6 Surprising Uses of Orange Peels You Never Knew About

 

mastanews.com 

Most of us enjoy the juicy sweetness of an orange and toss the peel into the bin without a second thought. But here’s the truth: that peel you’re throwing away is a little powerhouse packed with flavor, fragrance, nutrients, and even cleaning magic.

Instead of treating orange peels as waste, let’s explore seven creative, practical, and surprising ways you can put them to good use in your everyday life.

1. Natural Air Freshener

Tired of spending money on chemical-filled air fresheners? Orange peels give off a naturally refreshing citrus scent.

Place dried orange peels in a small bowl in your living room or bathroom.

Simmer them in a pot of water with cinnamon sticks and cloves for a cozy, warm fragrance.

Your home will smell inviting—like nature’s own diffuser.

2. Homemade Cleaning Spray

Orange peels are loaded with natural oils that cut through grease. Here’s a quick DIY cleaner:

Fill a glass jar with orange peels.

Cover them with white vinegar.

Let it sit for 1–2 weeks, then strain into a spray bottle.

You’ve just made an eco-friendly, citrus-powered cleaner for countertops, sinks, and even glass surfaces.

3. DIY Skin Scrub

Orange peels contain vitamin C and natural oils that can brighten and exfoliate skin. To make a gentle scrub:

Dry the peels and grind them into a fine powder.

Mix with honey or yogurt for a refreshing face mask.

Or add sugar and coconut oil for a body scrub.

It’s like giving your skin a spa day—straight from your kitchen.

4. Pest Repellent

Did you know orange peels can help keep ants and mosquitoes away? The natural oils are unpleasant to many insects.

Scatter fresh peels near windowsills or garden areas.

Rub the inside of a peel on your skin to repel mosquitoes (a natural alternative to chemical sprays).

Nature provides its own insect defense system—no toxic sprays required.

5. Flavor Booster in Cooking

The zest from orange peels can instantly transform a dish.

Add it to baked goods like cakes, cookies, or muffins.

Sprinkle a little zest over salads or roasted vegetables for a citrus kick.

Infuse orange peel in olive oil or tea for a gourmet touch.

That simple peel might just be your secret ingredient in the kitchen.

6. Fire Starter

If you’re camping or lighting up a fireplace, orange peels can help. Their natural oils are flammable and give off a pleasant aroma when burned.

Dry the peels completely.

Use them as a fragrant and eco-friendly fire starter.

It’s practical, smells amazing, and beats using harmful chemical starters.