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

Some of the most useful things in life come from what we normally throw away. Orange peels are one of those things. Most of us peel an orange, enjoy the fruit, and toss the peel into the trash without a second thought. But those peels hold a surprising amount of power—especially when combined with a simple kitchen staple: salt.

Together, they create a natural, gentle, and effective cleaner that can replace several chemical products in your home. And it costs almost nothing to make.

Why this combination works so well

• Orange peels contain natural oils that are excellent at cutting through grease and grime. They also leave behind a fresh, clean citrus scent that is far more pleasant than artificial fragrances.
• Salt acts as a gentle abrasive. It helps scrub away stuck-on food, stains, and residue without scratching surfaces. It also has mild antimicrobial properties and helps absorb odors.

When combined, they create a paste that cleans, deodorizes, and freshens—naturally and safely.

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 well)
• A small jar with a lid

How to make it:

Method 1 (Citrus salt scrub for cleaning):

1. Place the orange peels in a bowl and sprinkle the salt over them.
2. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the salt into the peels. As you work, the salt will absorb the citrus oils and become slightly damp and fragrant.
3. Transfer the salted peels to a small jar. Seal it tightly.
4. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The salt will continue to absorb the citrus oils.
5. Use the salted peels directly as a scrubbing tool, or scrape off the salt and use it separately.

Method 2 (Simple orange salt powder – for later use):

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

How to use it

As a scrub for kitchen surfaces:

• Sprinkle the orange salt mixture onto a damp sponge or directly onto your sink, stovetop, or cutting board.
• Scrub gently in circular motions. The salt provides gentle abrasion while the citrus oils cut through grease.
• Rinse with water. Your surfaces will look clean and smell wonderful.

For cleaning and deodorizing the sink:

• Sprinkle the mixture into your kitchen sink.
• Scrub with a sponge or brush. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water. The orange salt will leave your sink fresh and shiny.

For scrubbing pots and pans:

• Make a paste by mixing the orange salt with a little water.
• Apply it to stubborn food residue and scrub gently.
• Rinse thoroughly.

For a natural hand scrub:

• Mix a teaspoon of the orange salt with a little olive oil or coconut oil to form a paste.
• Gently scrub your hands. Rinse with warm water. Your hands will feel soft and clean.

What people are noticing

• Kitchen surfaces that look cleaner and smell fresher without harsh chemicals.
• A surprising reduction in grease and grime buildup.
• Less money spent on commercial cleaning products.
• A simple, satisfying way to use something that would otherwise be thrown away.

A gentle word of caution

• Test a small area first if you are using this on delicate surfaces like marble or granite. The salt can be abrasive.
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to remove any salt residue.
• If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when using the salt scrub on your hands.
• Use only clean orange peels from organic oranges when possible, to avoid pesticide residue.

Why you will thank me

Next time you eat an orange, do not throw away the peel. Add a little salt. Let them sit together. Use them to clean your kitchen, deodorize your sink, or even freshen your hands.

It is simple, natural, and surprisingly effective. Once you try it, you will understand why this humble combination has earned a permanent place in so many homes.

For more surprising kitchen experiments, check out mixing baby oil and cloves and boiling a walnut; you can also read the story behind 35 years without getting sick.