Sustainability and savings are two fundamental pillars in modern life, and more and more people are looking for ways to reduce waste and optimize their resources. One of the great forgotten in our kitchens are orange peels, which, instead of being discarded, can become a powerful ally for cleaning the home.

In this article, we will explore how this humble part of the fruit can be transformed into an effective natural detergent, which will not only save money, but also contribute to the care of the environment.

From the peel to a natural detergent

Instead of throwing away orange peels, you can reuse them to create a natural detergent that cleans and disinfects. Below, we explain the ingredients and the procedure to prepare this versatile cleanser.

Ingredients

• Orange peels (from 3-4 oranges)
• Water
• 1 pinch of table salt
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Alcohol vinegar (to taste)
• A splash of detergent (optional)

Procedure

1. Picking: Gather the orange peels that you have used in your recipes or as a snack. Make sure they’re clean and free of mold.
2. Boiled: Place the peels in a pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a simmer.
3. Infusion: Add a pinch of table salt and a tablespoon of baking soda. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. This step will allow the essential oils from the peel to be released into the water.
4. Color and strain: Observe how the water takes on an orange tone; This indicates that the infusion is complete. Remove the pot from the heat and strain the liquid into a clean bowl.
5. Finish: Add a dose of alcohol vinegar and a splash of detergent if you want to increase the cleaning power. Mix well to make sure all the ingredients are integrated.

Not only is this natural detergent effective, but it’s also free of harsh chemicals, making it an ideal choice for homes with children and pets. So the next time you enjoy an orange, remember that its peel can do wonders in your home!

Councils

Here are five tips for getting the most out of orange peels at home:

1. Deodorize the home: Place dried orange peels in small containers or cloth bags and distribute them to the closets and corners of the house. They will help eliminate unpleasant odors and leave a fresh scent.
2. Natural fertilizer: Crush the orange peels and mix them with the soil of your plants. They are rich in nutrients and will help enrich the soil.
3. Insect repellent: Orange peel can act as a natural repellent. Rub fresh peels on surfaces where you often see insects, such as windows and doors.
4. Utensil cleaner: Use the peels to rub kitchen utensils, such as cutting boards or pans, to remove odors and stains. Its natural acid helps to disinfect.
5. Aromatic infusion: Boil orange peels in water with cinnamon and cloves to create an aromatic infusion. This liquid can be used to clean or simply to perfume the environment.