6 Surprising Uses for Lemons

Lemons don't just belong in your fridge! You can save money by using this fruit from head to toe in place of expensive beauty products.

1. Freshen bad breath. Gargle with lemon juice and water to kill odor-causing bacteria, or suck on the lemon wedge served with your water.
2. Soften skin. Combine lemon zest with sugar and soak the mixture with olive oil for 30 minutes for a homemade body scrub. Give a little extra TLC to dry patches on the elbows, ankles and knees.
3. Add sunny highlights. Want to lighten your tresses a notch or two? Mix lemon juice with your favorite conditioner and apply to damp locks before heading out to catch some rays.
4. Fix a streaky tan. To lighten a botched self-tanning job, rub a halved lemon over the area.
5. Whiten yellow nails. Soak fingers in lemon juice for five minutes. To prevent stains in the future, apply a clear protective base coat before nail polish.
6. Zap Zits. Try lemon juice on blackheads at night to clear up skin.

The acid in lemons has antiseptic properties and a fresh scent, making it a natural solution for your household chores. Save money by using this citrus fruit to replace costly cleaning products.

• Kill microwave smells. Fill a heat-resistant bowl with water and half a lemon and zap for five minutes.
• Bust dust particles. Mix 10 drops lemon oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a few drops olive oil in a spray bottle. Spray onto surfaces; wipe with a cotton flannel cloth.
• Attack a stain. Add ½ cup lemon juice to a load of white laundry, then let dry in the sun.
• Polish wood. If it's varnished: Add a few drops of lemon to ½ cup warm water. Spray onto a slightly damp cotton cloth and wipe furniture. If it's unvarnished: Mix 2 teaspoons each of olive oil and lemon juice. Apply to a soft cotton cloth. Use wide strokes to distribute evenly.
• Clean in the bathroom. Put lemon juice on a sponge and wipe shower doors to remove soap scum.
• Sparkle and shine. This natural bleach and disinfectant cleans brass and copper. Sprinkle salt over half a lemon, rub it over the metal, then wash clean.

From Allyou.com Posted by Mags