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20 Brilliant Uses for Orange Peels: From Cleaning Hacks to DIY Beauty Tricks

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20 Brilliant Uses for Orange Peels: From Cleaning Hacks to DIY Beauty Tricks


1. Get a Fire Going Fast

You love curling up by the fire on chilly nights, but lighting it can take forever.

Dry the peels of a few oranges for several hours, then toss them into the fireplace and light them carefully.

The oils in citrus peels are highly flammable, making them catch fire faster than newspaper. You’ll be cozy in no time.


2. Ease Stress in a Flash

A hot bath is your go-to stress reliever, but you can make it even more soothing by adding orange peels. Tear up a couple of peels and toss them in the water. The citrus scent triggers the release of calming brain chemicals, helping you unwind instantly.


3. Freshen Smelly Shoes

After a long day in your favorite sneakers, you may notice they’re a bit, well, ripe. To freshen them overnight, place a few pieces of orange peel (white side down) inside each shoe. The peel absorbs moisture and odors, while releasing a fresh, citrusy scent. Bonus: The antibacterial properties help combat the bacteria that cause the smell.


4. Polish Wooden Furniture

Out of furniture polish? No problem! Simply rub the white side of an orange peel over your wooden table, then wipe off with a clean cloth. The natural oils moisturise the wood and leave it looking shiny, while the peel’s antibacterial properties keep it sanitised.


5. Whiten Teeth for Pennies

Forget pricey whitening kits! Gently rub the white part of an orange peel on your teeth for about 15 seconds. The peel contains a natural compound that lifts surface stains without damaging enamel. Repeat as often as you like for a brighter smile.


6. Keep Cats Out of Plants

Tired of your cat digging in your favorite potted plants? Simply scatter a few orange peels on the soil once a week. Cats find the citrus scent overwhelming, so they’ll stay away.


7. Reveal Radiant Skin

If dry weather has your skin looking dull, try this simple face mask: Grate an orange peel and mix it with a bit of orange juice and 1/4 cup of canola oil. Apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for a minute, then rinse. The peel gently exfoliates while the oil hydrates, leaving you with a healthy glow.


8. Keep Brown Sugar Soft

Tired of rock-hard brown sugar? Place a slice of orange peel inside the bag. The peel releases moisture, keeping the sugar soft and clump-free without affecting the flavor. Just replace the peel monthly.


9. Remove Soap Scum on Glassware

Discovered cloudy wine glasses right before your dinner party? Soak them in warm water with a few orange peels for five minutes. The citric acid in the peel breaks down soap scum and mineral deposits, leaving your glasses sparkling clean.


10. Make a Fruit-Fly Trap

Fruit flies buzzing around? To catch them, take a yogurt container, poke holes in the lid with a nail, and add an orange peel inside. Place the lid on, and leave it where the flies gather. The sweet citrus scent attracts the flies, who won’t be able to escape through the holes.


11. Clean Kitchen Messes Naturally

Avoid harsh chemicals with this simple DIY cleaner: Combine the peel of one orange with 1½ cups of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Seal and let it sit for two weeks, then add 1 cup of water. The citric acid breaks down grease, while the vinegar disinfects, leaving your kitchen sparkling.


12. Lift Ink Stains from Skin

Got ink stains from a leaky pen? Rub the white side of an orange peel over the ink spots. The oils in the peel help lift the ink from your skin, making stains vanish easily.


13. Buff Away Scuffs on Leather Shoes

Scuffed leather shoes? Lightly rub the white side of an orange peel on the marks, then wipe with a clean cloth. The peel’s natural oils are absorbed by the leather, helping to reduce scuffs and restore their appearance.


14. Remove a Splinter Painlessly

Got a splinter? Place an orange peel (white side down) over the area and tape it in place for 30 minutes. The enzymes in the peel help draw the splinter to the surface, making it easier to remove with minimal discomfort.


15. Perk Up Dull Houseplants

Give your houseplants a little TLC by rubbing the white side of an orange peel on their leaves. The rough texture gently buffs away dust, and the natural oils add a glossy shine, making your plants look refreshed.


16. Soothe a Bug Bite

Got a mosquito bite? Rub the inside of an orange peel on the inflamed area. The polysaccharides in the peel help reduce swelling and inflammation, offering fast relief.


17. Grill Juicier Chicken

Keep your chicken moist on the grill by placing an orange peel on top of each breast. The peel acts as a barrier, helping the meat retain its natural juices and stay tender.


18. Add Flavor to Olive Oil

For a quick flavor boost, chop three orange peels and puree them with 1 cup of olive oil in a food processor. Let it sit for an hour, then strain. You now have a delicious citrus-flavored oil perfect for dipping or drizzling over dishes!


19. Steam Away Microwave Stains

Don’t waste time scrubbing microwave stains. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and the rinds from four oranges, then heat it on high for 5 minutes. The steam loosens dried-on food, and the citric acid helps dissolve messes, so you can wipe everything away in a flash.


20. Freshen Musty Closets

To freshen up musty closets, place orange peels in the foot of an old pair of pantyhose, tie it off, and hang it in the closet. The peel absorbs odors while releasing a fresh citrus fragrance, keeping your linens smelling great.


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