“Don’t Toss That Lemon Peel! It Can Do More Than You Think”

3 November, 2024

Citrus Power: Unlocking the Versatility of Lemon Peel

Lemon peel boasts a high concentration of citric acid, a versatile acid with applications across various industries, including industrial, pharmaceutical, culinary, and cosmetic sectors. Citric acid serves as a natural preservative, antioxidant, water softener, and safe cleaning agent, effectively removing rust from steel.

There are numerous household uses for lemon peel, some of which are outlined below.

Dishwashing Liquid

Instead of relying on commercial dishwashing liquids, you can create a natural alternative using lemon peel and baking soda. The simplest method involves combining lemon peel with baking soda (Na2CO2), resulting in a bubbly CO2 reaction due to the citric acid.

Cut lemon peel into small pieces and fill a jar halfway. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and mix well. Leave the jar in a sunny spot and open the lid once a day to release built-up gas, promoting fermentation. After about a week, strain the fermented liquid and use it for washing dishes, discarding the pulp.

Before washing, scrape off any remaining food scraps and rinse the dishes with water. Then, use the lemon-baking soda mixture to wash, followed by a final rinse with clean water. For a fragrant touch, add a few drops of lemongrass or cinnamon essential oil to your dishwashing liquid.

If time is a concern, you can create a quicker version by mixing lemon peel, salt, and warm water. This solution is also effective for cleaning greasy stoves and surfaces.

Lemon peel offers a multitude of benefits, from cleaning to odor removal.

Removing Burn Marks from Pots and Pans

Accidentally burnt your food and left black marks on your cookware? Lemon peel to the rescue! Simply place the lemon peel in the pot or pan, add water, and boil for 15-20 minutes. The burnt residue will loosen and come off easily. Afterward, give the cookware a good rinse to remove any remaining food particles.

Cutting Board Cleaning

Citric acid is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a common ingredient in disinfectants, fungicides, and insecticides.

You can use lemon peel to clean your cutting board, removing stains, inhibiting bacterial growth, and neutralizing odors. Rub the lemon peel on the cutting board, then wash it with dish soap and clean water to ensure no food residue remains.

Refrigerator and Microwave Cleaning

Refrigerators, with their assortment of foods, can sometimes emit unpleasant odors. Place small bowls of lemon peel in the corners of your fridge to neutralize these smells naturally. The gentle, refreshing scent of lemons will effectively eliminate any unpleasant aromas.

For your microwave, place lemon peel in a bowl with half a cup of water and heat it for 2-3 minutes. The lemon aroma will help eliminate food odors, and the steam generated will make it easier to wipe away any caked-on food residue. Afterward, unplug the microwave and wipe it down with a dry cloth, both inside and out.