As the warmer weather rolls in, many of us are rummaging through wardrobes only to find our once-crisp white clothes looking yellowed, dull, and far from their former glory. Rather than reaching for bleach or considering a full wardrobe refresh, there’s a far gentler and cheaper way to bring your whites back to life.
According to cleaning expert Nigel Bearman from Daily Poppins, the secret is using lemon juice. At just around 30p per lemon, this pantry staple is being hailed as the ultimate eco-friendly and affordable alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
Bearman said: “Lemon juice is a natural cleaner with antibacterial properties, which means it effectively cuts through stains and kills any bacteria. Not only does it clean your clothes, it will also leave them soft and smelling amazing.”
The process is simple, just squeeze the juice of a full lemon into a bucket of hot water, soak your white clothes for one to two hours, then wash as normal.
Thanks to its naturally occurring citric acid, lemon juice acts like a mild bleach and stain remover, without the environmental cost or risk of damaging fabrics.
But it doesn’t stop there. For stubborn stains, Bearman recommends adding a sprinkle of salt to the affected area along with lemon juice and gently rubbing it in.
This creates a natural scrub that can lift even set-in marks. And for an extra boost of brightness, hang your clothes to dry in the sun, the UV rays naturally enhance the whitening effect.
Beyond the laundry room, lemon juice has earned its place as a household cleaning hero.
Mixed with water in a spray bottle, it becomes an all-purpose cleaner ideal for cutting through grease and grime on kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles, and even windows.
So before you fork out on expensive stain removers or douse your clothes in bleach, head to the fruit bowl.
A lemon might just be the secret to keeping your whites fresh, clean, and chemical-free, all for just 30p.
