Lemon Peels: 12 Surprising Uses That Will Change Your Mind About Throwing Them Away
Lemon peels are often discarded without a second thought, but did you know they are packed with beneficial compounds and can be used in a variety of ways? From cleaning your home to improving your skincare routine, lemon peels are surprisingly versatile. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider these 12 unusual ways to use lemon peels that can help reduce waste and enhance your daily life.
Natural Air Freshener with Lemon Peels
One of the simplest ways to use lemon peels is as a natural air freshener. The refreshing citrus scent can easily freshen up any space in your home. To do this, simmer a few lemon peels in a pot of water for about an hour. As the steam rises, it will fill your room with a clean, citrus fragrance that’s far better than any synthetic air freshener. You can even mix in a few herbs like rosemary or lavender to create a customized scent.
Homemade Lemon Vinegar Cleaner
Why spend money on expensive cleaning products filled with chemicals when you can make your own eco-friendly cleaner using lemon peels and vinegar? This simple combination creates a powerful, all-natural solution that works wonders on counters, floors, and bathroom surfaces. Here’s how to make it: place your leftover lemon peels in a jar, fill the jar with white vinegar, and let it sit for two weeks. After the waiting period, strain the liquid, pour it into a spray bottle, and use it for a sparkling clean home.
Keep Insects Away Naturally
Lemon peels are not just great for cleaning, they also serve as an effective natural insect repellent. Bugs like ants, flies, and mosquitoes detest the strong citrus scent, making it a perfect non-toxic solution for keeping your home insect-free. Simply place dried lemon peels in areas where insects are common, such as windowsills, doorways, or outdoor seating areas. Not only will your space smell fresh, but it will also stay bug-free without the need for chemical sprays.
Refreshing Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and retain strong odors from various foods. Lemon peels are the perfect solution for this common kitchen problem. To clean your cutting boards, simply rub a lemon peel over the surface. The acidity in the lemon helps to sanitize and disinfect, while the natural oils in the peel condition the wood, leaving your cutting board fresh and odor-free.
DIY Lemon Scrub for Glowing Skin
Did you know that lemon peels can be used in your skincare routine? Rich in citric acid and vitamin C, lemon peels are excellent for exfoliating and brightening your skin. To make a simple DIY lemon scrub, mix finely grated lemon zest with sugar and coconut oil. This natural scrub will help slough away dead skin cells and leave your skin looking radiant and smooth. Just be careful to avoid using it on irritated skin, as the acidity could cause irritation.
Enhance Your Recipes with Lemon Zest
Before you throw away those lemon peels, consider zesting them! Lemon zest adds a burst of citrusy flavor to a wide variety of dishes, from desserts to marinades, salads, and dressings. To zest a lemon, use a fine grater or zester to remove the outer layer of the peel. You can use it fresh or dry the zest and store it for later use. This is a great way to enhance the flavor of your food without adding extra calories.
Infuse Olive Oil with Lemon Flavor
If you’re a fan of gourmet cooking, you’ll love this next tip. Lemon peels can be used to make lemon-infused olive oil, a delicious condiment perfect for drizzling over salads, vegetables, and fish. To make your own, simply add lemon peels to a bottle of olive oil and let the mixture sit for about a week. The result is a fragrant, citrusy oil that will elevate your dishes to a whole new level.
Deodorize Trash Cans with Lemon Peels
Trash cans are notorious for harboring unpleasant odors, but lemon peels can help with that. Place a few peels at the bottom of your trash can or compost bin to neutralize odors as they decompose. The peels release a fresh citrus scent that keeps unpleasant smells at bay. Plus, using lemon peels in this way is an easy and eco-friendly solution to a common household problem.
Naturally Whiten Your Teeth
Believe it or not, lemon peels can even help whiten your teeth. The compound d-limonene, found in the white part of lemon peels, can help remove surface stains from your teeth. To try this natural whitening method, gently rub the inside of a lemon peel on your teeth for about a minute, then rinse with water. However, it’s important to use this sparingly, as the acidity of lemon can wear down tooth enamel if overused.
Shine Chrome Faucets with Ease
Tired of seeing water spots and stains on your chrome faucets and fixtures? Lemon peels can come to the rescue. The citric acid in the peel breaks down mineral deposits and helps to restore the shine to chrome fixtures. To use, simply rub the peel over the surface of the faucet or showerhead, and then buff it with a soft cloth. Your fixtures will be sparkling in no time.
Soothe a Sore Throat
Lemon peels also have medicinal properties that can help soothe a sore throat. They contain antibacterial compounds that can alleviate throat irritation. To make a natural remedy, boil lemon peels in water for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid and drink it with a little honey. This soothing drink can provide relief from sore throats and colds.
Deodorize Your Refrigerator
Does your fridge have lingering food odors? Lemon peels can help with that too. Place lemon peels in a small bowl inside your refrigerator to absorb unpleasant smells. For an added boost, sprinkle some baking soda over the peels. This simple solution will keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean.
Bonus Tip: Make Lemon Peel Powder
For those who love DIY projects, lemon peel powder is a fantastic way to maximize the use of your lemon peels. To make it, dry out the peels and grind them into a fine powder. Lemon peel powder can be used in baking, teas, face masks, or even cleaning products. It’s a concentrated way to take advantage of the nutrients and aroma of lemon peels and is a great option for those who want to get the most out of their ingredients.
Tips for Using Lemon Peels Effectively
- Always wash lemons thoroughly before using the peels to remove any pesticides or chemicals.
- Store leftover peels in the freezer until you’re ready to use them in your next project.
- Avoid using lemon peels on broken or sensitive skin, as the acidity can cause irritation.
- For longer-lasting lemon zest, store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can lemon peels be used in compost?
Yes! Lemon peels are compostable and will break down over time, adding beneficial nutrients to your compost pile.
How can I dry lemon peels for later use?
To dry lemon peels, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a low oven (around 200°F) for 1-2 hours, or leave them out in a sunny spot for a few days.
Can I use lemon peels to clean stainless steel?
Yes, lemon peels work well on stainless steel. The acidity helps remove grime and fingerprints, leaving your appliances looking shiny.
Lemon peels are much more than waste; they’re a valuable resource! Try incorporating some of these methods into your daily routine to get the most out of every lemon.