From Trash to Treasure: 15 Brilliant Ways to Use Citrus Peels Around Your Home
Citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, grapefruits, limes – are a staple in many households. We squeeze their juice for refreshing drinks, zest their peels for flavorful dishes, and enjoy their pulpy goodness. But what happens to the peels once we’re done? All too often, they end up in the trash. However, those seemingly useless citrus peels are actually packed with potential and can be repurposed in a multitude of ways around your home. Not only is this a fantastic way to reduce waste and be more environmentally conscious, but it can also save you money and add a natural, refreshing scent to your daily life.
This comprehensive guide explores 15 brilliant ways to use citrus peels around your home, providing detailed instructions and tips for each application. Get ready to unlock the hidden potential of these zesty wonders!
## 1. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Citrus peels contain d-limonene, a natural solvent and degreaser. This makes them excellent for creating a powerful and environmentally friendly all-purpose cleaner.
**Ingredients:**
* Citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit, or a combination)
* White vinegar
* Water (optional, for dilution)
* Spray bottle
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peels:** Thoroughly wash and dry your citrus peels. Cut them into smaller pieces to maximize surface area for infusion.
2. **Infuse the Vinegar:** Place the citrus peels in a clean glass jar. Pour white vinegar over the peels, ensuring they are completely submerged. The ratio of peels to vinegar doesn’t need to be exact, but aim for a jar that’s roughly half-filled with peels and topped off with vinegar.
3. **Steep and Strain:** Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-6 weeks. The longer it steeps, the stronger the cleaning power will be. Shake the jar occasionally to help the infusion process.
4. **Strain the Mixture:** After the steeping period, strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the peels. Discard the peels (or compost them!).
5. **Dilute (Optional):** For a less concentrated cleaner, dilute the citrus-infused vinegar with an equal amount of water. This is especially useful for delicate surfaces.
6. **Use and Store:** Pour the cleaner into a spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, sinks, appliances, and other surfaces. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate materials like wood or stone. Store the cleaner in a cool, dark place.
**Tips:**
* Use a variety of citrus peels for a more complex scent.
* Add a few drops of essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender, for added cleaning power and fragrance.
* For stubborn grime, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
* Avoid using the cleaner on porous surfaces like marble or granite, as the acidity of the vinegar can damage them.
## 2. Microwave Cleaner and Deodorizer
Tired of lingering food odors in your microwave? Citrus peels can help!
**Ingredients:**
* Citrus peels (lemon or orange work best)
* Water
* Microwave-safe bowl
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peels:** Place the citrus peels in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. **Add Water:** Add about 1 cup of water to the bowl.
3. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the water is boiling.
4. **Let Stand:** Leave the door closed and let the steam sit in the microwave for 5-10 minutes. This will loosen any stuck-on food and deodorize the interior.
5. **Wipe Clean:** Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!). Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth or sponge. The grime should come off easily.
**Tips:**
* For tougher stains, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water.
* The citrus-infused steam will also help to soften any dried food on the turntable.
* Repeat the process if necessary.
## 3. Garbage Disposal Freshener
A smelly garbage disposal is a common household problem. Citrus peels are a natural and effective solution.
**Ingredients:**
* Citrus peels (lemon, lime, or orange)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peels:** Cut the citrus peels into smaller pieces.
2. **Grind:** Turn on the garbage disposal and run cold water. Drop the citrus peel pieces into the disposal, a few at a time.
3. **Let it Run:** Let the disposal run for about 30 seconds to grind the peels completely.
4. **Turn Off:** Turn off the disposal and water.
**Tips:**
* For extra cleaning power, add a few ice cubes along with the citrus peels. The ice will help to scrub the disposal blades.
* Repeat this process once or twice a week to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh.
* Avoid putting large amounts of citrus peels into the disposal at once, as this could clog it.
## 4. Insect Repellent
Citrus peels contain compounds that naturally repel certain insects, such as ants and mosquitoes.
**Instructions:**
* **Ants:** Rub fresh citrus peels along ant trails or near entry points to deter them. You can also place small pieces of citrus peel near areas where you’ve seen ants.
* **Mosquitoes:** Rub fresh citrus peels on your skin to help repel mosquitoes. Be sure to test a small area of skin first to check for any allergic reactions. You can also place bowls of citrus peels around your patio or outdoor seating area.
**Tips:**
* Lemon and orange peels are particularly effective at repelling ants.
* The effectiveness of citrus peels as an insect repellent may vary depending on the type of insect and the concentration of the active compounds in the peel.
* This is a natural repellent, so it may need to be reapplied more frequently than commercial repellents.
## 5. Fire Starter
Citrus peels are flammable due to their oil content, making them a great natural fire starter.
