Don't toss the peels away the next time you grab a juicy orange or pucker-causing lemon! Packed with essential fragrances that leave your house gleaming and smelling amazing, as well as citric acid, which cuts through grease and filth, citrus rinds are a natural cleaning gem.

With ten creative cleaning tips that forgo harsh chemicals and celebrate the power of nature, Fresh Tech Maid is here to reveal the wonder of citrus peels!

1. All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner

For floors, appliances, sinks, and counters, citrus peels are your best friend.

Things You Need 

Steps

  1. Gather your peels: Wash and roughly chop the peels of your citrus fruits. Pack a clean jar (glass is ideal) firmly with the peels.
  2. Fill with vinegar: Pour enough white vinegar and DI water over the peels to completely submerge them. Seal the jar tightly.
  3. Let it steep: Patience is key! Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks (4 weeks is even better). The longer it steeps, the stronger the cleaner will be. After 4 weeks, your cleaner is ready, and you can use it on various surfaces combined with a microfiber cloth

2. Degrease Like a Dream

Due to their inherent degreasing properties, citrus peels are ideal for cleaning greasy stove tops and oven mishaps.

Things You Need 

  • Fresh citrus peels (orange or lemon peels work best)
  • Salt
  • Baking soda (optional)

Steps

  • Sprinkle some salt: First, Thoroughly sprinkle salt and baking soda over the greasy area.
  • Ready Your Peels: Cut a fresh citrus peel in half, then clean the oily area with the fleshy side.
  • Scrub Scrub Scrub: Scrub in circular motion for max efficiency. While citrus cuts through grease, salt helps to remove dirt.

3. Shine Up Your Stainless Steel

Streaky stainless steel appliances can be a real eyesore. Citrus peels can help restore their shine.

Things You Need 

Steps

  • Lemon Peel Scrubber: Using the sliced side of a lemon or grapefruit peel, gently scrub the stainless steel surface. The stains and dirt will be lifted by the citric acid.
  • Final touches: Apply a little bit of olive oil to the surface with a microfiber cloth to give it a little additional shine.

Additional Use Case 

4. Control Fridge Smells: Use a dish of dried or fresh lemon or orange peels to eliminate refrigerator smells.

5. Refresh Cutting Boards: Salt and a lemon or lime slice can disinfect and deodorize cutting boards.

6. Make Your Microwave Sparkle: Using DI water and a lemon or orange half, steam your microwave to loose dirt, followed by a clean wipe with a microfiber cloth.

7. Remove Stains from Garbage Disposal: To refresh and eliminate garbage disposal smells, grind ice cubes and citrus peels.

8. Get Rid of Sticky Labels: Use an orange or lemon peel to remove any sticky leftovers.

9. Naturally Scented Drawer Sachets: Stuff muslin bags with dried citrus peels for a naturally fragrant drawer sachet.

10. Make-Your-Own Potpourri: Using dried citrus peels, spices, and flowers, make a lovely and aromatic mixture.

Wrapping Up

By including these ten genius tips into your cleaning regimen, you can use the natural power to leave your house smelling and looking brand new.  Citrus peels are an affordable cleaning option that helps make your family and the environment safer since they do not need harsh chemicals.  Remember this the next time you grab a citrus fruit: the peels are a cleaning powerhouse just waiting to be used.