The Star Malaysia - Star2

When life gives you lemons

- By eLLeN WhYTe

ISN’T it strange how the proverb suggests that lemons are icky? With their fresh and delicious scent, lemons are wonderful things to have around the home. If you prefer local limes, those work just as well.

Freshen your fridge

If you’ve had a pot of curry in the fridge or cheese, a lemon can remove the stale odour and perk it all up.

Slice a lemon into quarters and place on the back of every shelf. Leave overnight.

The next day, squeeze the slices onto a clean cloth, wipe the shelves and then toss out the fruit.

antiseptic aid

Scientific studies show that lemons, limes and oranges have antiseptic properties. As such, squeeze a lemon into some fresh water and use it to clean kitchen surfaces.

Cutting boards can do well with a sprinkle of lemon too, especially if you’ve been chop-

ping onions or garlic.

a few drops go a long way

Do your kids reject sliced apples in their lunchbox because of brown edges that they think are “yucky”? Sprinkle apple slices with lemon juice to prevent them from discolouri­ng. If you’re slicing avocadoes, the same trick works as well.

Skin solution

When you’ve been cleaning carrots, your fingers might be stained orange. Rub a slice of lemon over them to remove the colour easily. Also, rubbing lemon on your nails will make them nice, clean and freshly scented.

Give your laundry a boost

If you’re allergic to perfumed softeners and scented laundry products, a squeeze of lemon in the final wash will give your clothes a lift and be unlikely to trigger reactions. Be careful with delicate fabrics though.

 ??  ?? Lemons have a refreshing scent and antiseptic properties.
Lemons have a refreshing scent and antiseptic properties.

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