Lemon juice is a versatile and effective cleaning agent for various tasks, including tackling combination stains and deodorizing cutting boards. However, it’s essential to be cautious about using lemon juice on certain surfaces and fabrics, as well as avoiding dangerous combinations with other cleaning products.
Bleach
Chlorine bleach reacts with acids to produce toxic chlorine gas. Mixing bleach with vinegar is a well-known example, and the same applies to lemon juice. Under no circumstances should chlorine bleach or products containing chlorine bleach be combined with lemon juice. It’s essential to remember this and avoid such mixtures at all times to prevent the formation of harmful chlorine gas.
Natural Stone
Lemon juice should not be used on natural stone surfaces, such as counters, backsplashes, floors, furniture, and accessories. The acid in lemon juice can cause pitting in materials like marble, granite, slate, and other natural stones. To avoid damaging these surfaces, it’s best to refrain from using lemon juice as a cleaning agent on them.
Hardwood Floors
Lemon juice has the potential to damage the seal on hardwood flooring, leading to a dull appearance and making the floors more vulnerable to harm. It’s best to avoid using lemon juice when cleaning hardwood floors. In case of any accidental spills or drops of lemon or lemon juice, make sure to clean them up promptly to minimize the exposure time of the seal to the citric acid. This precaution can help preserve the integrity and appearance of your hardwood floors.
Brass Plating
Cleaning solid brass with lemon or other acidic agents is generally safe and effective. However, it’s essential to avoid using lemon juice on brass-plated items, as it can lead to corrosion. To determine whether an object is solid brass or brass-plated, you can perform a simple magnet test. Hold a magnet against the item; if the magnet doesn’t stick, the object is made of solid brass and can be cleaned with lemon. On the other hand, if you feel a magnetic pull, the item is brass-plated, and you should refrain from using lemon juice for cleaning to prevent any damage.
Dark or Brightly Colored Clothing
Lemon juice can potentially bleach or fade dark and brightly colored clothing and textiles due to its acidic nature. To prevent color loss, avoid directly applying lemon juice to dark or vibrant clothing, household items, and upholstery. Instead, refer to our guide on how to remove common fabric stains for safe and effective cleaning methods that won’t cause any damage to your fabrics.