Many people tend to throw away orange peels without realizing they have many useful applications.

Many believe that orange peels are just something to discard because they seem useless. However, orange peels can actually be used for many tasks that can save you quite a bit of money and are very beneficial. After eating the fruit, the peel is often thrown away, but thanks to the essential oils in the peel, it has unexpected uses:

1. Repelling Snails from Plants

Snails often invade and quickly eat plant leaves. To prevent this, place orange peels at the base of your plants. Snails enjoy the peels, so they will munch on them instead of your plants. Fresh orange peels work best, but if they are dried, soak them in water for a while to attract the snails.

2. Preventing Cats from Chewing on Plants

While orange peels have a pleasant aroma, cats dislike the smell. Many cats have the habit of chewing and scratching plant leaves indoors, which can be hard to control. Instead of scolding your cat, you can rub orange peels on your plants or place some near them. The cats will stay away due to the smell.

3. Removing Mold in the House

During humid days, mold can spread quickly. You can use orange peels to safely fight mold without resorting to chemicals. Cut up the orange peels and place them in a jar, then pour white vinegar over them to soak. Leave the jar in a dark place for a few weeks, and this mixture will help effectively treat mold.

4. Cleaning Wooden Cutting Boards

After using a cutting board for a while, black mold spots may form. You can rub the surface of the board with orange peels, along with some dish soap or baking soda, to clean the board more effectively.

5. Preventing Sugar from Clumping

Sugar tends to clump together when it absorbs moisture. To prevent this, place orange peels in the sugar container before storing it. The peels will help maintain the sugar’s moisture balance, preventing it from becoming hard or clumpy.

6. Enhancing Flavor in Cooking

Orange peels can enhance the taste of your food. You can place washed orange peels in the rice cooker when the water is nearly gone. The peel will release a pleasant fragrance that makes the rice smell even better. You can also add orange peels to a pot of bone broth near the end of cooking to give the soup an extraordinary flavor.

7. Removing Rust on Stainless Steel

When rubbed onto surfaces, orange peels act as a natural cleaner. If your kitchen sink or faucet is rusted, use orange peels to scrub the surface. This will help restore the shine and remove the rust. You can also use orange peels to clean your kitchen, fridge, and door handles.

8. Eliminating Odors from the Sink

Place a bowl of ice and orange peels in the sink and run water from the faucet for about a minute. After turning off the water, pour hot water into the sink. The unpleasant smell will vanish.

9. Cleaning Porcelain Dishes

Porcelain cups and plates that have been stained by tea or coffee can turn yellow over time. Rub the surface with orange peels and salt to restore the shine and remove the stains.

10. Neutralizing Microwave Odors

Microwaves can accumulate many unpleasant smells from food. To eliminate these odors, place orange peels in a bowl and heat them on high for about one minute. Your microwave will smell fresh and odor-free afterward.

11. Making Organic Fertilizer for Plants

Orange peels can be turned into organic compost for houseplants. Instead of throwing them away, turn them into useful fertilizer that not only benefits your plants but also helps keep your home clean while saving you money.