Don’t Toss Tangerine Peels! Put Them on Your Windowsills Instead

545 3 minutes read

Don’t throw away those tangerine peels! They’re more useful than you might think. Instead of tossing them in the trash, put them on your windowsills. You’ll be surprised at how much they can do.

Why Tangerine Peels Are Worth Keeping

Tangerine peels are packed with goodness. Here are some reasons why you should save them:

A Natural Air Freshener: Tangerine peels have a wonderful, fresh, citrusy smell. This natural scent can help get rid of bad odors in your home, making it smell clean and bright.
A Natural Pest Repellent: Did you know that the oils in tangerine peels can help keep ants, flies, and other bugs away? They don’t like the smell, so they’ll stay away from your windows.
Good for the Earth: When you reuse tangerine peels, you’re helping the environment. You’re reducing food waste, and you don’t have to use chemical sprays or air fresheners that can be harmful.

A Touch of Nature: Dried tangerine peels look pretty. They can add a rustic, natural touch to your windowsills, and they still smell good!
Many Ways to Use Them: You can use tangerine peels for more than just decorating your windowsills. They can be used for cleaning, cooking, and even in do-it-yourself projects.

How to Use Tangerine Peels on Your Windowsills

Here are some simple ways to use tangerine peels on your windowsills:

Freshen the Air: Just put some fresh tangerine peels on your windowsill. The sun will help release their lovely scent, making your room smell fresh and clean. Change the peels every few days to keep the smell strong.
Keep Bugs Away: Place dried or fresh tangerine peels near your windows to stop ants, spiders, and flies from coming in. The citrus oils in the peels act like a natural bug repellent. You can also put a few drops of tangerine essential oil around the windowsill for extra protection.

Make Rustic Decorations: To dry tangerine peels, you can put them on a baking sheet in a very low oven (around 170°F or 75°C) for one or two hours. You can also let them dry naturally in a sunny spot. Once they’re dry, you can put them in small bowls or tie them together with string to make cute decorations for your windowsills.
Make Citrus Scent Pouches: Get some small cloth bags and fill them with dried tangerine peels and other nice-smelling herbs like lavender or rosemary. Put these pouches on your windowsills to make your home smell good and look nice.
Make Natural Potpourri: Mix dried tangerine peels with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and pine cones to make a pretty and fragrant potpourri. Put it in a shallow dish on your windowsill to add a festive touch to your home.

More Ways to Use Tangerine Peels

Windowsills are a great place to start, but you can use tangerine peels in lots of other ways around your house:

Make Your Own Cleaners: Boil tangerine peels in water to make a natural cleaner you can use all over your house. The citrus oils help cut through grease, and they leave a refreshing scent.

Add Flavor to Oils and Vinegars: Put tangerine peels in olive oil or vinegar to give them a delicious citrus flavor you can use in your cooking.
Help Your Compost: Add leftover tangerine peels to your compost bin. They add good nutrients and help things break down faster.
Make Candied Peels: Cook tangerine peels in sugar syrup and then dry them to make a sweet and tangy treat.

Make Fire Starters: Dip dried tangerine peels in melted wax. They make great, natural fire starters for your fireplace or grill.

Helpful Tips

Dry Peels Well: Make sure your tangerine peels are completely dry before you use them for decorations or store them. This will prevent mold from growing.

Keep Things Clean: If you’re using fresh peels, change them every two or three days to keep your windowsills clean and smelling fresh.
Try Different Places: Put tangerine peels in other parts of your home, like hallways, closets, or bathrooms, to make those areas smell good too.
Mix Scents: Combine tangerine peels with other scents you like, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or eucalyptus, to create a unique and layered fragrance.