🍋 15 Things You Can Do with a Lemon Squeezer

The underestimated kitchen gadget that does far more than squeeze lemons.

When most people think of a lemon squeezer, they picture a single task: pressing juice from a lemon. But in reality, this clever handheld device can act as a multi-purpose kitchen, cleaning, and creative tool. Its design — two curved bowls that apply even pressure — makes it ideal for tasks that need controlled squeezing, pressing, or separating.

Here are 20 creative, detailed ways to use your lemon squeezer, focusing on the tool itself — not just the lemons you put in it.

1. Extract juice from any small fruit:
A lemon squeezer can handle more than lemons — it’s engineered for even, concentrated pressure. Try it on limes, small oranges, or tangerines. The dual-cup design keeps seeds and pulp from getting into your drink or recipe.

2. Crush or press soft ingredients:
Your squeezer works like a mini press. Use it to crush garlic cloves, ginger pieces, olives, or even capers. The pressing action releases oils and flavor quickly — no knife or board required.
Tip: Line it with parchment paper first to prevent sticking.

3. Strain or separate liquid from pulp:
Because most squeezers have perforated holes at the bottom, you can use them to strain pulp from fresh juice, tomato purée, or even small-batch fruit syrup. Press slowly for a clean liquid flow.

4. Portion control for sauces or extracts:
Need a small, even drizzle of lemon or lime juice? Fill the squeezer halfway and press gently. It dispenses consistent amounts — ideal for precise cooking, salad dressings, or cocktails.

5. Separate egg yolks:
Place the squeezer over a bowl, crack an egg into it, and let the egg white drip through the holes while the yolk stays in the cup. It’s a quick, no-mess solution if you don’t own a separator.



6. Measure fresh ingredients:
A sturdy metal squeezer can double as a small liquid measure. Half a squeezed lemon equals roughly 1 tablespoon of juice — easy to control when baking or cooking.

7. Serve as a mini press for bar use:
Bartenders often use lemon squeezers as mini bar presses. They’re perfect for pressing mint leaves, squeezing fruit garnishes, or adding fresh citrus directly into a shaker without spills.



8. Crush cherry tomatoes for cooking:
When you need just a touch of tomato juice or pulp, a squeezer acts as a neat press. It avoids messy chopping and keeps seeds inside.



9. Extract moisture from cooked spinach or grated potatoes:
Place small portions inside the squeezer and press. It efficiently drains water from vegetables for crisp latkes, patties, or spinach fillings — no kitchen towel needed.



10. Extract oil or juice from grated coconuts:
If you work with shredded coconut, place a small handful in your squeezer and press. It extracts coconut milk or oil without a large machine — great for small-batch recipes.
 
11. Dispense natural cleaning mixtures:
Fill your squeezer with half a lemon, a little baking soda, or vinegar. Press directly onto dirty surfaces like stovetops or sinks to apply your natural cleaner evenly.



12. Remove liquid from small cloths or sponges: Need to wring out a small cleaning pad or cloth? Fold it, place it in the squeezer, and press. This gives a firm, even squeeze — perfect for delicate or hard-to-wring materials.



13. Deodorize small objects:
You can use the squeezer to apply citrus juice precisely on cutting boards, utensils, or hands after cooking. Its shape helps spread and direct the juice right where you need it.



14. Apply polishing paste to metal:
When cleaning brass or copper, you can use the squeezer to combine lemon juice and salt directly on the item — press gently to release just the right amount without mess.



15. Remove excess water from teabags or herbs:
Place a used teabag or bunch of fresh herbs inside the squeezer, press lightly, and you’ll extract every drop — great for concentrated tea or herbal oils.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The lemon squeezer isn’t just a single-purpose utensil; it’s a mini hand press, a measuring cup, a filter, and even a creative mold. Whether in the kitchen, the bar, or your workshop, it’s one of those rare tools that combines function, precision, and simplicity.

So next time you reach for your lemon squeezer, think beyond lemonade — it’s a versatile helper that earns its drawer space every single day.