When you’re done with your juicy orange, what can you do with the peels? Most of us would just toss them in the trash, but that’s a huge waste. Believe it or not, there are plenty of uses for orange peels, from cleaning products to delicious recipes and even composting! So don’t throw away those peels – use this guide to learn how you can make the most of your orange peels.
Option 1: DIY Cleaning Products With Orange Peels
Do-it-yourself cleaners made with orange peel offer an all-natural alternative to chemical solutions. Here are some ways you can put your orange peels to work as eco-friendly household cleansers:
- Make a simple air freshener by boiling citrus peels in water on the stove. The resulting steam will fill your home with a refreshing scent.
- Create a homemade window cleaner by mixing lemon juice, white vinegar, and orange essential oil in equal parts. Use this solution to clean windows and mirrors without leaving streaks.
- Create a deodorizer spray with dried orange peels, vodka, and witch hazel. Spray it around your house to eliminate odors naturally.
Option 2: Delicious Food Recipes That Include Orange Peels
Orange peels can be used to add flavor and texture to many different dishes. Consider trying out these tasty recipes:
- Make an orange peel stir-fry by frying strips of orange peel in sesame oil until crispy. Then add garlic and onion, followed by vegetables of your choice (such as broccoli and bell pepper). Finally, season with soy sauce and black pepper to taste.
- Add sweetness to baked goods like cakes and muffins by finely grating fresh orange peel into the batter.
- Give your salads an extra kick of flavor with candied orange peel slices. Simply boil strips of orange peel in sugar syrup before rolling them in caster sugar and baking them in the oven at 200°F until golden brown.
Option 3: How To Compost Your Orange Peels Properly
Composting is one of the best ways to dispose of organic material like fruit peels. It helps reduce landfill waste while providing valuable nutrients back to the soil. Follow these tips when composting orange peels:
- Cut up larger pieces of peel into smaller bits so they’ll break down faster in the compost pile.
- Be sure to mix your orange peels in with other materials such as leaves, grass clippings, or food scraps. This will help keep the balance of carbon and nitrogen levels in check.
- Keep your compost moist and aerated by turning it every few weeks with a shovel or pitchfork. This will speed up the process of decomposition.
Conclusion: Make The Most Of Your Orange Peels
Now that you know what to do with your leftover orange peels, why not give one of these ideas a try? Whether you use them to make homemade cleaning products, delicious recipes, or compost them properly, you can rest assured knowing that your orange peels won’t go to waste!

I am an inspired, life-long homesteader with a heart for simple, sustainable living. Growing up surrounded by farmland in the rural Midwest, I developed a deep respect for nature and the rewards of cultivating your own land. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others become homesteaders, too. Through my website therootedhomestead.com, I share my DIY tips, share inspiring stories of other homesteaders, and provide resources for anyone who dreams of growing their own food or living off the land. I hope to open a door to a more joyful, meaningful and purposeful life for all.