More Lemon Peel Uses Than You Can Shake a Stick At!
To understand how I feel about lemons, you don’t need to look much further than my lemon-themed Pinterest board and its 400+ pins. But really, who can blame me? Lemons are an amazingly useful fruit, and every part can be put to good use in a myriad of ways!
In this post, I wanted to focus on the usefulness of lemon peels specifically. That fragrant, sunshine yellow zest has a lot of useful properties, which made it easy to track down some brilliant uses for lemon peels!
21 Uses for Lemon Peels
1. Make Lemon-Scented Cleaning Vinegar
If making big pitchers of homemade lemonade is a summertime staple for you, you’ll have a steady supply of lemon peels you can use to make your own lemon-scented cleaning vinegar. It’s an easy process, and so worth it (both because it smells divine and works great for all sorts of cleaning tasks!) Learn how to make lemon-scented cleaning vinegar.
2. Brighten Skin
Lemon makes a great natural skin brightener, thanks to its naturally high levels of citric acid, a well-known bleaching agent. Apply lemon peels to your hands, elbows, heels and other areas to brighten skin and tighten pores.
3. Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
You can clean the blades of your garbage disposal and make your whole kitchen smell fresh and clean with the help of a few chunks of lemon peel. Learn how to use lemon peels and vinegar to make disposal-cleaning lemon and vinegar ice cubes that will eliminate odors and clean the blades.
4. Ant-Proof Your Kitchen
Scatter small pieces of lemon peel along thresholds, windowsills, and near any cracks or holes where ants or pests may be entering your home. Ants don’t like lemon and will be deterred by it. (This also works with roaches and fleas too.)
5. Simmer on Your Stovetop
Along with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels, lemon rind makes a wonderfully fragrant addition to a simmering stovetop potpourri. Not only is it a great way to make your home smell nice, but it helps restore moisture to dry air too!
Related: This Is the Best Way to Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas
6. Remove Stains From Coffee Cups
Put a section of lemon peel into a stained coffee mug and add water. Let it sit for several hours, then wipe with a cloth. The stains should disappear.
7. Lemon Dust Cloths
With a few lemon peels, some olive oil, and a bit of vinegar, you can make a jar of lemon dusting cloths that grab onto dust and leave behind a fresh, clean scent. These cloths makes my least favorite chore a lot more pleasant!
8. Freshen Your Refrigerator
Cut lemon in half and stash it in your fridge to absorb any lingering food odors.
9. Clean Your Kettle
For mineral deposit build up in your tea kettle, fill the kettle with water, add a handful of thin slices of lemon peel, and bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat (or turn off) and let the kettle sit for an hour, then drain and rinse well.
To clean a coffee pot, add ice, a splash of white vinegar, and a handful of sliced lemon rind to the empty pot. Swish and swirl for a minute or two, then dump and rinse.
10. Clean Your Microwave
Add lemon rinds to a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water. Cook on high for 5 minutes, allowing the water to boil and the steam to condense inside. Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe away the condensation and loosened grime with a damp towel.
More Ideas You'll Love
Related: How to Clean a Microwave With AND Without Vinegar
11. Polish Chrome, Copper, Brass & Stainless Steel
Cut through mineral deposits on chrome fixtures by rubbing them with a previously-juiced half of a lemon, then lightly buff with a soft cloth. Brighten copper, brass, or stainless steel by dipping a previously-juiced lemon half in salt (or baking soda and cream of tartar) and rubbing it on the affected area, letting it sit for 5 minutes, then rinsing with warm water before polishing with a dry cloth.
12. Makeshift Humidifier
If your home suffers from dry heat in the winter, put lemon peels in a pot of water and simmer on the lowest stove-top setting to humidify and scent the air.
13. Refresh Cutting Boards
The antibacterial properties of lemons make them a good choice for refreshing cutting boards. After disinfecting give the surface a rub with a halved lemon, let sit for a few minutes, and rinse. You can remove stains from cutting boards as well, with just half a lemon, salt, and sunshine!
14. Use the Zest in Food and Drinks
Zest is simply grated citrus peel, and you can use it fresh, dried, or frozen. If you don’t have a zester, use the smallest holes of a box grater. To dry zest, spread it on a towel and leave out until dried, then store in a jar. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Use zest in salads, marinades, baked goods, grain dishes, etc.
For lemon twists, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to cut a lemon peel into long strips, cutting away the bitter white pith and storing in a freezer-safe container or bag. Add them to cocktails, sparkling water, or tap water!
