We have TONS of lemons on our tree right now… my in laws do too. I have been enjoying every minute of them. I can’t have enough – kids love homemade lemonade, and I love to throw the peels down the garbage disposal because it makes the disposal smell great. Don’t forget to keep your peels.
If you have Vinegar around the house you can keep the peels & make your own Lemon Cleaner .. similar to how we made Orange Cleaner yesterday (see HERE).
The same goes for Grapefruit and Lime – don’t toss those peels. Here are 15 different ways to give them a second life.
Clean your Microwave. Add your lemon rinds or juice from a lemon to a microwave safe bowl filled with water. Put in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on high, allowing that steam to coat the inside of your microwave. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or towel.
Make Tea. Take lemon or orange peels and boil them for 10 minutes, strain apples and add honey and cinnamon to make your own tea.
Deodorize the Garbage Disposal. Throw your old lemon or orange peels into the garbage disposal for a great way to deodorize (better yet it’s free).
Air Freshener. Simmer your Peels on the stove for a really nice way to freshen your home. You can add cinnamon, vanilla, or cloves to enhance the smell – you’ll want to keep refreshing that pan with water.
Make your Own Cleaner. Add the peels to a mason jar and fill with vinegar. Keep adding more peels until the jar is full then let it sit for 14 days – turn the jar upside down each day once or twice. After 2 weeks, filter out the liqiud by putting in a spray bottle & top with water to make your own disinfecting cleaner.
Scented Scrub. Add citrus peels to a container of granulated sugar. Let sit a few days, and shake. The sugar will inherit the citrus smell – remove the citrus and use the sugar as a body scrub in the shower.
Natural Pest Repellent. Toss them in the garden…ants don’t like lemon.
Use in Marinade, Sauce or Baking. Dry them first, then grind them up fine to use in your own recipes.
Seed Starter. Cut Lemons in Half and scoop out the pulp – use the cup as a seed starter.
Soften Brown Sugar. Add a slice of Citrus Peel to your brown sugar to keep it soft.
Freshened your Garbage Can. Throw lemon peels in the bottom of the trash UNDER your bag for a better smell – make sure the pulp is removed.
Treat Stains on the Armpits or Collars of your Tees. Rub a lemon with juice on the stain, add baking soda if the stain is more prominent. Let that sit overnight and then throw in the wash in the morning.
Make Lemon Extract. Take the rind of 5-6 Lemons, and add to a jar. Cover with Vodka and let sit 4-6 weeks. Shake gently every few days. Strain the peels and add to a clean jar for your own Lemon Extract.
Scrub your Sink. Use an Orange peel to scrub your sink before you let it fall down into the disposable.
In the Laundry. Squeeze the juice of a lemon in your laundry to freshen your clothes.
Don’t miss our last post on Lemons | 20 Popular Household Uses {with Printable}.
Here’s another one, for those of you with a dog run with artificial grass, you can make a Citrus Enzyme Cleaner to rid your yard of those nasty urine scents. Put the following in a 2 Liter bottle: 7 Tablespoons Brown Sugar, 1.25 cups cleaned lemon and orange peels, 1 liter water. Twist the lid on and shake vigorously for one minute. Loosen the cap to release the gas, then re-tighten. Every 2 days shake thoroughly and release the gas again. Write the date on the bottle. Wait 3 months for the cleaner to ferment. Filter with strainer when done. USES-4oz cleaner w/1Liter water for removing stains from toilets, drains, wash your dishes, wash your car, wash your clothes, clean your floors. Spray and use as a natural insect repellent for ants, spiders and cockroaches. I usually make a bottle every 2 weeks and store in my garage while fermenting.