Cathy Thinking Out Loud: Five Great Uses for Citrus Peels #ItsEasyToBeGreen #greenideas

Monday, 27 January 2014

Five Great Uses for Citrus Peels

We all know that using the zest of citrus fruit can add aroma and flavour to a recipe,
but they have lots of other uses.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Make your own citrus scented cleaner:

In a large glass jar:
Add: the peel and pith (no skin or pulp) of 3-4 oranges, OR 4-6 lemons, OR 4-6 limes, OR 3 grapefruits to 1 litre of white vinegar.
Leave mixture for minimum of two weeks.
Strain the peel from concentrated vinegar mixture. Store in fridge until you are ready to use it.
Pour 50% water and 50% concentrated mixture into a spray bottle.
Proceed to use your citrus cleaner enjoying the fragrant citrus smell as you clean.
IDEA: Put into decorative spray bottle, and add a label and give as a hostess gift.
(thanks @readyowl for this idea!)

Easy microwave cleaner:

Place the rinds of 2 oranges in a large microwave safe bowl.
Cover the rinds with water to the half way mark on the bowl.
Place in centre of microwave.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the water boils and condensation forms on the sides of the microwave.
Carefully remove the hot bowl of rinds and water.
Wipe the insides of the microwave using the condensation to clean.
Voila! Your microwave should look clean and smell great!

Easy way to remove stains from the inside of your favourite mug:

Keep cats away from your garden & the sandbox!

Cats hate the smell of citrus! Toss fresh orange and lemon rinds around the area you want to cats to stay clear of. Repeat regularly.

Dried orange peels make excellent fireplace kindling and fills the room with a fragrant smell.

Take peels only (no fresh or pulp) and lie them out flat on a tray to air dry for about 2 days or until completely dried.
That is all there is to it. Use the dried peels with other kindling to start a perfect fire.
IDEA: Package up dried peels in a decorative box, add a beautiful bow, and you have a perfect hostess gift.