Every year, millions of people throw away orange peels without realizing their incredible value. What if you could turn these discarded scraps into powerful cleaning agents, natural beauty treatments, and even health boosters? By adding **salt to orange peels**, you unlock their hidden potential, making them an essential ingredient for various household uses.
Instead of wasting money on expensive cleaning products, skincare treatments, and air fresheners, learn how to **repurpose orange peels** in the most effective way. This simple trick will transform how you see this common kitchen waste.
## Why Orange Peels Are So Valuable
Orange peels are **packed with natural oils, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties** that make them useful for everything from cleaning to skincare. They contain **limonene**, a powerful compound that acts as a natural degreaser, deodorizer, and even a pest repellent.
When combined with **salt**, the benefits of orange peels increase dramatically. Salt helps extract essential oils, enhances their cleaning power, and neutralizes bad odors. Together, they form a potent, eco-friendly solution for multiple household needs.
## How to Use Salted Orange Peels Around the House
### **1. Natural Air Freshener**
Forget chemical-laden air fresheners—orange peels with salt can naturally absorb unpleasant smells while releasing a fresh, citrusy fragrance.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Place fresh orange peels in a small bowl.
– Sprinkle **a teaspoon of salt** over the peels.
– Leave them in areas that need odor control, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or refrigerator.
The salt draws out moisture and essential oils, helping the peels release their fragrance longer.
### **2. Powerful Natural Cleaner**
The combination of orange peels and salt creates a **natural degreaser and disinfectant**, perfect for cleaning greasy stovetops, sinks, and kitchen counters.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Fill a jar with orange peels and cover them with salt.
– Let it sit for **24 hours** to extract the oils.
– Add white vinegar and let it soak for another **2-3 days**.
– Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle.
Use this natural citrus cleaner on surfaces to cut through grease, remove stains, and leave your home smelling fresh.
### **3. Garbage Disposal Deodorizer**
Over time, food waste can cause your garbage disposal to develop an unpleasant smell. Orange peels and salt help eliminate odors and keep your sink smelling fresh.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Toss a handful of salted orange peels into the garbage disposal.
– Run warm water and turn on the disposal for **30 seconds**.
– The citrus oils break down grease while the salt scrubs away residue.
### **4. Pest Repellent**
Oranges contain **limonene**, a natural insect repellent that keeps ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes away.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Dry orange peels and grind them into a powder.
– Mix with salt and sprinkle in areas where pests appear, such as entryways, kitchen corners, and windowsills.
This mixture helps deter unwanted insects without using toxic chemicals.
## Beauty and Health Benefits of Salted Orange Peels
### **5. DIY Citrus Body Scrub**
Orange peels are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help brighten skin and remove dead cells. Adding salt creates a gentle exfoliating scrub that leaves your skin glowing.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Grind dried orange peels into a fine powder.
– Mix with salt and a little coconut oil or honey.
– Gently scrub your skin in circular motions, then rinse.
This homemade scrub improves skin texture and reduces blemishes naturally.
### **6. Teeth Whitening Remedy**
Orange peels contain **d-limonene**, known for its ability to reduce stains and whiten teeth. Salt enhances this effect by removing plaque.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Rub the inside of an orange peel (the white pith) on your teeth.
– Sprinkle a tiny amount of salt for added scrubbing power.
– Rinse after **1-2 minutes**.
Using this trick **twice a week** can naturally brighten your smile without harsh chemicals.
### **7. Natural Cold and Cough Remedy**
Orange peels have antimicrobial properties that can help **soothe sore throats and boost immunity**. Adding salt enhances their decongestant effects.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Boil orange peels with a pinch of salt in water for **10 minutes**.
– Drink the warm tea with honey to relieve coughs and clear congestion.
This natural remedy has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to fight colds and flu.
## Eco-Friendly Gardening Uses
### **8. Fertilizer and Soil Booster**
Orange peels contain **calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen**, essential nutrients for plant growth. Salt enhances soil balance by preventing mold and pests.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Dry and grind orange peels into a powder.
– Mix with a small amount of salt and sprinkle over soil.
– Water plants as usual to release nutrients gradually.
This method helps improve soil health and boosts plant immunity.
### **9. Compost Accelerator**
Citrus peels decompose slowly, but adding salt speeds up the breakdown process, enriching compost with valuable nutrients.
🔹 **How to Use:**
– Chop orange peels into small pieces.
– Mix with a handful of salt before adding to compost.
Over time, this enhances compost quality and provides organic matter for your garden.
## Stop Throwing Away Orange Peels – Start Using Them
Most people see orange peels as waste, but they are **a hidden household treasure**. By simply adding salt, you unlock their **cleaning, beauty, health, and gardening benefits**, saving money and reducing waste.
Next time you eat an orange, don’t throw away the peel—**put it to good use**
💡 Have you tried any of these orange peel hacks? Share your experience in the comments