Why Lemon Peels Are More Valuable Than the Juice

Most people throw lemon peels in the trash, but the skin of the lemon actually contains 5 to 10 times more vitamins and essential oils than the juice itself. These peels are a “treasure” because they contain limonene, a powerful natural solvent that cuts through grease, and citric acid, which kills bacteria and whitens surfaces.

Using the peels is a brilliant way to save money and reduce waste. From brightening your skin to cleaning your home and even improving your garden, there is almost nothing a lemon peel cannot do. Once you start saving them in your freezer, you will realize you have a free, 100% natural tool for almost every household problem.

12 Unusual Ways to Use Your Lemon Peels

For a Cleaner Home

All-Purpose Grease Cleaner: Fill a glass jar with lemon peels and cover them with white vinegar. Let it sit for 2 weeks, then strain. You now have a professional-grade degreaser that smells amazing.
Clean Your Microwave: Put lemon peels in a bowl of water and microwave for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen all the stuck-on food, allowing you to wipe it clean with one swipe.
Sanitize Cutting Boards: Sprinkle salt on your wooden cutting board and rub it with the “flesh” side of a lemon peel. It kills bacteria and removes deep food smells like onion and garlic.
Polish Stainless Steel: Rub the outside of your sink or chrome faucets with a lemon peel. The natural oils will remove water spots and leave a high-end shine.

For a Fresher Kitchen

Garbage Disposal Deodorizer: Toss a few lemon peels down the disposal and run it with cold water. It will instantly kill the “musty” smell and sharpen the blades.
Fridge Refresher: Place a small bowl of dried lemon peels in the back of your fridge to soak up food odors and add a fresh, clean scent.
Remove Kettle Limescale: Boil a handful of lemon peels in your kettle, let it sit for an hour, then rinse. The acid will dissolve the white “crusty” mineral buildup.

For Beauty and Health

Whiten Yellow Nails: If your fingernails look stained, rub the inside of a fresh lemon peel over them for 2 minutes. The citric acid will lift the stains and strengthen the nail.
Soft Elbows and Heels: Sprinkle baking soda into a lemon “cup” (a squeezed-out half) and rub it onto your dry elbows or heels. It exfoliates and softens the skin instantly.
Brightening Face Scrub: Dry your peels in the sun and grind them into a powder. Mix with honey for a mask that fades dark spots and kills acne bacteria.

For the Garden and Beyond

Cat Repellent: Cats hate the smell of citrus. Place lemon peels in your garden beds to stop neighborhood cats from using your soil as a litter box.
Ant and Spider Shield: Rub lemon peels along window sills and door cracks. Most crawling insects find the scent of lemon oil toxic and will stay away from your home.

Recipe for Homemade Lemon Sugar (Vitamin C Boost)

This is a delicious way to use peels in your kitchen. It’s perfect for tea or baking!

Ingredients:

Peels from 4 Lemons (Yellow part only, avoid the white bitter pith)
1 cup of Organic Sugar

Instructions:

The Dry: Let the peels sit on a paper towel for 24 hours until they feel dry but still flexible.
The Grind: Place the peels and the sugar in a blender or food processor.
The Mix: Pulse until the peels are tiny yellow flecks throughout the sugar.
The Result: Store this in a jar. Use it in your morning tea for an extra boost of antioxidants and a beautiful citrus aroma.

Three Tips for Saving Your Peels

Freeze Them: Don’t wait until you have 10 lemons. Every time you use one, toss the peel into a “lemon bag” in your freezer until you are ready to make a cleaner or a scrub.
Avoid the White Pith: If you are using peels for eating or beauty, try to use a vegetable peeler to get just the thin yellow skin. The white part (the pith) is where the bitterness lives.
Wash Them First: Always scrub your lemons with a bit of baking soda and water before peeling them to remove any wax or pesticides from the store.

A Friendly Tip for Success

You’ll know the “Lemon Peel Secret” is working when you realize you haven’t bought a bottle of chemical cleaner or an air freshener in months! It is the ultimate “zero-waste” way to keep your home healthy and sparkling.