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Surprising Benefits of Adding Salt to Orange Peels – A Natural Household Hack
Did you know that combining salt with orange peels can offer a range of surprising and useful benefits? This simple, natural household hack is not only an eco-friendly way to use leftover orange peels, but it also provides several practical advantages. Here’s why you should consider adding salt to your orange peels.
1. Natural Cleaning Power
Orange peels are rich in citric acid and flavonoids, both of which make them effective in cleaning and deodorizing. When you add salt to orange peels, it creates a scrubbing paste that works wonders as a natural cleaner. Here’s how:
- Scrubbing Power: The coarse texture of salt helps to scrub away grime and stains from surfaces, while the natural oils in the orange peel leave a pleasant scent behind.
- Deodorizing: The citrus oils in orange peels, combined with the salt, can help neutralize unpleasant odors in kitchens, trash bins, or even in your fridge.
How to Use: Simply rub salt onto the interior side of orange peels and use them to scrub surfaces like countertops, sinks, or cutting boards. The result? A sparkling clean kitchen with a refreshing citrus scent!
2. Make a Natural Air Freshener
The natural oils in orange peels are perfect for freshening up the air in your home. By adding salt to orange peels, you can enhance the effectiveness of this homemade air freshener. Salt can help absorb moisture, and the orange peel’s aroma will linger in your home.
How to Use:
- Dry out orange peels in a warm, dry place, then sprinkle a bit of salt on them. Place them in a small dish or bowl in various rooms for a fresh, natural air purifier.
- Alternatively, place the salt-covered orange peels in a mesh bag and hang them in closets or bathrooms to absorb odors.
3. Make a Homemade Body Scrub
Orange peels are rich in vitamin C, which is known for its skin benefits, while salt is a natural exfoliant. Combining the two can give you a nourishing and invigorating body scrub.
- Exfoliation: Salt helps slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
- Citrus Benefits: Orange peel oil is rich in antioxidants and can help brighten the skin and improve texture.
How to Use:
- Blend dried orange peel with coarse salt and mix it with a little olive oil or coconut oil to create a scrub. Gently massage the scrub onto your skin in circular motions for a refreshing and exfoliating experience.
4. Insect Repellent
Orange peels naturally repel insects due to the presence of d-limonene, a compound found in citrus oils. When you add salt to the mix, it can help dry out the peels, making them even more potent in keeping bugs away. This makes it a fantastic eco-friendly, non-toxic way to repel insects.
How to Use:
- Dry out orange peels, then sprinkle salt on them and place them in areas where insects are commonly found, like window sills or near doors. The combination of salt and orange peel will act as a natural insect deterrent.
5. Boost the Compost Pile
Both salt and orange peels are great additions to your compost pile—just be careful not to use too much salt! When used in moderation, the organic matter from the orange peels adds nutrients to the compost, and the salt helps to speed up the decomposition process.
How to Use:
- Simply add small amounts of salted orange peels to your compost pile. The peels break down, enriching the compost with vitamin-rich matter that’s good for your garden.
6. Hair and Scalp Care
Salt and orange peels can both be used to benefit your hair and scalp. The salt acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells from the scalp, while the natural oils from the orange peels nourish the hair follicles.
How to Use:
- Combine dried orange peel powder with salt and mix it with a little coconut oil or olive oil to create a scalp scrub. Massage it gently into your scalp for improved circulation and healthier hair growth.
Conclusion
From cleaning to skincare, there are many surprising benefits to adding salt to orange peels. By utilizing this simple combination, you can repurpose your orange peels in eco-friendly and effective ways around your home. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reduce waste and enhance your cleaning and personal care routines!
Have you tried this household hack? Let us know your favorite use for salt and orange peels! 😊🍊
