Orange peels often end up in the trash, but they’re actually packed with powerful benefits—especially when combined with salt. Rather than throwing them away, you can turn these peels into a versatile resource for cleaning, beauty, cooking, and even gardening.
Here’s how you can use orange peels and salt to make life a little easier, more eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
Natural Cleaning Solutions with Salt and Orange Peels
All-Purpose Cleaner
You probably already know that citrus oils have natural antibacterial properties. When paired with salt, orange peels can become the ultimate cleaning agent. To create an effective all-purpose cleaner, mix dried orange peels with salt to form a paste.
This combination helps scrub away dirt and grime while the citrus oils fight bacteria. It’s perfect for kitchen counters, stovetops, sinks, and even bathroom surfaces.
Home Deodorizer
Foul odors can linger in the fridge, trash bins, or closets. Instead of relying on harsh chemical air fresheners, try using salt and dried orange peels to neutralize unpleasant smells. Simply place them in a bowl and let the natural properties of citrus absorb the odors. It’s a simple, eco-friendly alternative to artificial deodorizers.
Boost Your Skin Care Routine
Exfoliating Scrub
Orange peels are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a fantastic addition to your skincare routine. Ground dried orange peels mixed with salt create a gentle exfoliating scrub. The salt removes dead skin cells while the orange peel nourishes and brightens the skin. It’s perfect for both your face and body, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.
Soothing Foot Soak
After a long day, give your feet some much-needed relaxation with a rejuvenating soak. Add a handful of dried orange peels and salt to warm water. Not only will this help soothe tired feet, but the mixture also works to remove calluses and soften the skin, leaving your feet feeling pampered.
Natural Pest Repellent for Your Home
Keep Bugs at Bay
Salt and orange peels can act as a natural repellent for pests like ants, mosquitoes, and other insects. To keep these unwanted guests away, sprinkle a mix of salt and dried orange peel around doorways, windowsills, and other entry points in your home. This natural remedy helps protect your space from pests without the use of harmful chemicals.
Brighten and Clean with Salt and Orange Peels
Facial Mask for Glowing Skin
Create a homemade facial mask by grinding dried orange peels into a fine powder and mixing them with salt. Add honey or yogurt to the mixture to create a natural scrub that brightens the complexion, reduces acne, and provides gentle exfoliation. This mask is perfect for rejuvenating your skin with the combined benefits of vitamin C and salt.
Stubborn Stain Remover
For those tough stains on fabrics or clothes, try rubbing a mixture of crushed orange peels and salt directly onto the stain. The citrus oils from the peel help break down the stain, while the salt works as a gentle abrasive to lift it. It’s a natural, effective way to tackle stubborn marks without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Flavor Enhancement in the Kitchen
Make Citrus Salt
Want to elevate your cooking with a unique twist? Combine dried orange peels with coarse salt to create a citrus-infused seasoning. This zesty mix adds a refreshing touch to salads, meats, fish, or even baked goods. You can also add lemon peels or herbs for a customized flavor blend.
Citrus-Infused Brine
For an added punch of flavor, use salt and orange peels to create a citrus-infused brine. This can be used to marinate meats, vegetables, or tofu. The citrus oils and natural acidity of the peels will add a subtle, delicious flavor that takes your dishes to the next level.
Gardening with Salt and Orange Peels
Homemade Fertilizer
Did you know that dried orange peels are packed with nutrients that plants love? When mixed with salt, they create an excellent homemade fertilizer. Chop up the dried peels and mix them with salt to create a nutrient-rich blend. Sprinkle it around your plants to encourage healthy growth and enrich your soil.
Keep Slugs and Snails Away
Slugs and snails can wreak havoc on your garden, but you can use salt and crushed orange peels as a natural deterrent. Sprinkle this mixture around your plants to keep these pests at bay. The salt dehydrates the slugs, while the citrus scent is unappealing to them.
DIY Orange-Scented Potpourri
Create a refreshing and fragrant homemade potpourri by combining dried orange peels with salt. The salt helps preserve the peels, and the orange scent adds a fresh, uplifting aroma to your home. You can even enhance the fragrance by adding other dried herbs and spices like cloves, cinnamon, or star anise.
Hair and Scalp Care
Scalp Exfoliation
For a healthy scalp and shiny hair, mix dried orange peel powder with salt and massage it gently into your scalp. This scrub exfoliates to remove buildup and promotes healthy hair growth, while the vitamin C from the orange peel nourishes your scalp. It’s a great natural way to revitalize your hair.
Shiny Hair
Add a pinch of salt and orange peel mixture to your regular hair conditioner for a natural shine boost. The vitamin C and antioxidants in the orange peel help bring out your hair’s natural luster, while the salt adds a bit of texture and shine.
Natural Weight Loss Aid
Detox Water
Boost your metabolism and support digestion by adding dried orange peels and a pinch of salt to warm water. Drinking this simple detox water can help hydrate your body, promote digestion, and may even assist with weight loss. It’s a natural, refreshing way to start your day.
Boost Your Immune System
Citrus Salt Tea
For an immune system boost, make a soothing drink by combining a pinch of citrus-infused salt with warm water. The vitamin C in the orange peel helps strengthen your immune system, while the salt helps balance electrolytes. This natural remedy can be especially helpful when you’re feeling under the weather or dealing with a sore throat.
How to Prepare Salt and Orange Peel Mixtures
Drying Orange Peels
To preserve orange peels for later use, start by cutting them into small strips and drying them. You can dry them by placing them in a sunny spot, using a dehydrator, or baking them in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°F) for a few hours. This ensures the peels retain their nutrients and fragrance.
Grinding the Dried Peels
Once dried, you can either grind the peels into a fine powder or leave them in larger pieces, depending on the intended use. Ground peels work well in scrubs, masks, and even cooking, while larger pieces are perfect for creating potpourri or using in natural cleaners.
Storing Your Mixture
Store your dried orange peels and salt mixture in an airtight container to keep the mixture potent and fragrant. Keep it in a cool, dry place for maximum shelf life.
Conclusion: Transform Orange Peels and Salt into Household Heroes
Orange peels paired with salt are a dynamic duo that offers endless benefits for your home, beauty routine, and even your health.
Whether you’re looking for a natural cleaner, a skincare booster, or a unique cooking ingredient, salt and orange peels can serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical-laden products.
Instead of tossing your orange peels into the trash, make them a staple in your home. With just a few simple steps, you can unlock their potential and enjoy a more sustainable, health-conscious lifestyle. Give these tips a try and see how orange peels and salt can work wonders in your everyday routine!
