At the end of autumn and winter, we eat citrus fruits, which taste best at this time of year. After eating the pulp, we usually throw away their skins. It’s a shame because they have many valuable properties and therefore applications. What to do with tangerine peel? We’ll give you a tip.

What do tangerine peels contain?

We eat mandarins and other citrus fruits mainly in winter – and rightly so. They are tasty, low-calorie and have a beneficial effect on health, which makes them an excellent alternative to sweets and other snacks. Valuable ingredients are hidden not only in the juicy flesh, but also in the skins of these fruits, therefore, it is not worth throwing them away.

For example, tangerine peels contain:

  • flavonoids (e.g. nobiletin – a substance that prevents atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity)
  • vitamins C, A, PP, B1 and B2
  • minerals: potassium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc,
  • fiber
  • organic acids
  • essential oils (e.g. limonene with antifungal and antibacterial properties).

How to use tangerine peels?

Interestingly, the peels of these fruits can be used to make jams and cough syrups. Before such use, it is worthwhile to wash them thoroughly (with vinegar or citric acid) and to remove any fertilizer residues by scalding. The extensive composition means that tangerine, orange and lemon peel can also be used at home for cleaning.

Natural air freshener

Dried tangerine peel is a natural and universal air freshener – absorbs unpleasant odors and at the same time emits a refreshing citrus scent. It is worth placing it wherever we are disturbed by unpleasant aromas:

  • in the refrigerator (on a plate on one of the lower shelves),
  • in the wardrobe (wrap it in a cloth bag first),
  • into the trash can (place them on the bottom of the container).

Do you want your whole house to smell like citrus fruits?

  • Boil the fruit peels in water with vinegar and a few cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil and cook for a while. The refreshing aroma will spread throughout the apartment.

For cats

Tangerine and orange peels will also be useful for avid cat lovers. If you don’t want your pet to sit on the table or scratch the furniture, wipe it with the inside of the peel. The citrus aroma is a natural repellent that deters cats.

For ants and moths

The essential oils contained in dried mandarin peel repel ants. Peels just place it near door frames and window frames. If you have observed food moths in the kitchen, hide a few citrus peels in the cabinet where you store bulk products (flour, semolina, etc.), this will help get rid of the pests.

Homemade cleaning agent

Citrus fruits have antibacterial and degreasing properties, so they can be used as an ingredient in household cleaning products.

  • Cover mandarin, orange or lemon peels with vinegar and leave for 7 days in a shaded place.

Use the resulting liquid after diluting it with water, we recommend a 1:1 ratio. Such a cleaner is ideal for wiping dust, greasy spots and stains from most furniture and kitchen utensils.

The cleaner simply made the @wild_meadows_homestead TikTok account out of orange peels.

  • Just cut the dry skins, fill about 3/4 of the jar with them, cover with white vinegar and let it sit in a dark place for 3-6 weeks, stirring the jar once a day.
  • It is diluted with water – the infusion can be divided into approximately three atomizers and the rest of the atomizer is filled with water.

The cleaner is ideal for non-porous materials such as glass to keep surfaces from soaking. After diluting with water and storing in a dark place, it can last up to three months. At the same time, it repels insects and has only a weak vinegar smell, which disappears a few seconds after application.

@wild_meadows_homestead Our favorite orange cleaner! So easy to make & cheap! #orangecleaner #orangepeel #naturalcleaner #vinegar #homestead #allnatural ♬ To The Forager – Tom Rosenthal

“Yes! This is all I ever use”

“I do this cleanser every month!”

“That’s awesome, thanks for sharing!”

– we read in the comments on TikTok.

For wiping dust from furniture

Citrus peelsespecially dried tangerine peel, they are also an excellent polishing agent.

  • Rub the peels on grayed wooden surfaces and then wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.
  • Then wipe the furniture dry and voila. Guaranteed shine as advertised.

For washing dishes

A good idea is to throw a few tangerine peels in the dishwasher. This will prevent stains and residues from being left on the dishes.

If you wash dishes by hand, replace the traditional sponge with fresh tangerine peels. You will be surprised how easily you can remove greasy stains from plates and burners.

For cleaning the cutting board

Chopping boards come into contact with different types of food, so they require special care. It is not enough just to wash them after each use. They also need to be disinfected from time to time.

  • For this purpose, it is best to use tangerine peels and salt. Sprinkle the board liberally with salt and then wipe it with a fruit peel.

For leftover tea

Dark spots do not want to disappear from your favorite mugs and cups despite scrubbing? There is a solution for that.

  • We scrub dishes with dark spots with mandarin peels – they will look like new.

For lumpy sugar

Place the thoroughly washed and thinly sliced ​​tangerine peel in a sugar bowl. The fruit peel not only gives the sugar a slightly citrus flavor, but also prevents it from caking.

Instead of eating them with pork chops, place them in the bathroom. You will get rid of fish ponds