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7 Uses for Your Extra Lemons

When life hands you lots of lemons, use them in unexpected ways.

1. Freshen your finery with drawer sachets

Use a food dehydrator to dry leftover lemon peels. Then, place the peels and a handful of spices into small fabric sachets and stash them in your dresser drawers.

Pro-Tip: Looking for spices to pair with your peels? Try cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and cardamon.

2. Clean your microwave in minutes

Combine ½ cup water and half a lemon in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for three minutes. Allow the steam to sit for another five minutes before tackling grime.

3. Treat your taste buds to lemon olive oil

Combine the dried rinds of six lemons with 3 cups extra virgin olive oil in a tightly sealed container or jar, allowing the oil to sit for two weeks before straining it through a sieve.

Pro-Tip: Lemon oil is extremely versatile. Bake with it, drizzle it over salads, or add it to seafood and pasta dishes. Or, bottle it, tag it and voilà! – an easy holiday gift foodies will adore!

4. Quick prep in a pinch

Rub the cut surface of a lemon over smudges and stains on your faucets, shower doors and stainless steel appliances. After several minutes, wipe with a wet rag for a polished look and a fresh scent.

Pro-Tip: Fill your home with a scent that guests will relish by combining 1 sliced lemon, 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 teaspoon vanilla and several cups of water and simmer in an uncovered pot. Keep the pot filled halfway at all times and refill with water as needed. A pot without enough water is hazardous. Also place this pot on a back burner, away from children and pets.

5. Introduce your green thumb to the power of yellow

Bury lemon peels just underneath the surface of your garden soil to help keep pests away.

Pro-Tip: Lemon rinds also can prevent pests from entering your home. Place peels where insects congregate, such as windowsills or cracks, to make these gathering spots unsavory.

6. Add zest to your beauty regimen

You gotta love a good DIY scrub! Whisk the juice from half a lemon with ½ cup granulated sugar, a splash of olive oil and a dollop of honey to create your own body scrub.

7. Quench your thirst

Lemon-infused water isn’t just refreshing – it’s also said to have many benefits, including heightened immunity, improved digestion, lower stress levels and clearer skin.

Pro-Tip: Switch up the flavor (and boost the benefits) by adding other fruit, veggies, herbs and spices to lemon water, such as raspberries, strawberries, cucumber, ginger or mint.