If you're anything like me, you probably can't get enough of the vibrant, citrusy, refreshing scent and taste of lemons and oranges.

But once you've squeezed every last drop of juice from them, these citrus wonders can do more than just brighten up your meals!

I love to find ways to reduce kitchen waste and have things serve more than one purpose.

Here are 14 creative ways to harness the power of lemons and oranges, including their peels, around the home.

14 ways to use citrus in your home

1. Dried Lemon Powder

Why buy expensive lemon powder when you can easily make your own? I use this powder to add lemon flavor or when recipes call for lemon zest.

You can sprinkle it on dishes, desserts, or even in your morning smoothie for an extra zing.

Here's how:

Peel your lemons and spread the strips out on a lined oven tray.
Dry them at 170 F for 2-3 hours until fully dry.
Blitz them in a blender into a fine powder.

Note: I only use organic peels and wash them well before using

2. Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Upgrade your spice cabinet with homemade lemon pepper seasoning. Combine dried lemon zest powder with cracked black pepper and coarse salt for a zesty and versatile seasoning that pairs perfectly with various dishes.

3. Freeze Lemon and Orange Rinds for Zest

Don't let that zest go to waste! Freeze lemon or orange rinds, and whenever a recipe calls for zest, you'll have a stash ready to go. It's a convenient way to add a burst of citrus flavor to your cooking.

4. Candied Orange Peels

Indulge your sweet tooth with candied orange peels. Simmer the peels in a simple syrup, then roll them in sugar for a delightful treat. They make for a charming homemade gift, a sweet snack, or a beautiful drink decorator.

Here is a very easy recipe from Spicy Perspective

5. Citrus Aroma Potpourri

Boil leftover orange or lemon peels in a pot to fill your home with a delightful citrus aroma. Add extras like vanilla pods or rosemary sprigs to create a unique scent. It's a simple and natural way to freshen up your living space, especially on gloomy days when you need a burst of sunshine indoors.

This is my favorite Holiday Stovetop Potpourri

6. DIY Home Cleaners

Embrace the power of citrus for cleaning! Because lemons contain citric acid, which is both antibacterial and antiseptic, they may eradicate mold, mildew, and even rust. The oils in the lemon's peel or rinds can also help cut through grease and stains.

Here's my go-to recipe:

Add 3-4 orange peels and 2-3 lemon peels to a bottle or container
Fill with white vinegar and let sit for 3-4 weeks
Pour the contents into a larger spray bottle and dilute with water.

Use as a general cleaner around the home, like windows, shower doors, mirrors, chopping boards, the inside of the refrigerator, and ceramic surfaces.

* Make a new batch every two weeks. Always dilute your vinegar. Don't use it on hardwood floors, natural stone like marble or granite tops, or stainless steel.

Natural marble cleaner

7. Refresh Your Chopping Boards

Lemons' antibacterial properties and refreshing smell can help rid foul smells such as garlic, onion, or meat from your chopping boards. Simply rub half a lemon over it, eliminating odors and bacteria.

Lemons are also great to help clean your grill. Well, depending on how dirty it is, you may need a more potent cleaner ;-)

8. Shiners and Polishers

Use the peel or cut side of half a lemon to rub kitchen and bathroom taps, then wash and pat dry with a soft cloth to remove spots. This method also brightens dull pots, pans, and silverware.

For an inexpensive, natural, and chemical-free furniture polish you will love, mix one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil, stir thoroughly, and wipe your wooden furniture.

9. Garbage Disposal Cleaners

Make frozen garbage disposal cleaners with lemon or orange peels.

Simply peel your citrus, cut it into smaller pieces, add them to a muffin tin, fill the muffin cups with white vinegar, and freeze it. You could also use ice-cube trays. Add the frozen blocks to a container and use them as needed. Put a cube down the disposal and run it.

The ice will help sharpen the disposal blade, and you will eliminate funky smells.

10. Citrusy Potpourri, Sachets, and Candles

Dry orange or lemon peels and add them to potpourri or sachets in living spaces or clothing cupboards for a burst of citrus fragrance. You could also make homemade candles with dried lemon or orange powder to infuse your living spaces with a natural and refreshing scent.

11. Make a DIY Mosquito Repellent Candle

I love burning a homemade mosquito repellent candle in our home or outside on the patio. It is so easy to make and adds a homey touch with a refreshing smell! This is a super simple DIY that you can make to naturally repel mosquitoes when you're outside or in your home!

It's also beautiful to look at and fun for the kids to make, too, so it's a win-win!

12. Make Your Own Essential Oils

This one may take some time, effort, equipment, and a bit of knowledge, but it's never too late to learn something new, right? There are some easy ways to make diluted, infused oils and more complex methods to make pure essential oil.

This article from Love To Know shows you all the methods and steps!

Once you've made your pure or diluted citrus essential oil, you can use it to make candles, DIY scented hand cream, add to diffusers, make natural room sprays, and so much more!

13. Citrus Sugar Body Scrub

Combine dried citrus zest with sugar and coconut oil to create a luxurious citrus sugar body scrub. This spa-like treat exfoliates and nourishes your skin, leaving it silky smooth and smelling divine. It's also great as a gift!

Try this Lemon Rosemary Sugar Scrub

14. Citrus Vinegar Hair Rinse

Say goodbye to dull hair and hello to natural shine! Steep lemon or orange peels in white vinegar for a few weeks, strain, and dilute the solution with water. Use it as a hair rinse for a refreshing citrusy scent and added luster.