How to use orange peels? Useful ideas for use in the home, kitchen and garden

IfAll-purpose cleaner in the house, as an alternative to fabric softener or to freshen up the trash can or as an addition to the compost: the orange peels are true all-rounders and can be used in many ways. If you too have a lot of bowls after the Christmas holidays, then the next article is for you. We give you several ideas on how you can use orange peels.

Recycle orange peels: use in the household

In winter, oranges are one of the most popular exotic fruits. But not only the pulp tastes very fresh and delicious, the peels can also be used for cooking and baking. But you can also use the orange peelsuse in the household. For example, you can:

Clean with orange peel

You can do various things with orange peelMake your own cleaning supplies.

How to Use Orange Peel as an All-Purpose Cleaner:Place the fresh orange peels in a jam jar and then fill the jar with apple cider vinegar. Let the peels steep for 20 days. Check from time to time whether the bowls are completely covered with vinegar and top up with vinegar if necessary. After 20 days, remove the orange peels and add 1/3 teaspoon of dish soap to the jar. Close the jam jar and shake it vigorously to dissolve the detergent. You can use this all-purpose cleaner to clean glass surfaces and ceramics. First test the effect on an invisible area. Natural stone such as marble and fittings can become discolored.

Remove limescale stains with orange peel:Stubborn limescale stainson the shower door? Rub them with the inside of the orange peels, then wipe the shower door with a damp cloth.

Use as rinse aid:Place a handful of orange peels in the cutlery compartment of the dishwasher. There you can fully develop your impact. The bowls can not only soften the water in the machine, but will also give off a pleasant scent. Tip: Do not cut the peels into small pieces as the small pieces can clog the drain pipe.

Using orange peels in the household: Other uses

To get brown sugar soft again:Add an orange peel to the glass with the brown sugar. The shell will prevent the sugar from clumping and will make it soft again.

Refresh the organic waste bin:TheOrganic waste bin stinksagain? The waste starts to smell after just a few hours. The smells are not only unpleasant, but can also attract unwanted guests into the house. Luckily, there is a home remedy that neutralizes the odors and drives away the pests. Add a handful of orange peels to the bucket. After emptying it, wash it thoroughly and place another handful of orange peels on the bottom.

Use to light fireplaces and campfires:Crackling fire in the fireplace ensures comfort in the winter months. The orange peels contain highly flammable oils and can help you light the fireplace quickly.

Flavor your wardrobe with dried orange peels.Place dried orange peels in a jute bag and place it between clothes in the closet.

Orange peels as part of the beauty routine

Orange peels are said to have anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in vitamins and contain valuable substances that stimulate skin renewal. To make a peeling mask, line a windowsill with newspaper and let the peels dry there. The dry orange peels are then ground into powder and then mixed with Greek yogurt. The finished mask is applied to the face. It is best to massage the mask into the skin using gentle circular movements and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then you can rinse them with cold water.

You can also make your own hair conditioner from orange peels. For this purpose, add 3-4 tablespoons of orange peel powder to 200 ml of lukewarm water and stir well. Distribute the hair conditioner onto your hair and rub into the roots.

What can you do with orange peels? Uses in the kitchen

Flavoring water:The orange water has a mild taste and is particularly refreshing. Use the peels of organic oranges and let them sit in the water for an hour.

Orange peel tea:You can also buy organic fruit to make tea from orange peels. Add ground spices such as 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon star anise and 1 teaspoon thyme to a tea filter. Add 2-3 tablespoons of dried and chopped orange peel. Cook everything.

What to do with organic orange peels?Candie, preserve and use as a garnish. The organic orange peels offer numerous possible uses.

Use the orange peels as a baking flavoring.Let the peels dry on the windowsill for 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can line a baking tray with baking paper and let the bowls dry in the oven at 60° Celsius without fan for half an hour. Open the oven door every now and then to allow the moisture to escape.

Use orange oil to refine dishes and salads.You can easily make the oil yourself. For 500 ml of orange oil you need 6 small or 5 medium oranges and 500 ml of neutral flavored vegetable oil. Optional: 1/3 tsp chili powder. Peel the oranges, removing the white underside skin and allowing to dry. Cut the dried peels into strips and put them in a jam jar. Add the chili powder and pour the vegetable oil into the glass. Place the orange oil in a dark place and let it steep for about a month. Shake the jar every three days. After a month, strain the oil through cheesecloth. The oil can last up to 3 months if stored correctly.

What can you use orange peels for in the garden

The orange peels are also used in the garden. Below we list several suggestions on how you can use them.

Home remedies for mosquito bites:In summer we like to spend time in the garden. A natural remedy for mosquitoes and flies on the terrace is orange peel. Rub the peels on the skin and place them in a bowl on the table to repel the insects.

Make the garden soil more acidic, increase the pH value:Add chopped orange peels to the compost heap and use them to fertilize the plants. The peels of citrus fruits canpH value in garden soilincrease.

Use as a natural repellent against aphids:Orange oil is a bee-friendly alternative to chemical agents to combat aphids. The oil does not penetrate the plant but forms an oil film on the leaves and stems. Spray the plants from top to bottom, all parts of the plant should be sprayed.

Cats from the gardendrive out:Many cats don't like the smell of orange peel. It's definitely worth a try. Spread orange peel and spray the paths and places in the garden where the animals like to hang out.