How to reuse orange peels : fun and interesting ideas to recycle and exploit the properties of orange peel.
The orange is one of the most appreciated and consumed citrus fruits in the world; with this fruit we can prepare fruit juices, pressed juices, jams… In addition to having a pleasant flavor, the orange is an excellent source of vitamin C and essential minerals.
They are the fruit that characterizes winter: their ripening begins from November until spring and they can be harvested until June-July. The orange has a rather rough external peel; the pulp of the fruit is usually appreciated, so the peel is disposed of, as it is considered useless.
How to reuse orange peels
Many do not know that the peel also has several beneficial properties and can be used in body care, in cosmetics. Let’s see some ideas for recycling orange peels after enjoying its delicious pulp.
Scented candle
Thanks to its intense smell, orange peel can be used to make scented candles.
- Preparation
Cut the top of the orange and extract the pulp, taking care not to break the peel.
Once this is done, fill the inside with candle wax and insert a wick.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
The citric acid it contains has a strong brightening power and is therefore able to clean and disinfect stainless steel surfaces.
- Preparation
Cut the orange peel and rub it on the affected surfaces
Multipurpose cleaner
In combination with vinegar, we can make a multipurpose cleaner, particularly suitable for disinfecting the home and removing stains. It has a powerful antibacterial and stain-removing effect; a product to be used as an alternative to commercial chemical products.
- Preparation
Pour 250 ml of white wine vinegar into a plastic container and add the orange peels. Store in the dark for a week.
Once ready, transfer the mixture into a container with a vaporizer for easier application.
As a flavor enhancer
Thanks to this nice idea, we can take advantage of the beneficial properties of orange peel.
- Preparation
Grate the peel and use the resulting ingredient to flavor meats, salads, desserts and biscuits. You can also include it in teas and smoothies.
Against mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are sensitive to the strong odors that citrus fruits give off, which is a great reason to make an eco-friendly DIY repellent against these annoying insects.
- Preparation
Place some orange peels near places where mosquitoes are suspected.
Alternatively, we can prepare a tea with this ingredient and let its steam drive away the insects.
Eco-friendly deodorant
Here’s another nice idea to make to perfume and purify your home, the studded orange
- Preparation
Take a not too ripe orange and stick cloves in it until it is completely covered.
It should be placed in a strategic point of the house so that it can release its aroma.
Biodegradable bird feeder
If the orange peel is thick, we can make a nice biodegradable bird feeder
- Preparation
Cut the orange so as not to ruin the peel, empty the pulp then attach a string to hang it from a branch. At this point all you have to do is add some bird food
Shoe Deodorant
The aroma of citrus fruits proves effective in fighting bad odors that shoes give off due to humidity and bacteria.
- Preparation
Cut the orange peel into several pieces and place them inside the shoes.
Leave the pieces inside overnight and remove them before wearing them.
Natural sponge
Fresh peels contain essential oils that can be used to remove grease from pots and pans.
- Use
Instead of using a traditional sponge, rub the peels on the grease-encrusted surface and rinse.
Even banana, apple and potato peels lend themselves to alternative uses. In this regard, I invite you to read the article ” How to recycle fruit peels “