15. Make Lemon Powder
Using the method for lemon twists described above, dry the strips skin-side down on a plate for 3-4 days, then use a blender or spice grinder to turn it into a powder. Use the powdered peel in place of extract or zest in recipes, add it to pepper to make a great lemon pepper, or add to sugar as a delicious addition to drinks or homemade cookies.
16. Make Candied Lemon Peel
Candied lemon peels can be eaten plain, or dipped in melted chocolate, used in cake, cookie, candy, or bread recipes.
17. Create a Lemon Sugar Scrub
A lemon sugar scrub not only smells delightful, it brightens and softens your skin as well. All you need is some sugar, chopped lemon peel, and enough olive oil to make a paste. Use your DIY lemon sugar scrub before shaving or showering for silky smooth skin.
18. Soothe Travel Sickness
Suck on a piece of lemon skin to soothe a queasy stomach and overcome feelings of nausea.
More Ideas You'll Love
19. Make Fire Starters
Bake discarded orange or lemon peels until they darken to turn them into natural, fragrant fire starters.
20. Clean Your Grater
Remove dried food from your grater by rubbing with the pulp side of a cut lemon.
21. Trash Can Deodorizer
Throw a few lemon peels in the bottom of your garbage can from time to time to keep it smelling fresh.
For even more lemon-scented tips and tricks, check out these 22 uses for lemons.
Looking For More Posts Like This?
- I’ve written dozens of blog posts about creative alternative uses for everyday items, and now there’s a quick and easy way to peruse them!
- Check out all of my “Uses For” posts here.
Do you have a favorite use for lemon peels?
Would the lemon vinegar be alright to use on your hair? I know everyone says to use ACV but I absolutely can NOT stand the smell. I think this would be a great alternative because of the added benefits of the lemon.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t see why you couldn’t use it…you can use either one alone, so why not get the best of both!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been thinking about this too. Have you tried it? Did it work?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Dog or horse mange remedy = a bunch of lemon peels, (okay if they have leftover stuff clinging to the insides) cover with water, wait 3 days, bathe infected areas with the water. Afterwards, add more water to the lemon peels, in another three days do it again.. Keep doing it till the mange clears up.. non toxic to pets or humans, and it works! I got this many years ago from a book by herbalist Juliet de Barcli-Levy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So many of the comments with detergent people are using just Vinegar in the washing machine rinse water. I don’t know about others, just I can still smell a hint of vinegar on my laundry when pulling it out. Thinking about this lemon vinegar what about infusing vinegar with lavender stalks in the summer months, or mint leaves if you have a mint plant.
lavender or mint smelling vinegar for laundry or cleaning.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was using just vinegar as my softener too until lately. I made Jillee’s Fresh Scent Homemade Fabric Softener using the Purex Crystals. Love it! I used the same fragrance crystals in my laundry detergent and my clothes smell wonderful! I have turned two girlfriends onto making their own detergent and softener this past week – and these are two who probably would not have considered doing that until they tried a sample. They thought I was crazy to make my own stuff … til they tried it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When someone in my house has a lot of congestion or a sore throat we make hot lemonade. It cuts the congestion in your throat and it feels much better.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The other day we cut up lemons and ginger and put it in jars covered with honey to use as a tea base for sore throats and coughs.
Just wanted to post a little something to those with cat problems… I read online that you can take the egg shells.. crush it up, and sprinkle it into your garden… I think egg shells can be used as fertilizers as well.. but anyway, the cats supposedly don’t like the feel of prickly shells on their paws, so they will stay away from your garden…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Don’t work. I tried it this past summer. Also tried using Moth Balls; didn’t work, either. I ended up with no garden, but plenty of cat fertilizer. lol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.To get rid of unwanted cats in your garden, sprinke alot of cayenne pepper among your rows of flowers/veggies, etc. Sprinkle it on kind of thick too. It won’t hurt your flowers or veggies in any way. The cats get it on their paws, lick them and they don’t like the intense heat in their mouth! I used it in my mulch in the front yard near my front door because they kept peeing in it and all I could smell was cat urine. I bought a large container of cayenne pepper from Sams Club, sprinkled it all over the mulch and had no problems after that. A friend told me about it as she used it all the time for her veggie garden to keep cats and other critters away.
