Put lemon juice in your washing machine. Here’s why. This is something appliance repairmen will never tell you.

The citric acid found in lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, which makes it perfect for lifting stains and brightening fabrics. Unlike commercial bleach, lemon juice is gentle on fabrics and won’t cause them to weaken or fade over time. By using lemon juice, you can achieve a deep clean without the risk of damaging your clothes.

Additionally, lemon juice has antibacterial properties, which can help to sanitize your laundry. This is particularly beneficial for items like gym clothes or towels that may harbor bacteria. A simple addition of lemon juice to your wash cycle can leave your clothes not only looking clean but also feeling fresh and hygienic.

Stubborn stains can be a nightmare to remove, but lemon juice offers a natural solution. The acidity of lemon juice works to break down and lift stains from fabrics. For particularly tough stains, such as those from wine or grass, pre-treating the area with lemon juice before washing can enhance the stain-removal process.

To pre-treat a stain, apply lemon juice directly to the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing. This allows the citric acid to penetrate the stain and loosen it from the fabric. For an added boost, you can sprinkle a bit of salt on the stain after applying the lemon juice, as the abrasive nature of salt can help to scrub away the stain.

Lemon juice is renowned for its fresh, clean scent, which makes it an excellent choice for eliminating odors from your laundry. The natural oils in lemon peel, combined with the citric acid, work to neutralize unpleasant smells rather than just masking them.

For clothes that have been stored for a long time or have absorbed strong odors, adding half a cup of lemon juice to your wash cycle can make a significant difference. The result is laundry that smells fresh and clean, without the need for artificial fragrances or fabric softeners.

One of the most impressive benefits of lemon juice is its ability to brighten whites naturally. The citric acid acts as a mild bleaching agent, helping to restore the brightness of white fabrics without the harshness of chlorine bleach.

To brighten your whites, simply add half a cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. This will help to remove any lingering detergent residue that can cause whites to appear dull. For an extra boost, you can also hang your whites in the sun to dry, as the combination of lemon juice and sunlight can enhance the whitening effect.