Cucumbers are a refreshing and healthy snack, but most people tend to peel them before eating. While this may be a common practice, it’s important to know that cucumber peels are entirely edible and offer a host of benefits. Instead of discarding them, consider these creative ways to reuse cucumber peels and reduce waste.
– Cucumber Peels as Plant Fertilizer
Cucumber peels are a great addition to your compost pile or can be used to create a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your houseplants. Simply chop up the peels and add them to a jar or container along with some brown sugar and water (or rice water). Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, and then close the container loosely. After a couple of months, the fermented cucumber solution can be diluted and used to water your plants. This natural fertilizer helps regulate soil pH and provides a boost of nutrients for your greenery.
Alternatively, you can bury cucumber peels directly into the soil. Over time, they will decompose and enrich the earth, providing a natural source of nourishment for your plants.
While the scent of cucumber may be appealing to humans, it’s not so inviting to common pests like ants, moths, beetles, cockroaches, and even mice. Scatter cucumber peels around your vegetable garden or place them in areas where these unwanted guests tend to frequent. The fresh cucumber scent will help deter them from sticking around.
– Ink Stain Removal
If your little ones have been a bit too creative with their pen and ink on furniture or walls, cucumber peels come to the rescue. Simply rub the affected area with a cucumber peel, and then wipe it down with a clean cloth. The ink should fade and eventually disappear.
– Mirror and Glass Cleaner
Bathroom mirrors tend to get foggy and covered in calcium deposits. Rubbing a cucumber peel on the mirror will help remove these stubborn stains and leave your mirror sparkling clean.
– Shoe Polisher
For leather shoes that have lost their shine, try using a cucumber peel! The natural compounds in cucumbers can create a protective coating on the surface of the shoe, making them look polished and brand new.
– Stainless Steel Cleaner
Over time, stainless steel items like faucets and sinks can become stained and dirty. Rubbing a cucumber peel directly on the surface and then rinsing it off with water will leave your stainless steel fixtures looking spotless and shiny.