Don’t Throw Out Orange Peels—Use Them for These 8 Tricks

If you’ve been tossing orange peels straight into the trash, you’re not alone. But you’re also missing out. These things are loaded with natural oils and fragrance, and they’ve got more practical uses around the house than most people realize.

From freshening up your space to helping in the garden, orange peels can actually pull their weight if you let them. Next time you’re peeling an orange, hold onto those scraps and put them to use.

Keep Your Trash Can from Smelling Nasty

Orange peels are packed with citrus oils that help cut through odors fast. If your trash can tends to get funky—especially in the summer—toss a few peels in the bottom before you add a new bag.

They won’t work miracles, but they can hold things over between deep cleans. You can even mix them with a little baking soda if you want to boost the effect.

Make a Quick DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

You can turn orange peels into a natural cleaner with barely any effort. Fill a jar with peels, pour in white vinegar, and let it sit for a couple of weeks. Strain it, pour it into a spray bottle, and use it anywhere you’d normally reach for vinegar.

It cuts through grease, deodorizes, and doesn’t smell as harsh as plain vinegar. Just don’t use it on granite or marble—acid and stone don’t mix.

Keep Cats Out of the Garden

If neighborhood cats are using your garden beds as a litter box, orange peels might help. Most cats hate the smell of citrus, and scattering a few peels around your plants can be enough to make them think twice.

You’ll need to refresh them every few days, especially after rain, but it’s an easy, pet-safe deterrent that doesn’t require sprays or fencing.

Deodorize Your Sink Drain

Garbage disposals are known for trapping nasty smells, especially if you cook a lot. Tossing in a few orange peels and running cold water while the disposal is on can freshen things up fast.

The peel won’t unclog anything, but it’ll give your sink a quick reset and make the kitchen smell a whole lot better while you’re at it.

Toss Them in a Simmer Pot

For a naturally good-smelling house, orange peels are a great addition to a stovetop simmer pot. Add water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and whatever else you’ve got (like apple cores or bay leaves), then let it simmer on low.

It’s a cheap, non-toxic way to make the whole house smell warm and clean without using synthetic sprays or candles.

Infuse Olive Oil for Cooking

Orange-infused oil can level up everything from roasted vegetables to salad dressings. Dry your orange peels, warm some olive oil gently, and toss the peels in to steep for an hour or so.

Store it in a clean jar and use it when you want to add a subtle citrus flavor without reaching for bottled dressings or marinades.

Make Your Own Citrus Sugar

Dry orange peels and grind them into a powder, then mix with granulated sugar. It’s a fun way to add flavor to cookies, muffins, or even your morning coffee.

You don’t need much—just enough to add a little zing. Keep the mix stored in an airtight jar and use it as you would vanilla sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Use as a Fire Starter

Dried orange peels are surprisingly flammable thanks to the natural oils in the skin. If you’ve got a fireplace or a fire pit, keep some peels on hand and use them as kindling.

They burn hot and smell good doing it, making them a decent backup when you’re short on newspaper or kindling. Let them dry out fully before storing.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.