Put A Lemon In Your Dishwasher For Cleaner Silverware
If your silverware isn't getting as clean and shiny as you would like, a simple lemon hack can make all the difference. As seen on TikTok, you can place half of one lemon in the silverware tray of your dishwasher or somewhere in the bottom rack, then run the appliance. When you remove the silverware after the cycle, you'll likely notice that your forks, spoons, and knives look cleaner and shinier, all thanks to that handy lemon half.
The reason lemon aids in cleaning is its citric acid, which is an antibacterial disinfectant that also does a fair amount of visible cleaning. The acid works to cut down on the buildup of soap and mineral scale in your dishwasher, helping the cleaning process work more efficiently. Lemon also cuts through the grease directly on the silverware or on other dishes, pots, and pans you're washing simultaneously.
However, it's important to note that lemon is not a replacement for your regular dishwasher detergent. Instead, it's better to think of it as an extra boost that you can use when you notice your silverware isn't getting as clean as it could be.
When life gives you lemons, use them to your cleaning advantage
Not only will lemon make your silverware come out nice and sparkly, but it will also work on your glasses and dishware. Certainly, eating a meal off a squeaky clean plate and drinking from a glass you can see through always feels nice. Plus, using a lemon in your dishwasher can give off a lovely lemon scent, something that many of us associate with freshness.
But what to do with the other half of the lemon? For starters, you could use it the next time you run the dishwasher. Simply keep it in the refrigerator tightly wrapped in a bit of plastic wrap, using within three or four days. And if have even more lemons to spare, why not make some fresh lemonade, a lemon meringue pie, or plop a slice in your water, a perfectly poured can of soda, or one of these seven bartender-recommended vodkas? You can also use lemon slices as a garnish for this summer squash and basil burrata salad. As tasty as lemons make our food and drinks, their function as a mild cleaner could be their biggest plus!