner $35.49 Restore smooth, lively hair with an easy 3-minute aromatherapy conditioner treatmentEssential oils in beauty product will bring hair and scalp in harmonious balance with natureConditioner normalizes both dry and oily hair |
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Aromaland Tea Tree and Lemon 12-oz Lotions (Pack of 3) $25.49 Cool and refresh aching and tired feet with this aromatherapy foot lotion from AromalandSkin care product is carefully formulated with Essential Oils and herbal extractsLotion offers a cooling, soothing and refreshing aromatherapy experience |
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Karess Krafters Handmade Tea Tree and Neem Bar Soap $7.99 The combination of neem and tea tree oils gives this soap from Karess Krafters its distinct aroma. The two combined makes a wonderful bar of handmade soap for anyone |
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Burt’s Bees 12-oz Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash (Pack of 3) $24.92 Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash offers simple suds for baby?s bathThis all-in-one, tear-free wash combines sweet orange and lemon oils This nourishing baby wash formula leaves baby’s hair and skin silky soft |
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Muelhens ‘4711′ Unisex 10 oz EDC Splash $21.97 Introduced by Muelhens in 1772, ‘4711′ is a refined fruity fragrance with a blend of citrus oils, lemon, orange, light floral rose, and sandalwood oil. Perfect for men and women, this 100-ounce splash is recommended for daytime wear. |
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Natrol Omega-3 1200mg Softgels (Pack of 4 60-count Bottles) $22.49 Natrol Omega-3 supports heart health Supplements are an excellent source of Omega-3, EPA and DHA Softgels have added natural lemon oil for a great tasting lemon flavor |
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Muelhens ‘4711′ Unisex 13.5 oz Eau de Cologne Splash $23.34 Launched by the design house of Muelhens in 1772, ‘4711′ is a versatile scent that possesses a blend of citrus oils, lemon, orange, light floral rose, and sandalwood oil. This fragrance is recommended for day wear. |
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Muelhens Unisex ‘No. 4711′ 10 oz Eau de Cologne $21.97 No. 4711 scent was created by the design house of MuelhensMen’s or women’s fragrance features notes of citrus oils, lemon, orange, light floral rose and sandalwood oilEau de cologne is available in a 10.1-ounce size |
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Natrol Glucosamine Omega-3 Pills (Pack of 2 90-count Bottles) $21.32 Omega-3 fish oil combines with glucosamine in powerful formula for joint comfort and support Supplement helps repair and regenerate cartilage tissueNatrol glucosamine features lemon-flavored, USP-verified MEG-3 brand fish oil |
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Paul Mitchell Teatree Lemon Sage 2.5-oz Energizing Body Wash $7.78 Freshen, smooth and cleanse skin with this energizing body wash from Paul Mitchell’s Teatree collection. Featuring a citrus complex containing zesty lemon, soothing sage and tea tree oil, this body will improve skin texture. |
