There are countless ways to make use of kitchen scraps, whether you collect odds and ends in a freezer bag for a rainy-day vegetable stock or sneak overripe bananas into pancake batter to increase your fiber intake. Citrus peels are especially versatile; you can turn them into homemade candies, use them as an aromatic candle…
Where citrus peels truly shine, however, is in household cleaning. You might already use them in homemade countertop sprays or room scents, but they’re remarkably effective at eliminating stubborn dishwasher odors, too.
Deodorize Your Dishwasher With Citrus Peels
Just as lemon juice refreshes a garbage disposal, citrus scraps are a great way to neutralize your dishwasher. Even if you clean the filter — which you should do monthly — the appliance is still prone to a musky, mildewy stench.
Think of citrus peels as a natural deodorizer for your dishwasher. After squeezing lemons, oranges, or grapefruit into your citrus-forward recipes, place the peels (pulp and all) in the dishwasher’s cutlery basket, ideally in a dedicated slot away from utensils. Run a normal cycle and let the citrus work its magic. Once the cycle is complete, toss the peels in the garbage and enjoy your noticeably cleaner machine. You can use this hack two to three times per week to keep odors at bay.
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Why Citrus Is a Cleaning Powerhouse
Citrus is an excellent, multifunctional cleaner: Its natural oils cut through grease, its acidity dissolves soap scum, and its low pH neutralizes unpleasant odors. The citric acid is especially effective for glassware, preventing hard-water minerals from redepositing and leaving your favorite bar glasses streak-free with minimal effort.
