Lemon juice is the key to fresher laundry and brighter colors, but most use it wrong. Here’s the right way to use it

Lemon juice helps to brighten colors by removing the mineral deposits and residues that can accumulate on fabrics over time. These deposits can cause colors to appear dull and lifeless. The citric acid in lemon juice breaks down these deposits, revealing the vibrant colors beneath.

When used correctly, lemon juice can enhance the natural brightness of fabrics without the harsh effects of chemical bleaches. This makes it an ideal choice for maintaining the vibrancy of colored clothing, especially when combined with a cold water wash to prevent fading.

To use lemon juice effectively in your laundry, start by adding half a cup of lemon juice to your washing machine during the rinse cycle. This allows the citric acid to work on breaking down residues and brightening fabrics without interfering with the detergent’s cleaning action.

For stubborn stains, you can pre-treat by diluting lemon juice with water in a 1:1 ratio and applying it directly to the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing as usual. Always ensure that the lemon juice is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent any potential damage to the fabric.

1. Measure half a cup of fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can also be used, but ensure it is pure and without added sugars or preservatives.

2. Add the lemon juice to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. This timing ensures that the citric acid works on brightening and deodorizing without interfering with the detergent.

3. For heavily soiled or stained items, pre-treat with a diluted lemon juice solution (equal parts water and lemon juice) applied directly to the fabric.

4. Run the wash cycle as usual, ensuring a thorough rinse to remove all traces of lemon juice.

5. Dry clothes as per fabric care instructions, preferably in the sun, which can enhance the brightening effect.

Lemon juice is a natural, non-toxic alternative to commercial laundry products, which often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and harm the environment. By using lemon juice, you reduce your exposure to these chemicals and contribute to a healthier home environment.

Moreover, lemon juice is biodegradable and safe for septic systems, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It’s also cost-effective, as it can be used for multiple purposes around the home, reducing the need for multiple cleaning products.

Many viral hacks suggest using lemon juice for everything from whitening whites to removing rust stains. While lemon juice is effective for brightening and deodorizing, it is not a miracle solution. For example, it may not completely remove set-in stains or replace the need for a good detergent.

Some hacks suggest using lemon juice in combination with baking soda for a powerful cleaning effect. While this can work for surface cleaning, in laundry, the combination can neutralize the acidity of lemon juice, reducing its effectiveness. Always test any new hack on a small, inconspicuous area first.