Place the peels of 8 to 14 lemons in a large gallon jar cover completely with a 5th of vodka. Place out for 3 weeks. Shake gently every day. Let it sit for 21 days. Mix with simple syrup and you have homemade Limencello. It is delicious. Save the peels and dry them after soaking to make a garnish. This is great over fruit salad as well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.OMG, that sounds delish!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for posting this. Everyone is always going on and on about cleaning with vinegar, but I can’t stand the smell. My mom used to run it through the coffee pot to clean it. I couldn’t stand being in the house on those days.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So, do you have any idea how to make true lemon?? I LOVE that stuff so much
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would guess that mixing the powdered lemon essence from above with some sugar/sugar alternatives and adding to some water would do it. If not, then dehydrate the lemon pulp until brittle. Whirl in blender/food processor, add sugar/sugar substitute and water.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I LOVE Lemon. Great uses!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here are additional uses. Most are from Reader’s Digest.
Eliminate Fireplace Odor – toss into a burning fire
Last Resort to remove stains on marble – warning, it’s an acid, but it will bleach the stain
Neutralize Cat Box Odor – a couple wedges in a bowl, will remove the scent from the air
Deodorize Humidifier – 3 to 4 tspn. added to the water every few weeks will remove any odor and leave a nice lemony scent
Prevent Potatoes and Cauliflower from turning brown – put a teaspoon of lemon juice in while they’re boiling and they won’t brown
Brighten dull aluminum – rub the cut side of a lemon inside and out and buff with a soft cloth
Keep rice from sticking – add a spoonful to boiling water, when done – let sit to cool and fluff with a fork
Keep guacamole green, apple slices from browning, fruit salads fresh – just sprinkle liberally
Make soggy lettuce crisp – Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water. Then put the soggy lettuce in it and refrigerate for 1 hour. Make sure to dry the leaves completely before putting them into salads or sandwiches.
Insect cleaner – you touched on this – here’s what I do – Simply mix the juice of 4 lemons (along with the rinds) with 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water and wash your floors with it; then watch the fleas and roaches flee. They hate the smell.
Clean your microwave – Mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice into 1 1/2 cups water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven. Then just wipe away the softened food with a dishrag.
Soak delicates in baking soda and lemon juice for at least half an hour before washing
Remove underarm stains
I am sooooo happy you posted this! I cleaned my stove with baking soda and lemon juice today and I claimed out loud I LOVE LEMONS! AND BAKING SODA! I love the smell of citrus as well, so anything to make the place smell like it I am down! Definitely want to make the lemon vinegar as I am in love with that as well. I also love those red sparkly nails you have there!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How much baking soda and lemon did u use. I would like to try this.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve become so conscious of all the nasty germs lurking around everywhere these days. And when I was made aware of all the crud living on menus in restaurants, I kinda freaked for not having thought of it sooner! So now, after I have ordered my meal and before I touch anything else, I use a slice of lemon to sanitize my hands. Keeps me from having to run to the ladies room to keep washing my hands!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love lemons too and love the idea of using lemon peel to make lemon vinegar. I do think using lemons as cleansers is impractical if you don’t live in an area where they are inexpensive. I lived for 4 years in Houston and you could buy 10 lemons for $1.00 year round. But for most of the country (and where I live now) we are lucky to get 3 lemons for $1.00. That adds up to mighty expensive cleaner.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree. I was wondering if you could make the lemon vinegar with the lemon juice in a bottle. Lemons are a little pricey where we live.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You know, I don’t see why not. I haven’t tried it but my guess is that it would work just fine.
I have a “99cents Only” dollar store near me that has an assortment of vegetables, fruits and other food items, check there for bags of lemons if you have a “99cents Only” dollar store near you. And you guessed it, a bag of lemons is a buck!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In Indian restaurants, after a meal, they place little bowls of warm water with a thin lemon slice/wedge in it. One can dip one’s hands & fingers, swirl around & then wipe clean. It is Very refreshing, cleansing, & removes all traces of oil, greasiness. It leaves one’s hands feeling soft & clean.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do this as part of my home manicure routine.
