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For those of us who suffer from insect bites in the summer, it's worth remembering that citrus acts as a natural repellent.
You might not guess it, but lemon peel does a great job of shining up the chrome and stainless steel about your house.
You might try rubbing a citrus peel directly on your skin to keep the creepy crawlies away. You could also try placing some peels at potential entry points (e.g. doorways) around your home.
Sources: (Vitacost) (Healthline)
You will probably be surprised by the extent to which citrus peels are able to mask even the strongest of smells.
To get the best results, simply sprinkle some sea salt directly onto the metal and scrub it with the lemon peel.
Place some lemon peels in a microwave-safe bowl that is about half full with water. Microwave the bowel until the water is boiling and steaming. Remove the bowl and wipe down the inside.
If you have ever owned a microwave, you’ll know that they are notoriously difficult to clean. Citrus peels are a great way to cut through the grease without using harsh chemicals.
Simply chop up some peels of your choosing, toss them down the drain, and flick the switch. Watch (or rather smell) the fruit peels work their magic.
If you are fed up with having a trash can that stinks up your kitchen or bathroom, try adding some citrus peels to the trash.
Simply combine a few lemon peels, two tablespoons of salt, and two cups of ice inside your coffee pot and swirl it around to remove that pesky residue.
Lemon peels also do a great job of cleaning dishes, glasses, and silverware. If you’re looking for an easy fix when it comes to cleaning, look no further!
Citrus peels don’t just do a great job of clearing smells from the air. They are also perfect for removing residue from coffee makers, too.
Citrus peels are a great alternative to chemical air fresheners. Simply boil them in some water on your stove to get your home smelling great.
You can choose which fruit peel you want to use (lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit), and it’s certainly easier than scrounging around for suitable twigs and sticks.
Citrus peels also have a less obvious application as a firestarter. Next time you want to light a fire on a cozy winter’s night, try using citrus peels as kindling.
Simply mix one zested lemon peel with half a cup of sugar and add olive oil gradually until a paste begins to form.
Depending on what you want from your bath, you might like to add some citrus peels to heighten the experience. You’ll likely find the bath more invigorating than it otherwise would be.
If you are just looking to relax after a long day, citrus peels are perhaps not the way to go. But if you are looking for a little kick, perhaps in the early morning, why not add some citrus to the water?
You can be flexible about which peel you use—you could go for lemon, orange, or even grapefruit. Simply add it to your favorite flavor tea during steeping, and taste the magic!
Lemon peel contains certain acids that help to brighten the skin. And luckily for us, it’s easy to make a lemon peel face rub at home.
In the same way that citrus peels can make your olive oil come alive, they can also liven up your tea (should you be partial to a cup of tea or two).
To keep your brown sugar in tip-top condition, simply place a piece of peel from any citrus fruit inside the bag or jar and watch how the sugar stays soft and free of lumps.
Have you ever wished for a dressing more interesting than your standard olive oil (whether extra virgin or not)? Look no further than your fruit bowl.
If you ever find yourself in need of some gum or a mint and you don’t have either on hand, fear not! Head to the fruit bowl instead for a natural alternative.
If you're a fan of brown sugar, you’ll know that it tends to become lumpy after a time. Citrus peels can be used to prevent this from happening.
Lots of people find that their garbage disposal can become quite grim. If that’s you, fear not: citrus peels can come to the rescue.
Alternatively, you could combine them with some herbs, spices, and dried flowers to create a homemade potpourri.
Lemon and orange peels are excellent substitutes for breath fresheners. All you need to do is chew on a piece o’ peel for a few minutes, and you’ll be good as new.
Combine three tablespoons of lemon or orange peel with a cup of olive oil. Store the mixture for a couple of weeks, shaking occasionally, and strain it before use.
Aside from being delicious, citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are low in calories and convenient to eat. They're a great source of fiber and vitamin C as well. Indeed, most of us could benefit from having more citrus in our diet. But the benefits of citrus don't just stop at eating. Their peels, too, have many applications, some of which might surprise you!
Check out this gallery for some creative ways to use your citrus peels.
Creative ways to put your citrus peels to good use
Don't let this valuable material go to waste!
LIFESTYLE Life hacks
Aside from being delicious, citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are low in calories and convenient to eat. They're a great source of fiber and vitamin C as well. Indeed, most of us could benefit from having more citrus in our diet. But the benefits of citrus don't just stop at eating. Their peels, too, have many applications, some of which might surprise you!
Check out this gallery for some creative ways to use your citrus peels.