As the old saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” doTERRA agrees, and when you have Lemon oil at your side, you can make the most of every day!

You know and love the classic uses for Lemon essential oil: diffusing for a bright and invigorating atmosphere, cleaning household surfaces and sticker residue, and taking with water for a flavored sugar-free drink. But there’s a lot more Lemon can do in your life!

Explore its versatility and experience what a simple game changer it is for your daily routines. Lemon essential oil is a must-have product in everyone’s natural toolkit, offering bountiful possibilities for cleaning, cooking, and crafting.

15 Ways to Use Lemon Essential Oil

How to Clean with Lemon Oil

Lemon is popularly used for its cleansing properties. It can naturally purify your home, office, car—literally almost anywhere—while also filling it with a clean, refreshing aroma.

1. Fruit Spray: The first thing you and your family want to do as spring sets in is enjoy fresh fruit. Let go of any worries about dirt and other contaminants with this super simple Lemon-based fruit spray! Just add several drops to a glass spray bottle with water and get spritzing. It even gives your fruit a beautiful glitter and heightened color.
2. Window Cleaner: You want your windows sparkling and streak-free so you can bask in the green renewal of nature outside every morning. It’s easy with a homemade Lemon oil cleaner. Combine water, a couple drops of Lemon, and a teaspoon of cornstarch in a spray bottle. Shake well before using and spray on windows or mirrors for a spotless shine.
3. Polish: Bring out the natural beauty of your wood and leather furniture with your own polish, thanks to Lemon oil. Mix a few drops with a little olive oil and white vinegar for a gentle yet effective polish. The essential oil nourishes the wood while giving it a natural shine—perfect for dining tables, couches, coffee tables, cabinets, and chairs (wood or leather).
4. Dishwasher: For an extra boost in your dishwasher, add a couple drops of Lemon to your detergent. The essential oil helps cut through grease and makes your dishes bright, both in their appearance and their smell. And it freshens your dishwasher along the way.
5. Laundry: When you make Lemon oil part of your laundry routine, you give your clothes a fresh, clean scent. This addition pairs particularly well with warm weather, making your linens smell like they’ve been dried in the sun. Add a drop or two to your dryer balls or to the rinse cycle of your wash for a naturally enhanced experience.

How to Cook with Lemon Oil

Lemon brings a zesty brightness to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re whipping up something savory or sweet, this essential oil perfectly complements the fresh ingredients of the warm seasons.

6. Marinades: A few drops of Lemon essential oil combined with honey, garlic, and olive oil makes for a deliciously tangy marinade. It goes great with summer cookouts: grilled chicken, seafood, and veggies. Lemon oil enhances natural flavors with a punch of freshness.
7. Fruit Salads: All you need is a touch of Lemon to elevate your summer fruit salads. Mix it with a drizzle of honey and fresh mint leaves. The essential oil pairs wonderfully with berries, melon, and citrus fruits, creating a refreshing dessert or snack on a hot day.
8. Sorbets: Speaking of desserts on hot days, you’ll cool down fast with a Lemon oil sorbet! Add just a couple drops to lemon juice, sugar (or another sweetener like stevia), and water before freezing. The essential oil offers an extra flavor, making your sorbet more intense and vibrant.
9. Pastas: Take your seasonal pasta dishes to the next level with a delightful Lemon twist. Put a couple drops in your favorite pesto recipe, including ingredients like pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Basil essential oil or fresh basil. The citrusy kick from Lemon cuts through the richness of the sauce and pairs beautifully with fresh produce and meats.
10. Baked Goods: Lemon-flavored desserts are classic treats. Whether it’s cakes, cookies, or lemon bars, Lemon oil can easily enhance whatever you’re baking with its vibrant, sweet, and natural flavor.

Just remember, doTERRA essential oils are pure and potent, so a little goes a long way in the kitchen. You typically only need a few drops, but you can customize the amount to your palette.

How to Use Lemon Oil for Crafts

Lemon is practical and fun to incorporate into your seasonal crafting projects. From creative DIYs to delightful seasonal decorations, you can use Lemon for just about anything you’re wanting to make.

11. Candles: Did you know it’s simple to make beautiful homemade candles with a citrus twist? Mix Lemon oil with beeswax or soy wax and pour the mixture into small jars. Add cotton wicks and let the candles set. Once lit, these candles will fill your space with a refreshing, natural scent that’ll make a memorable evening indoors or on the patio watching the sun set.
12. Potpourri: Fun DIY potpourri with dried flowers, herbs, and Lemon essential oil? Yes! Add the ingredients to small muslin or fabric bags and tie them with a ribbon. This potpourri is ideal for hanging near doors or placing on coffee tables and countertops as decor. It’s also a lovely handmade, meaningful gift for friends and family.
13. Sun Catchers: Brighten your home with beautiful sun catchers. Use thin wire or fishing line to string together beads and small crystals, then add felt or porous clay pieces that can absorb Lemon essential oil. Hang the sun catchers in windows—every time the sun hits, not only will you enjoy a dazzling light show, but the room will also fill with uplifting, pure Lemon.
14. Air Fresheners: Commercial air fresheners just aren’t suitable for your natural lifestyle. For a simple air freshener, fill small jars with baking soda and add several drops of Lemon oil. Poke holes in the jar lid or cover with fabric and place a jar in any room that needs extra freshness. Baking soda neutralizes odors, while Lemon keeps the air smelling clean and inviting.
15. Sachets: Anywhere can be improved by the smell of Lemon. Add its pleasant citrus aroma to your drawers or closets with scented sachets. Place a couple drops of Lemon in small fabric pouches filled with dried lavender or cotton balls. These sachets will keep your clothes and darker corners smelling as fresh as sunlight.

Buy Lemon and Discover the Magic for Yourself

Lemon essential oil is a cheerful, competent companion you can use all year. It can enhance your kitchen and creativity—and your efforts to build a healthier, more balanced life—with its versatile and uplifting properties.

What’s amazing is these aren’t even all the ways you can use Lemon oil, and so many other natural doTERRA products are just as incredible and effective! Anyone can easily make essential oils part of daily life, positively impacting cleanliness, atmosphere, wellness, and more.