Blue Sailor
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Do you throw your orange peels in the garbage? You probably do, like most people do, but did you know they can be quite useful? Here are several ideas of how to use them both in your home and garden.
- Dry the orange peels for use in homemade potpourri or teas.
- Simmer orange peels in water with spices to humidify and freshen the air in your house.
- Zest the oranges and freeze small portions for later use in recipes. (My favorite way to use orange zest is in sugar cookies!)
- Cut or grate the peels and add them to your garden to deter insects, cats, and dogs that disturb your plants. Some people mix them with coffee grounds for this purpose.
- Add the peels to your compost for a boost of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. (You may not want put citrus peels into your compost if you are vermicomposting. Although the peels won’t hurt the worms, many worms simply won’t eat them.)
- Dry orange peels and grind them into a powder you can strew around your patio to help deter mosquitoes. You can also rub your skin with the peels for a natural insect repellent.
- Use a hollowed out orange half for a mini bird feeder. Or squeeze the last juices from the orange into a shallow bowl for butterflies to feed on. You can even put out the peels themselves, as the bright orange color attracts these beneficial insects.
- Put orange peels in a jar with white vinegar and let them steep. You will have a lovely orange-scented cleaning solution that is safe and inexpensive. It is good for cleaning greasy surfaces and it smells so much better than those strong commercial cleaning products!
I love orange essential oils used in a diffuser, such a wonderful aroma throughout the room.
i very sweet and uplifting smell 🙂
I love the smell of orange.
Me too! Our DIY orange cleaner is in its spray bottle now and it’s nice to be able to clean wih something that is natural.
Fine! These are really awesome ways to use orange peels! I did not know that. Thank you, Blue Sailor.
We just started a jar of orange vinegar today. I like that I can make my own, and it’s very safe.
nice!!
I hope you will try some of the ideas.
Very useful tips! Thanks
You’re so welcome. I’m glad you liked them!
Very useful tips! I usually just cut them and leave them so they can aromatize the room.
I often do that, except I add them to a pot of simmering water and throw in some cinnamon sticks and cloves.
great tips thanks for sharing
You are most welcome!
Handy information. I will never throw the orange peels again
I am learning what to do with banana peels too. I will try to post about that, as well!
Thanks for sharing this! I have tried to make the cleaning supplies with orange peels and use them for composting. I am going to try the rest. It’s good that we can always re-use what we thought we have to just throw them away. 🙂
Let me know which idea works best for you.
I heart oranges. 🙂
I do too! But I love lemons and grapefruit too.