DIY Network

Lemon Juice Lemon Juice From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-120

Figure A

Today we're talking about nature's bleach and disinfectant. Of course, it's lemon juice, one of five safe, natural, highly effective, nontoxic cleaners that you should always have on hand (figure A).

advertisement

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Whether it's hand-squeezed right off the tree or poured from a bottle, there's a lot you can do with a little lemon juice (figure B). You probably already know that it's a good thing to have around the kitchen, but just wait till you see what a lemon can do for your clothing, small appliances and other surfaces in your home (figure C). When life hands you lemons -- it's time to clean!

Lemon Juice and Laundry

• Fruit, rust and baby formula stains on colored clothing Make up a paste of cream of tartar and lemon juice. After checking the fabric for colorfastness, apply the mixture to the stain, and since this mixture doesn't work instantly, let it set for 15 to 30 minutes. When the stain is lifted, launder as usual.

• Stains on white clothing Apply the paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar, and lay the fabric in the sun to soak, checking periodically. The paste should remove the stain and brighten the fabric. After soaking, launder as usual.

• Stubborn stains Pour equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice into a dish. Submerse the stain in the mixture and soak from 30 minutes to an hour. Launder as usual.

• Bleaching agent Do not use on silk, but otherwise this solution is great for bleaching socks, underwear and polyester clothing (figure D). Add 1/2 cup lemon juice or slices of two lemons to 1 gallon of the hottest water the fabric will tolerate and immerse the clothing from a hour to overnight. Pour the mixture in the washing machine and wash as usual.