Just Add Salt to the Orange Peels and You Will Thank Me Forever

There are some simple household combinations that are so useful, you will wonder why you never tried them before. One of the most versatile and money-saving of these is salt and orange peels.

Most people peel an orange, enjoy the fruit, and throw the peel away. But when you combine those peels with a simple kitchen staple like salt, you create a natural, effective, and completely non-toxic tool for your home and body.

Why this combination is so useful

• Orange peels contain natural oils that cut through grease, deodorize, and leave behind a fresh, clean scent.
• Salt acts as a gentle abrasive, helps absorb odors, and has mild antimicrobial properties.

Together, they create a simple preparation that can be used for cleaning, scrubbing, and even gentle body care.

The simple recipe (no unhealthy ingredients)

You will need:

• Peels from 2 oranges (washed well)
• 2 tablespoons of coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt works best)
• A small jar with a lid

How to make it:

Method 1 (For cleaning and scrubbing):

1. Place the fresh orange peels in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle the salt over the peels.
3. Rub the salt into the peels with your fingers. The salt will absorb the citrus oils and become fragrant.
4. Transfer the salted peels to a small jar and seal it.
5. Let them sit for a few hours to allow the salt to fully absorb the oils.
6. Use the salted peels as a natural scrubbing tool for sinks, stovetops, and countertops.

Method 2 (Orange salt body scrub):

1. Dry the orange peels in a low oven (95°C/200°F) for 2 to 3 hours until they are crisp.
2. Grind the dried peels into a powder using a blender or spice grinder.
3. Mix 2 tablespoons of the orange powder with 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
4. Store in a jar and use as a gentle body scrub in the shower.

How to use the orange salt for cleaning

• Sprinkle the salted peels onto a damp sponge and scrub your kitchen sink or stovetop.
• Use it to remove stubborn food residue from pots and pans.
• Sprinkle it into your sink, scrub, and rinse for a fresh, clean shine.

How to use the orange salt body scrub

• In the shower, take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions.
• Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
• Use once or twice a week.

What people are noticing

• Kitchen surfaces that look clean and smell naturally fresh.
• A reduction in grease and grime buildup without harsh chemicals.
• Softer, smoother skin after using the body scrub.
• Less money spent on commercial cleaning and beauty products.

A gentle word of caution

• Test the body scrub on a small patch of skin first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Avoid using the cleaning scrub on delicate surfaces like marble or granite, as the salt may be abrasive.
• Rinse surfaces well after cleaning to remove any salt residue.
• If you have a known allergy to oranges, adjust the recipe accordingly.

Why you will thank me

The next time you eat an orange, save the peel. Add a little salt. Use it to clean your kitchen or soften your skin. You will be surprised by how much you can do with something so simple.

For more surprising kitchen ideas, see what happens when you save a banana peel or try a coffee, garlic, and honey drink; you can also explore this baking soda beauty tip.