12.03.2025

Put 2 lemons in the washing machine: you’ve never had so many clean clothes in your life

By Lesia

It’s true that lemons have cleaning properties, and they can be useful in laundry. However, it’s important to understand how they work and what they can and can’t do. Here’s a breakdown:

How Lemons Help in Laundry:

  • Brightening Whites:
    • The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural bleaching agent. It can help to brighten white clothes and remove mild stains.
  • Odor Removal:
    • Lemons have a fresh, clean scent, and their acidity can help to neutralize odors in fabrics.
  • Stain Removal:
    • Lemon juice can be effective for removing certain types of stains, such as juice stains or light discoloration.
  • Softening Fabrics:
    • Adding lemon juice to the rinse cycle can act as a natural fabric softener.

How to Use Lemons in Your Washing Machine:

  • Lemon Juice:
    • The most common method is to add about 1/2 to 1 cup of lemon juice to your washing machine during the wash cycle, or especially during the rinse cycle.
  • Direct Stain Treatment:
    • For specific stains, you can apply lemon juice directly to the affected area before washing.
  • Things to be aware of:
    • While generally safe, it is always best to test lemon juice on a small hidden part of a garment, before applying it to the whole garment.
    • Also, be mindful that prolonged exposure to sunlight after lemon juice has been applied to fabric can increase the bleaching effect.

Important Considerations:

  • Limitations:
    • Lemons are not a substitute for heavy-duty detergents or stain removers. They are most effective for light cleaning and freshening.
    • Lemons may not be suitable for all fabrics, especially delicate ones.
  • Safety:
    • While lemons are natural, it’s always a good idea to handle them with care and avoid getting the juice in your eyes.

In summary:

  • Adding lemon juice to your laundry can be a natural way to brighten whites, remove odors, and soften fabrics.
  • It’s a useful addition to your laundry routine, but it’s not a miracle solution for all cleaning needs.

I hope this information is helpful!