Ever since discovering this trick, I’ve stopped throwing away orange peels. Many overlook the magic combination of vinegar and orange peels for household chores. With winter on the horizon, bringing its bounty of seasonal fruits like oranges and other citrus, it’s a perfect time to revisit this. These fruits, synonymous with the cold season, are prized for bolstering our immune systems, a crucial benefit as many tend to fall ill during this time.
The common advice is to consume these vitamin-rich fruits to strengthen our defenses, enjoying them raw or squeezed into a refreshing juice. But the journey doesn’t end with the fruit’s flesh; the peels, too, hold untapped potential. Beyond their usual disposal, orange peels, like their mandarin counterparts, can be repurposed into festive decorations or even enhance our Christmas trees.
Yet, there’s a lesser-known, highly effective use for these peels that many may not be aware of, involving an everyday household item: vinegar. By combining orange peels with vinegar, you create a powerful cleaning solution.
Simply fill a jar with orange peels, cover them completely with vinegar, seal the jar, and let it sit for about two weeks. This process allows the peels to break down, releasing their citrus oils into the vinegar.
After two weeks, strain the mixture to remove the peel bits, then pour the infused vinegar into a spray bottle. This concoction is excellent for tackling stubborn grime on various surfaces, leaving behind a fresh scent and gleaming results, thanks to the essential oils extracted during the process.
This method isn’t just limited to oranges; any citrus fruit peel works wonders, offering a versatile, natural cleaning solution. Whether you prefer mandarins or lemons, the outcome is the same—a homemade cleaner that not only saves money but also avoids the need for chemical-laden commercial products. As the weather turns favorable, consider giving this eco-friendly, cost-effective cleaning hack a try with every orange you enjoy. Not only will you create a safe cleaner for your home, but you’ll also contribute to reducing waste.
