Don’t Throw Away Leftover Lemon Peels — Keep Them for These 5 Amazing Uses
You can repurpose lemon peels after cooking to solve many household problems.

Lemon peels contain citric acid, with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₇. Citric acid is widely used in industries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. It acts as a cleaning agent, preservative, water softener, and more.

Thanks to the citric acid and essential oils in lemon peels, you can make use of them in the following helpful ways around the house:

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1. Make Dishwashing Liquid

You can use lemon peels along with other fruit peels to create an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid. The ingredients are simple: lemon peels and baking soda. When mixed, baking soda reacts with lemon juice to create fizz and CO₂. Citric acid also helps soften hard water.

How to make it:

• Chop lemon peels and place them in a bottle (fill about half the bottle).

• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

• Close the lid and shake well.

• Leave the bottle in a sunny spot.

• Open the lid once a day to release gas and promote fermentation.

• After about 1 week, the lemon peels will be fully fermented.

Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Use this lemon extract to wash dishes.
Tip: Remove food scraps and rinse dishes before using the lemon-based cleaner for best results.

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2. Remove Burnt Stains from Pots and Pans

When pots or pans are burnt and the residue sticks stubbornly to the bottom, lemon peels can help.

How to use:

• Place several lemon peels (including the squeezed pulp) into the burnt pot.

• Add enough water to cover the burnt area.

• Boil for 15 minutes.

The combination of citric acid and heat will help loosen the burnt food residue. Then just wash the pot as usual.

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3. Clean Knives and Cutting Boards

Citric acid has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s often found in fungicides, insecticides, and hand sanitizers.

After cutting raw foods, knives and cutting boards can harbor odors and bacteria.
To clean them:

• Rub lemon peels over the surface of the knife and cutting board.

• Then wash with dish soap and rinse thoroughly.

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4. Deodorize the Microwave and Fridge

To eliminate odors in the microwave:

• Place lemon peels in a bowl of water.

• Heat on high for 2–3 minutes.

The steam carries the lemon’s fragrance, neutralizing bad smells. Afterward, wipe the interior with a dry cloth.

For the refrigerator:

• Place a few lemon peels in corners of the shelves or compartments to absorb food odors.

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5. Clean Teapots and Teacups

Tea often leaves behind stubborn stains that regular dish soap can’t remove.

To clean:

• Rub lemon peels directly onto stained areas.

• Alternatively, boil lemon peels with a pinch of salt in water.

• Soak the teapot in this mixture for a few minutes.

• Once the water cools, wash the teapot as usual.

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By reusing lemon peels this way, you're not only reducing waste but also creating natural, chemical-free solutions for your home.