Have any of you used the lemon zest in a cake. Oh my! If you like lemon as much as I do, try it. And I use the juice with powdered sugar to make the glaze. (I only make bundt cakes any more.) The lemon is so good, too. Just remember that with the zest, a little goes a long way. (I put a tad too much in the cake, but I still ate it all! I loved it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee asked what we use lemon peels for and the first thing that came to mind was a remedy for sore throats. Take a lemon and cut the top 1/4 off. Score an ‘x’ in top, now exposed portion of the remaining lemon. Place a peppermint down into the ‘x’. Gently squeeze the lemon (or rol it between your two hands) to release some of the juice. Now simply suck on the lemon, drinking the juice. Do this until there isn’t anymore juice. Something about this magical concoction relieves your sore throat.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you are familiar with Feng Shui, lemon rinds (& whole fruit) are perfect. Place a bowl of rinds in a spot where stagnant air hangs around. It energizes chi and keeps it flowing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m going to post this question in the forum as soon as my registration gets approved, but thought for now I would ask here, as the whole lemon vinegar thing made me think about it again:
Does anyone have a good recommendation on where to get good reusable cleaning supplies, such as spray bottles / scrubbers? Jillee’s had me making my own everything for long enough that I don’t have much left in the way of old brand-name spray bottles, and the ones I have re-used never seem to last very long before they start leaking everywhere.
I’d love to find things that are eco-friendly AND that don’t cost an arm & a leg – but that may be too much to ask. :O) I’ve found plenty of websites selling cleaning supplies but have no idea which ones I can trust.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.you can find a link to order spray bottles under Jillee’s faves at Amazon (the red bag on the side of the page about 1/3 the way down). http://astore.amazon.com/onegoodthingbyjillee-20
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The cleaning row in most any store has spray bottles & scrubbers near the mops & things. Also bottles can be found near the ironing boards in Walmart & around the kitchen/home supplies in The Dollar Tree. Those bottles should be $1 or less depending on the store. Also, many garden centers sell them, but I noticed the garden center here charges more for spray bottles than those in the cleaning area.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I looked online for bottles and sprayers, etc. By the time you pay shipping, it’s not worth it. I finally went to the Dollar Tree and bought 3 bottles of spray cleaner just for the sprayers and containers. I bought the big empty white bottles with sprayers at the Dollar Tree in the past, but they break down easily. The ones with cleaner already in them seem to be a much better quality.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Was just in Lowes yesterday and noticed they have heavy duty ones for two bucks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I bought mine at Ace Hardware Store (a chain hardware store). Cost from 99 cents for a pint bottle to 1.29 for the quart size bottles. You can probably find them at Lowes or Home Depot as well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Depending on where u live, the Dollar General Stores sell them around $1.00 each. That’s where I get mine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee–this is just fantastic! Such great ideas! LOVE the smell of lemons! And of lavender, like you! I want to try this cleaner and add a few drops of lavender EO :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.great round up of ideas for our bursting lemon tree! when i have a half of lemon in hand, i give the sink faucet and sink basin a quick scrub with it. helps break up our hard water deposits.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee – can the lemon vinegar be use for the vinegar in the soap scum cleaner? (https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/02/tub-and-shower-soap-scum-buster.html). I love that cleaner but the vinegar smell gets a little overwhelming.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh most definitely Karen! Good idea! I think I need to go make some more lemon vinegar STAT! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, too funny my husband acts like your boys when I clean our floors with a vinegar solution. I can’t wait to try the lemon vinegar cleaner.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh how I love your blog!! Found you through Pintrest and after browsing so many other DIY, mommy and other (great!) blogs, I am officially addicted to One Good Thing…THANK YOU!! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Lemon is my absolute favorite scent and flavor! I use lemon weekly in my garbage disposal and on my cutting boards. I will definitely be giving the lemon vinegar a try! Did you know that lemon is also a natural detoxing agent for your liver? I drink lemon first thing in the morning (before my coffee) and throughout the day and before going to bed (about an hour before, if not I will not get any sleep). If you are trying to lose weight or decrease bloating, try lemon water. Be careful of the acidity with your teeth, I use about 1/2 a lemon daily. And it just tastes so good!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Lemon and some honey mixed in with slightly warm water. Drink first thing in morning for detoxification & weight loss. Honey & Warm water neutralize the acidity of lemon while keeping all the useful properties intact. This is an Ayurvedic ‘tonic’ too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Raw honey (it should be cloudy), not the clear faux honey in the bear.
How many slices do u use in a cup of water?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ooooo. Love the lemon water idea. When ever I find lemons on sale I buy about 9 or 10, squeeze the juice and freeze a TB in each of the ice cube tray partitions. Then pop them all in a plastic bag for the freezer to use in anything I need. Lime too. Now I have a ton of ways to use the peels. Thank you girls!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What about pouring some of the lemon/vinegar mixture in the rinse cycle when washing clothes? Will it still soften? and leave a lemony scent to the clother?
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