Anyone that has a lemon tree owns a literal goldmine. Lemons are great for far more than just making beverages, toppings and desserts. The creative uses for lemons and their peels are limitless! They are great for cleaning, freshening, repelling stray pets, pests and much, much more. Try these creative uses for lemon peels, and enjoy a cleaner home, indoors and out. When life gives you lemons, be sure to use the peels!
Keep Away Stray Cats with Fresh Citrus
Felines hate the scent of lemons and other citrus fruits. They work as a safe and effective natural repellent. When cats are marking their territory on bushes, doors, plants and outdoor belongings, keep them away with lemon peels. Scatter fresh lemon peels in areas where they have sprayed as well as locations they need to avoid. Change the peels about once a week. As long as they are fresh and pungent they will keep stray cats away.
Use Lemon Peels to Shine your Stainless Steel Sinks
The most popular store-bought citrus oils comes from the peels of lemons and oranges, and it can be very expensive. For a natural ready-made cleaning pad simply peel a lemon. Use large sections of lemon peels to clean, polish and shine stainless steel sinks, basins and faucets. The natural oil will leach out of the lemon peels, and the soft membrane will not scratch the metal. Lemon peels are perfect cleaning pads, and they work far better than store-bought varieties. Best of all, the active ingredient is included.
Make your Own Citrus Oil Solution for Organic Pest Control
You can make your own citrus oil solution for organic pest control. Simply soak three lemon peels in one gallon of rainwater. Keep the container covered, and allow them to soak for about two weeks. Strain away the peelings and use the liquid on ant hills and around the house. When in doubt about using it in the flowerbed or garden, test it in a small inconspicuous area to avoid killing tender plants.
Make Homemade Citrus Scrub for the Skin
Save fresh lemon peels for making natural lemon exfoliate. It will naturally and beautifully remove dead skin cells. The article entitled How to Make Homemade Lemon Scrub provides complete step-by-step directions. When placed in pretty jars this all-natural scrub makes great homemade gifts for friends and family.