Don’t Throw Away Orange Peels — Put Them in a Jar and Add a Bit of Vinegar: It’s Worth Its Weight in Gold at Home

Not everyone knows that orange peels combined with vinegar can be very useful for certain household tasks. Here’s how.

During the winter season we’re approaching, we tend to eat more seasonal fruits, including citrus fruits — especially oranges. These fruits are associated with the colder months because of their importance for our immune system. Because of the cold and low temperatures, many of us tend to get sick.

Orange Peels: Here’s How to Use Them with Vinegar

To prevent illness and strengthen our immune system, we’re often advised to supplement our diet with vitamin C, which is found in large quantities in oranges.

Many of us eat them as they are or make fresh juice for an energy boost. But while everyone removes the peel, it should never be thrown away — it can be useful for something indispensable in our homes that not everyone knows about.

During the Christmas period, in addition to mandarin peels, orange peels can also be used to decorate the Christmas tree or create interesting holiday crafts. But what we’re going to talk about now is a completely new use for these peels that only a few housewives know — because another special ingredient is added to these leftovers.

The Natural Solution

We’re talking about vinegar. Simply take a jar, break the orange peels into pieces, and pour in vinegar until the peels are completely covered. Close the jar tightly and let it rest for about 15 days so the orange peels can macerate and release all their essential oils.

After this time, strain the solution to remove the orange peel pieces, pour the liquid into a spray bottle, and use it on surfaces with stubborn dirt. You’ll see that thanks to the action of the vinegar and the properties of the orange, many surfaces — including stainless steel — will be perfectly clean, and a very pleasant scent will fill the air.

During maceration, the peels release all their essential oils, which combine with the vinegar to create a natural detergent with degreasing and disinfecting properties.

This method can be used not only with oranges but with all types of citrus fruits (lemons, mandarins, etc.), as they have similar characteristics.

From now on, when you eat an orange, you can try this solution — it will certainly surprise you. This way, you’ll not only have a natural detergent that’s great for your surfaces, but you’ll also save money by avoiding buying commercial cleaning products.