Have an abundance of orange peels? Instead of tossing them in the organic bin or compost (or, dare I say, trash), they’ve an abundant uses around the home. Here are some of our favourites:
Rub the inside of the orange peel on light bulbs and radiators. Once they’re flipped 
on, they’ll emit a fresh scent throughout your home.
Make easy orange-scented cleaner by emptying a large jug and filling it up with water. Add peels and let the mixture sit for a few weeks, shaking occasionally. Use this mop floors, dust furniture, and clean your counter tops.
Soak peels with vinegar or vodka for a few weeks for flavoured, cost-efficient versions of your staple ingredients or drinks.
Rub on your nails for easy shine.
Keep them on hand for when you go camping; they’re great fire starters! You can also use them in your home fireplace.
Use dried peels to make sachets and potpourri.
Scatter them in your garden to discourage cats from using it as a personal litter box – cats aren’t too citrus-savvy.
Not just for cats, the oil in orange peels are a natural insect repellent. Rub a fresh orange peel on your skin to deter mosquitoes.
Dry the peels and grind them to a powder. Shake in your bath water for ultimate skin-glow bliss.
Soak a few peels in a cup of warm water, then puree until smooth. Pour into anthills to prevent infestation.
Boil a couple peels on the stove with other strong, Christmas-y scents like cloves and a cinnamon stick, for instant home fragrance.
Have some more? Add them below!
Image courtesy of bbc.co.uk
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
shane, on June 15th, 2009 says:
I can vouch for the mosquito thing – do it all the time.
j hudson, on June 15th, 2009 says:
Hey great ideas! Thanks!!!
luvgreen, on June 15th, 2009 says:
Mmm we do this at christmas with cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and a few drops of cranberry oil, but adding the oranges is a great idea.
RecipeQueen, on June 15th, 2009 says:
don’t forget candied citrus peels!
Laurie, on June 15th, 2009 says:
Right! Obviously. Thanks for the inclusion.
This is a great step-by-step that lays it all out: click here.
Nancy Martini, on June 15th, 2009 says:
Another use for orange peels on your next outdoor adventure…
Muffin Filled Oranges on the Campfire Coals (or on the grill)
1. Cut 6 to 8 oranges in half and remove all the fruit, but keep the peels in two halves without any holes. Eat the oranges or reserve them for later, then save the peels in a sealed container. (Note: if you don’t remove all the fruit it will take forever to cook. I learned the hard way!)
2. Prepare your favorite small box of easy muffin mix according to the directions.
3. Fill one half of the orange peel with the muffin mix 1/2 of the way, then replace the other orange peel half back on top.
4. Tightly wrap the muffin filled oranges with heavy duty foil (regular foil will break.)
5. Bake on hot coals or a grill for about 20 minutes; turn often.
It can be a bit messy, but a great alternative to S’mores!
Laurie, on June 18th, 2009 says:
Awesome tip!!!!!!! I bet they taste great, too!
Mizuki, on July 17th, 2009 says:
awesome tips! Lately my cats got into the habit of using this one tree as their litterbox, and if the wind blows we’d smell it on the veranda. I put orange peels there now, curious to see if it works!
Chris, on January 19th, 2010 says:
Thanks for the tips! I’ll keep them in mind