Have you tried putting the lemon half in a mesh bag or tea strainer first? That usually keeps pulp from getting everywhere. I get it though...vinegar's definitely less hassle.
I've tried the mesh bag trick, but honestly, it's just another thing to clean afterward. Vinegar's my go-to—pour, wipe, done. Plus, lemons are better off in my iced tea anyway...
Vinegar's good, but the smell lingers more than I'd like. Honestly, baking soda paste works wonders for me—cheap, effective, and no leftover scent. Lemons in tea though...can't argue with that.
Totally agree about baking soda—it's a lifesaver for stubborn grime. Vinegar's smell does linger, but have you tried mixing it with a bit of citrus peel? I toss in some orange or lemon peels and let it sit for a week or two. Cuts down the harshness quite a bit, and leaves behind a fresher scent. Still, I get why some people steer clear of vinegar altogether.
One thing I've noticed though, is that natural cleaners sometimes take a bit more elbow grease compared to store-bought stuff. Like, baking soda paste is great, but if you're dealing with really greasy oven racks or something, it can be a workout. Sometimes I cave and grab a commercial degreaser just to save time...but then again, the fumes aren't exactly pleasant.
And yeah, lemons in tea—no debate there. But have you ever microwaved half a lemon in water for a minute or two? Wipes out microwave odors instantly and loosens up all the splatters. Pretty handy trick.
I've noticed the same thing about natural cleaners needing more muscle power, but honestly, I'd rather scrub a bit harder than breathe in those harsh fumes. That lemon microwave trick sounds genius though—definitely trying that next time mine looks like a crime scene...
