We know this is probably a little odd -- but, to us, nothing smells more like Christmas than a fresh orange, just peeled. We always got oranges in the toes of our stockings, and have been known to eat 2 or 3 of them for dessert during the month of December.
Earlier this month, Mom brought us a whole box of oranges. We've been eating them as fast as we can ... but we've also found another use.
Every time we peel an orange in the kitchen, we toss one section and a little bit of the peel into the sink. Later, when we do the dishes -- we set the orange bits aside until we're done. Then, we toss the section and peel down the garbage disposal and let it whirl for a few seconds. Voila -- our kitchen is clean and it smells like fresh oranges. It's a green way to deodorize. All those funky smells (onions, cheese, garlic) seem to disappear.
Lemons work just as well (and can be used for cleaning) -- but we prefer oranges in December.
image via WGyuri; Flickr.com
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I am excited it's almost Honeybell season! The best oranges in the woild.
view Spaniella's profile
wonderful idea! My grandma sends me a box of grapefruit and oranges every year from Florida. Unfortunately my BF is convinced that oranges (or any kind of citrus) will ruin our disposal. I disagree, but it's not worth the debate.
view Rachelw's profile
putting the citrus peels down the disposal does make a big difference. it's like free orange oil cleaner!
view youreacigarette's profile
I've been doing this for years. Don't put full halves down the disposal, they'll just spin around and not get chopped up. Make sure to cut up in small pieces.
view LizO's profile
Alas, orange and lemon peels can dull your disposal's blades pretty quickly. If you do this, definitely use smaller pieces.
view wig3000's profile