Everyone’s Putting Orange Peels in the Dishwasher — Here’s What Happened When I Tried It. Okay, have you noticed this? Lately, every social feed and chat group I’m in is talking about using orange peels in the dishwasher. Not some fancy powder. Not a viral miracle spray. Just orange peels, straight from your fruit bowl. Look, I love a good kitchen shortcut—even if it sounds a little “backwoods” (I mean this in the nicest way) at first glance. I mean, why waste peels if you can actually clean with them, right? Before I got my hands sticky, I was busy making cheesy chicken fritters and dreaming of apricot fruit cake—so you know, this couldn’t be too much weirder than my usual.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this 5 Surprising Things That Happened When I Tried Orange Peels in the Dishwasher: it’s budget-friendly and it tastes like a bakery treat. Everyone’s Putting Orange Peels in the Dishwasher — Here’s What Happened When I Tried It. Okay, have you noticed this? Lately, every social feed and chat…
What Happened When I Put Orange Peels in My Dishwasher
Let’s get into it. I tossed a few orange peels (no pulp, just the skin) right in the cutlery basket of my dishwasher.
- I didn’t add any fancy detergent—just wanted to see what the peels could do on their own.
- The smell? Kind of wild, almost like an upscale spa moved into my kitchen for the cycle.
- After the wash, my plates weren’t just cleaner—they had this cheerful, fresh scent. Not overpowering, but definitely there.
Honestly, I was shocked. Because who expects an actual result from a kitchen TikTok? My mom even walked in and asked if I’d lit a citrus candle (nope, just frugal magic happening in the dishwasher).
“I never thought orange peels would actually work, but my dishwasher and cups were sparkling—and not a fake lemon scent in sight!” – Paula B., neighbor and dishwasher skeptic
Can Lemons Really Clean An Oven?
And since I was all citrus-happy, the next thing on my mind: do lemons really tackle that gross, baked-on oven mess?
- Short answer: sure, but don’t expect five-star-restaurant power.
- Lemons break down light grease—but c’mon, you’ll still need elbow grease for ancient cheese leftovers.
- Works better as a freshener than a full cleaner.
How to Use Lemons As an Oven Cleaning Hack
Here’s my slapdash method (which, honestly, I just made up after texting three friends):
- Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice over the oven floor. Throw those halves in there for good measure.
- Set your oven to “warm” (nothing wild, you don’t want roasted citrus).
- Wait 20-30 minutes. Wipe down.
Surprise bonus? It actually helps with that “last week’s pizza” smell. If your oven is super grimy, check these best ways to clean kitchen grease for something stronger.
Results: Not Bad!
Would I say my oven was transformed? Nah. Was it better-smelling and less intimidating to look at? Absolutely.
- The oranges in the dishwasher are a bigger win, in my opinion.
- But lemons make things easier between deep cleans.
- Also, my kitchen smelled like the fruit section at the market—no complaints.
More to Love from The Kitchn
Want more kitchen hacks? Check out chicken avocado ranch burritos for a fun mealtime experiment, or get creative with country apple fritter bread.
- Their tips sometimes sound wild, but sometimes, hey—they actually work.
- If you like DIY cleaning tricks and recipes that don’t take a ton of effort, just keep poking around.
- Who knows what’ll show up next in your dishwasher? (Pomegranate peels? Someone try it and report back.)
Common Questions
Can I use orange peels and detergent together?
You can! I’ve done it—just toss the peels in your dishwasher basket like confetti. It works with pods, liquid, whatever.
Will orange peels clog my dishwasher?
I get asked this. Really, as long as you use small pieces and don’t overstuff, you’re safe. Give the filter a quick check after if you’re cautious.
Can I use lemons instead?
Sure, but lemons aren’t quite as fragrant long-term. Orange peels give that zesty “just cleaned” vibe.
Are these methods eco-friendly?
Definitely! You’re recycling kitchen scraps and skipping harsh stuff. That’s a win in my book.
Will this get rid of all dishwasher smells?
It helps a lot—most everyday odors wil vanish. But if you’ve got a real funk happening, you might need a deeper scrub.
Would I Do It Again?
Oh, for sure—I’m a convert. The orange peels made my dishwasher feel so much fresher, and the plates looked noticeably brighter. If you want a side gig for your orange peels (besides compost), give this a shot. Honestly, there’s not much to lose and it worked for me—why not you? For more fun reads on this trend, you might like Everyone’s Putting Orange Peels in the Dishwasher — Here’s What … and another take at Everyone’s Putting Orange Peels in the Dishwasher — Here’s What …. Let me know if you jump on the citrus cleaning wagon or if there’s a new viral tip I haven’t tried—my kitchen’s basically a laboratory anyway.
