We are always looking for ways to cut down on plastic and unnecessary chemicals. Most of the fancy bottles on the cleaning aisle are actually trying to do what a single lemon can do for a fraction of the price.

Here are eleven ways to use a lemon to make your bathroom shine from the grout to the glass.

1. Deep Clean Stubborn Toilet Rings

This is the "heavy-duty" use for lemons. By combining a halved lemon with a bit of coarse salt, you can break down those stubborn brown hard-water rings without damaging your porcelain.

The Full Guide: If you’re facing a particularly tough stain, check out our Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Toilets with Lemon and Salt for the exact method I use.

2. Polish the Chrome

Rub half a lemon over your faucets and showerheads. The citric acid dissolves water spots and soap scum instantly. Rinse with water and buff with a soft cloth for a high end shine.

3. Erase Glass Water Spots

Shower doors are a constant struggle. Rub a cut lemon over the glass to break down the minerals, let it sit for a minute, and squeegee it off for a streak-free finish.

4. Brighten Your Grout

Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply it to your grout lines with an old toothbrush, let it bubble for 10 minutes, and scrub. It’s a natural whitener that is much gentler than bleach.

5. Deodorize the Drain

Is there a funky smell coming from the sink? Throw some lemon rinds down the drain and pour a kettle of boiling water over them to kill bacteria and refresh the pipes.

6. Clean the Soap Dish

Soap dishes often get a buildup of "gunk." A quick scrub with a lemon wedge breaks down the fats in the soap and makes cleanup a breeze.

7. Sanitize the Countertop

Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant. Wipe down your surfaces with a lemon water solution to kill germs without using harsh alcohols. (Just avoid this on natural stone!)

8. Revive Your Bath Mat

If your cloth mat is looking a bit dingy, add a half-cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle. It acts as a natural brightener and deodorizer.

9. Clean the Mirror

Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with a quart of water in a spray bottle. It’s a simple, non-toxic glass cleaner that leaves a fresh scent behind.

10. Remove Rust from Razors

If your metal accessories have caught a bit of rust from the humidity, soak them in a bowl of lemon juice for 30 minutes. The rust should wipe right off with a cloth.

11. The Ultimate Air Freshener

Forget the synthetic sprays. Boil a few lemon slices in a small pot of water on the stove and bring the steaming pot into the bathroom for a few minutes to naturally purify the air.

One Quick Warning

Important: Never use lemon juice on natural stone like marble or limestone. The acid can "etch" the stone, leaving permanent dull spots. Stick to porcelain, glass, and chrome for these hacks!

Zesty Purity: 11 Ways to Clean Your Bathroom with a Lemon