I've had mixed luck with baking soda paste, honestly. It works great on tough spots, but doesn't it sometimes leave behind a gritty residue that's a pain to rinse off? I've switched mostly to diluted rubbing alcohol lately—no lingering smell, dries quick, and cuts through fingerprints pretty well. But now you've got me curious about lemon...does it really help with streaks, or is that more for scent? Might have to experiment this weekend.
I've wondered about lemon juice too—is it actually cutting through grime or just making things smell fresh? I tried it once on my microwave door, and it seemed to help with fingerprints, but I'm not sure if that was just wishful thinking or legit cleaning power. Does anyone know if it's the acidity doing the work, or is it mostly psychological? Might have to give it another shot myself...at least lemons are cheaper than most cleaners these days.
I've used lemon juice a few times myself, and honestly, I think it's a bit of both. The acidity definitely helps break down some grime, especially fingerprints or light grease. But for tougher stuff, like baked-on food or heavy stains, it doesn't quite cut it for me. Usually end up reaching for something stronger. Still, lemons are handy for quick touch-ups and smell way better than chemical sprays...so there's that.
I've had similar experiences with lemon juice myself. It's great for quick clean-ups and leaves appliances smelling fresh, but you're right—it struggles with tougher grime. One thing I've found helpful is combining lemon juice with baking soda. The baking soda adds a gentle abrasive quality that helps tackle stubborn stains without scratching surfaces. Just sprinkle some baking soda onto the area, squeeze lemon juice over it, and let it fizz for a minute or two before wiping it down. It won't always replace stronger commercial cleaners for really baked-on messes, but it's surprisingly effective for moderate stains and buildup.
Also, if you're looking for something a bit stronger but still natural, white vinegar diluted with water can be a good alternative. It cuts through grease better than lemon juice alone, though admittedly the smell isn't as pleasant. Still, it dissipates quickly enough, and you can always follow up with a quick lemon wipe-down afterward to freshen things up.
Great tips! Lemon juice and baking soda is a solid combo—I've used it on stainless steel appliances, and it really does help. Vinegar works too, but yeah, the smell...takes some getting used to. Glad I'm not the only one experimenting with this stuff.
