Lemons are a cheap little fruit that can make a high-dollar impact in your house. Instead of using ten different cleaning products for little jobs around the house, pick up some lemons and tackle them all.

Dip the cut side of a lemon in baking soda and rub down your countertops. Wipe it with a wet sponge and dry. Don’t use this one on delicate stone or marble.

Squeeze a teaspoon of lemon juice into your dishwashing detergent to pump up its grease-fighting ability.

Halve a lemon and toss it down the garbage disposal. It will clean the disposal as it’s ground up and leave your sink smelling like lemons.

Combine lemon juice with a teaspoon or two of cream of tartar and use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout on your countertop or backsplash. Rinse when you’re done.

Rub your hands with lemon juice to get rid of lingering food smells like fish or onions.

Toss a 1/2 cup of lemon juice into the rinse cycle on your washing machine to brighten whites.

Published 07/22/09