**Instructions:**
1. **Dry the Peels:** Allow the citrus peels to dry completely. This can be done by leaving them out in the sun for a few days or by drying them in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for a few hours. Alternatively, dehydrate them using a food dehydrator.
2. **Use as Kindling:** Crumble the dried citrus peels and use them as kindling to start a fire in your fireplace, wood stove, or campfire. They will ignite easily and provide a pleasant citrus aroma.
**Tips:**
* Dried orange peels are particularly effective as fire starters.
* Store dried citrus peels in an airtight container to keep them dry and flammable.
* Combine dried citrus peels with other natural fire starters, such as pine needles or dried leaves, for even better results.
## 6. Skin Exfoliant
The citric acid in citrus peels can help to exfoliate and brighten your skin.
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peel:** Thoroughly wash a fresh citrus peel (lemon or orange work well).
2. **Rub on Skin:** Gently rub the inside of the peel on your face or body in circular motions. Avoid the eye area.
3. **Let it Sit:** Allow the juice from the peel to sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes.
4. **Rinse:** Rinse your skin with warm water and pat dry.
**Tips:**
* Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying to your entire face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
* Use this exfoliant no more than once or twice a week to avoid irritation.
* Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
* Do not use this method if you have open wounds, cuts, or sunburned skin.
## 7. Air Freshener/Potpourri
Citrus peels can be used to create a natural and refreshing air freshener or potpourri.
**Instructions:**
* **Simmering Potpourri:** Place citrus peels in a pot with water and simmer on low heat. The simmering water will release the citrusy aroma into the air. Add other spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise for a more complex scent.
* **Dried Potpourri:** Dry citrus peels in a low oven or dehydrator. Once dried, combine them with other dried flowers, spices, and essential oils to create a fragrant potpourri. Place the potpourri in a bowl or sachet to freshen up any room.
**Tips:**
* Experiment with different combinations of citrus peels and spices to create your own unique scent blends.
* Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the simmering potpourri for a stronger aroma.
* Refresh dried potpourri by adding a few drops of essential oil or spraying it with water.
## 8. Infused Oils and Vinegars
Add a citrusy twist to your culinary creations by infusing oils and vinegars with citrus peels.
**Instructions:**
* **Citrus-Infused Oil:** Place thoroughly dried citrus peels (lemon or orange work well) in a clean glass jar. Cover the peels with a high-quality olive oil or other carrier oil. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the peels. Use the infused oil for salad dressings, marinades, or cooking.
* **Citrus-Infused Vinegar:** Follow the same process as above, but use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of oil. The infused vinegar can be used for salad dressings, marinades, or cleaning.
**Tips:**
* Ensure the citrus peels are completely dry before infusing them in oil to prevent mold growth.
* Use organic citrus peels to avoid infusing your oil or vinegar with pesticides.
* Label the infused oil or vinegar with the date and type of citrus used.
## 9. Candied Citrus Peel
Transform citrus peels into a sweet and tangy treat.
**Ingredients:**
* Citrus peels (orange, lemon, or grapefruit)
* Water
* Sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peels:** Wash the citrus peels thoroughly and remove as much of the white pith as possible. The pith can be bitter, so removing it will improve the flavor of the candied peels. Cut the peels into strips.
2. **Boil and Blanch:** Place the peels in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and then drain. Repeat this process 2-3 times to remove more of the bitterness from the pith.
3. **Simmer in Sugar Syrup:** In a pot, combine equal parts water and sugar (e.g., 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the blanched citrus peels to the syrup and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the peels become translucent.
4. **Dry and Sugar:** Remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to dry for several hours or overnight. Once dry, toss the candied peels in granulated sugar.
**Tips:**
* The more pith you remove, the less bitter the candied peels will be.
* Reserve the sugar syrup to use in cocktails, baking, or to drizzle over desserts.
* Store candied citrus peels in an airtight container at room temperature.
## 10. Citrus Salt or Sugar
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your cooking and baking with citrus salt or sugar.
**Ingredients:**
* Citrus zest (lemon, lime, or orange)
* Salt (sea salt or kosher salt) or Sugar (granulated or cane sugar)
**Instructions:**
1. **Zest the Citrus:** Zest the citrus fruit, being careful not to include any of the white pith.
2. **Combine with Salt or Sugar:** In a bowl, combine the citrus zest with the salt or sugar. Use a ratio of about 1 tablespoon of zest to ½ cup of salt or sugar. Adjust the ratio to your preference.
3. **Dry:** Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dry in a low oven (around 170°F or 77°C) for 1-2 hours, or until the zest is completely dry. Alternatively, dry the mixture in a dehydrator or by air-drying it for several days.
4. **Grind (Optional):** Once dry, you can grind the mixture in a spice grinder or food processor for a finer texture.
5. **Store:** Store the citrus salt or sugar in an airtight container.
