BY ELLEN WHYTE

Isn't it strange how the proverb suggest that lemons are icky? With their fresh and delicious scent, lemons are wonderful things to have around the home.

Freshen your fridge
If you've had a pot of curry in the fridge or cheese, a lemon can remove the stale odour and perk it all up. Slice a lemon into quarters and place on the back of every shelf. Leave overnight. The next day, squeeze the slices onto a clean cloth, wipe the shelves and then toss out the fruit.

Antiseptic aid
Scientific studies show that lemons, limes and oranges have antiseptic properties. As such, squeeze a lemon into some fresh water and use it to clean kitchen surfaces. Cutting boards can do well with a sprinkle of lemon too, especially if you've been chopping onions or garlic.

A few drops go a long way
Do your kids reject sliced apples in their lunchbox because of brown edges that they think are "yucky"? Sprinkle apple slices with lemon juice to prevent them from discolouring. If you're slicing avocadoes, the same trick works as well.

Skin solution
When you've been cleaning carrots, your fingers might be stained orange. Rub a slice of lemon over them on your nails will make them nice, clean and freshly scented.

Give your laundry a boost
If you're allergic to perfumed softeners and scented laundry products, a squeeze of lemon in the final wash will give your clothes a lift and be unlikely to trigger reactions. Be careful with delicate fabrics though.

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