Don’t Toss Those Orange Peels! Turn Them into Household Gold with Just Salt

We all know the juicy goodness of oranges, but what about the peels? Often discarded, orange peels are a treasure trove of cleaning power and refreshing scents waiting to be unleashed in your home. With a little salt, you can transform these humble peels into a multi-purpose weapon against grime and unpleasant odors.

Here’s why orange peels deserve a place in your cleaning cabinet, not the trash bin:

• Natural Degreaser: Orange peels contain d-limonene, a powerful oil that cuts through grease like magic.
• Antibacterial Powerhouse: Studies have shown orange peels to have some antibacterial properties, making them a great natural disinfectant.
• Fresh Citrus Power: The natural citrus scent of orange peels is a breath of fresh air compared to harsh chemical cleaners.

Salting the Deal: The Magic of Salt

Salt plays a key role in this recipe. It helps to:

• Draw Out the Good Stuff: Salt helps extract the beneficial oils and d-limonene from the orange peels.
• Boost Cleaning Power: Salt is a natural abrasive that can help scrub away stubborn grime.
• Preserve the Mixture: Salt helps extend the shelf life of your homemade cleaner.

Transforming Peels into Power: The Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create your all-natural orange peel cleaner:

• Ingredients:

  • Orange peels (fresh or dried) from 3-4 oranges
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup coarse salt
  • Spray bottle (optional)

• Instructions:

1. Gather Your Peels: Wash and dry the orange peels, or use leftover peels you’ve saved in the freezer.
2. Chop It Up: Roughly chop the peels into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more surface area and the stronger the cleaner.
3. Salt & Soak: In a jar or container, combine the orange peels and salt. Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours, allowing the salt to draw out the good stuff.
4. Water Power: After 24 hours, add the cup of water to the mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
5. Strain & Store: Strain the liquid into a spray bottle (if using) or another container for easy application.

Multipurpose Magic: How to Use Your Orange Peel Cleaner

This all-natural cleaner can tackle a variety of tasks around the house:

• Cleaning Countertops: The degreasing power of orange peels makes them perfect for wiping down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
• Freshening Garbage Cans: Neutralize unpleasant odors by spraying the inside of your trash can or wiping it down with a cloth soaked in the cleaner.
• Shining Stainless Steel: The natural oils in the peels can leave a streak-free shine on stainless steel appliances.
• Deodorizing Cutting Boards: Cutting boards can harbor bacteria. Give them a good scrub with the orange peel cleaner for a natural clean.

Embrace the Power of Natural Cleaning

Not only are you saving money by using orange peels instead of chemical cleaners, but you’re also creating a safer and more pleasant cleaning experience for yourself and your family. So next time you reach for an orange, don’t throw away those peels! They’re a goldmine waiting to be discovered!