**Tips:**
* Use organic citrus fruit to avoid adding pesticides to your salt or sugar.
* Experiment with different types of citrus zest to create unique flavor combinations.
* Citrus salt is great for seasoning fish, chicken, vegetables, or popcorn. Citrus sugar is delicious in baking, tea, or cocktails.
## 11. Seed Starter Pots
Give your seedlings a natural and biodegradable start by using citrus peels as seed starter pots.
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peels:** Carefully cut the citrus fruit in half, leaving the peel intact. Remove the fruit pulp and thoroughly clean the peel halves.
2. **Poke Drainage Holes:** Poke a few small drainage holes in the bottom of each peel half.
3. **Fill with Soil:** Fill the citrus peel halves with potting soil.
4. **Plant Seeds:** Plant your seeds according to the seed packet instructions.
5. **Water and Care:** Water the seedlings regularly and provide them with adequate sunlight.
6. **Transplant:** When the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can plant the entire citrus peel pot directly into the ground or a larger container. The citrus peel will decompose and provide nutrients to the plant.
**Tips:**
* Use larger citrus fruits like grapefruits or oranges for larger seedlings.
* Label the citrus peel pots with the type of seed you planted.
* Citrus peels provide essential nutrients to the soil as they break down.
## 12. Teeth Whitener (Use with Caution)
Some people believe that rubbing citrus peels on their teeth can help to whiten them. However, this method should be used with caution, as the acidity of the citrus fruit can erode tooth enamel.
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peel:** Wash a fresh citrus peel (lemon or orange work best).
2. **Rub on Teeth:** Gently rub the inside of the peel on your teeth for a few minutes.
3. **Rinse:** Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Use sparingly:** Only use this method once or twice a week, if at all.
* **Enamel erosion:** The acidity of citrus fruit can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive and susceptible to cavities.
* **Consult your dentist:** Talk to your dentist before trying this method to ensure it is safe for your teeth.
* **Alternative methods:** There are many other safe and effective teeth whitening methods available, such as over-the-counter whitening strips or professional teeth whitening treatments.
**This method is controversial and potentially harmful. We recommend consulting with a dentist before attempting to whiten your teeth with citrus peels.**
## 13. Bath Soak
Add a citrusy and refreshing twist to your bath by adding citrus peels to the water.
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peels:** Collect citrus peels from your favorite citrus fruits.
2. **Add to Bath:** Add the citrus peels directly to your bathwater. You can also place them in a muslin bag or cheesecloth to prevent them from clogging the drain.
3. **Soak and Relax:** Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes and enjoy the refreshing citrus aroma.
**Tips:**
* Combine citrus peels with other natural bath additives, such as Epsom salts, essential oils, or herbs.
* The citrus oils in the peels can help to soften and hydrate your skin.
* Be careful not to slip in the bathtub, as the citrus oils can make the surface slippery.
## 14. Cleaning Cutting Boards
Citrus peels are a natural and effective way to clean and deodorize cutting boards.
**Instructions:**
1. **Sprinkle with Salt:** Sprinkle coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt) over the surface of the cutting board.
2. **Rub with Citrus Peel:** Use a fresh citrus peel (lemon or lime work best) to scrub the salt into the cutting board in circular motions.
3. **Rinse and Dry:** Rinse the cutting board thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
**Tips:**
* The salt acts as an abrasive to help scrub away food particles, while the citrus peel helps to disinfect and deodorize the cutting board.
* This method is safe for wooden and plastic cutting boards.
* Regularly cleaning your cutting boards with citrus peels can help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
## 15. Compost Booster
Citrus peels can be a valuable addition to your compost pile, adding nutrients and acidity that can benefit your plants.
**Instructions:**
1. **Chop the Peels:** Chop the citrus peels into smaller pieces to help them break down faster.
2. **Add to Compost:** Add the chopped citrus peels to your compost pile, along with other organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps.
3. **Turn the Compost:** Turn the compost pile regularly to ensure proper aeration and decomposition.
**Tips:**
* Avoid adding too many citrus peels to your compost pile at once, as the acidity can slow down the decomposition process. A good rule of thumb is to limit citrus peels to about 10% of the total volume of your compost pile.
* The acidity of citrus peels can help to balance the pH of alkaline compost piles.
* Citrus peels can also help to deter pests from your compost pile.
## Conclusion
As you can see, citrus peels are far from useless waste. With a little creativity, you can transform them into a variety of useful and eco-friendly products for your home. From cleaning solutions and air fresheners to fire starters and skin exfoliants, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you enjoy a juicy orange or a refreshing lemonade, don’t throw away the peels! Instead, put them to good use and discover the many benefits they have to offer. You’ll be saving money, reducing waste, and adding a touch of natural goodness to your life.
