Orange peels are often discarded, but when combined with a simple ingredient like salt, they can be transformed into a powerful, multi-purpose solution that can benefit your home in surprising ways. Here’s why adding salt to orange peels is a game changer and how you can use it effectively.
Why Salt and Orange Peels Work Together:
Orange Peels: Rich in natural oils and pleasant citrus aroma, orange peels contain limonene, a compound with antimicrobial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties. They’re perfect for natural cleaning, freshening up spaces, and repelling pests.
Salt: Acts as an abrasive and natural cleaner, salt enhances the cleaning power of orange peels while also absorbing odors and acting as a natural preservative.
Ways to Use Salt and Orange Peels Together:
1. Natural Air Freshener
Orange peels with salt can act as a natural air freshener, helping to eliminate bad odors in your home. The citrus scent is refreshing, while salt absorbs unpleasant smells.
How to Use:
Place orange peels in small bowls around your home and sprinkle salt on them.
Put the bowls in areas prone to bad odors like the kitchen, bathroom, or refrigerator.
Benefit: Naturally freshens the air, neutralizes odors, and leaves a pleasant citrus scent.
2. Powerful Cleaner for Sinks and Surfaces
The combination of salt and the natural oils in orange peels makes an effective scrub for cleaning sinks, countertops, and other surfaces. It helps remove stains, cuts through grease, and leaves surfaces smelling great.
How to Use:
Rub salted orange peels directly on surfaces like your kitchen sink, stovetop, or bathroom tiles.
The abrasive action of salt and the grease-fighting power of orange oils will clean and polish the surface.
Rinse with water after scrubbing.
Benefit: Cleans and deodorizes surfaces without harsh chemicals, leaving them shiny and fresh-smelling.
3. Pest Repellent
The natural oils in orange peels are effective in repelling ants, mosquitoes, and other insects. Adding salt enhances the repellent effect, making it a great way to keep pests away from your home.
How to Use:
Place orange peels with salt near entry points where you often see ants or other insects.
You can also blend orange peels and salt with water to create a spray and use it in problem areas.
Benefit: Naturally repels pests without the need for chemical sprays.
4. Garbage Disposal Cleaner
Orange peels and salt can be used to freshen and clean your garbage disposal, getting rid of food odors and build-up inside the unit.
How to Use:
Drop a few salted orange peels into your garbage disposal and run the disposal for a few seconds.
The salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away debris, while the orange peels leave behind a fresh, clean scent.
Benefit: Cleans and deodorizes your garbage disposal naturally.
5. DIY Body Scrub
Orange peels with salt can also be used as an invigorating body scrub. The vitamin C and natural oils in orange peels rejuvenate the skin, while salt exfoliates, leaving your skin smooth and fresh.
How to Use:
Mix grated orange peels with a tablespoon of salt and a little olive oil to create a natural exfoliating scrub.
Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse with water.
Benefit: Exfoliates and brightens the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.
6. Deodorize Shoes
Orange peels and salt can also be used to freshen up smelly shoes by absorbing moisture and eliminating bad odors.
How to Use:
Place salted orange peels inside your shoes overnight to remove any bad smells.
Benefit: Freshens and deodorizes shoes without any chemical sprays.
Conclusion:
By simply adding salt to orange peels, you create a powerful, natural solution for cleaning, deodorizing, and pest control. This eco-friendly combination is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways around the home. Try it out, and you’ll see why this simple hack will make you