Dirty RV? Forget cleaning supplies – all you need is this kitchen item

By Gail Marsh
As an RVer, storage is limited. This tip will help you free up storage space by eliminating the need for several cleaning products … and all you need is a popular kitchen item! To keep your RV looking new and smelling great try these easy lemony cleaning tips.

Microwave

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water. Add lemon slices and place in microwave. Bring the water to a boil and continue to heat for about five minutes. Keep the door closed for an additional five minutes to let the steam soften any cooked-on food splatters. Then wipe clean with a dishcloth – it should all wipe right off. Hint: Microwave food covers help stop things from splattering. Get one to keep your microwave cleaner, longer.

Sink

Hard water stains and rust spots in your sink can be removed by rubbing surfaces with half a lemon. First, sprinkle the bottom and sides of a water-dampened sink with plain table salt. Then rub over surfaces with the juicy side of the lemon. Wait 30 minutes for the lemon’s citric acid to do its magic and then rinse and dry. Hint: Rubbing a sheet of wax paper over the cleaned fixtures and sink can keep everything sparkling longer.

Refrigerator

Cut a lemon in half and place it inside your fridge, cut side up. The lemon will neutralize odors. Replace with a new half lemon each week. Hint: Use layers of paper towels to line the bottom of the refrigerator drawers for quick and easy cleanup of drips.

Cutting boards 

Disinfect wooden boards used for cutting meat by thoroughly washing with sudsy, hot water. Then rub the entire board with the cut side of a lemon. Place the cutting board inside the microwave oven on high for one minute to kill the bacteria. Hint: As an alternative, use different colored cutting boards. Designate one color for meats, one for veggies, and so on. This will help eliminate cross-contamination.

Trash can

Wash the inside and outside of the kitchen trash can with soapy water. Dry thoroughly. Then place some lemon peels in the bottom of the can and sprinkle some baking soda in, too. The soda will absorb any lingering odors trapped inside the plastic, and the lemon will emit a fresh, clean smell. Place your trash can liner right on top! Hint: Onion skins, shrimp tails, and other food scraps can quickly make your hands and kitchen smell funky. Rub the cut side of a lemon half on your hands to neutralize odors. Empty the trash bag immediately when cooking smelly foods – even if the container isn’t completely full. 

Mirrors and glass

Put three tablespoons of lemon juice inside a spray bottle, then add one cup of water. Shake well. Spray the solution onto your mirror and wipe with a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth. Use the same solution for inside window surfaces. (This solution will not keep longer than a few days, so plan to clean all glass surfaces at once.) Hint: Be careful when spraying any cleaner. Drips that land on wood (like around a mirror) can, over time, leave spots or discoloration. Wipe up any drips immediately.

Stove

Make a paste of lemon juice, baking soda and water. Apply to cooktop spills and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub with a sponge, rinse and dry. Hint: Spray lemon juice over the cooking surface of your outside grill. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub the grill with a wadded up piece of tin foil to clean the gunk off.

The best tip of all? Celebrate your clean, fresh rig with a slice of lemon atop your favorite drink!

##RVDT1501