UK households urged to stop throwing orange and lemon peels away - do this instead

Most people throw orange and lemon peels straight in the bin without giving it a second thought. But now UK households are being urged to stop and try something else instead. The simple switch could cut costs, reduce waste, and even help keep your home looking its best.

From windows to mirrors and glass doors, keeping surfaces clean can be a challenge, especially during the summer when dust, flies and smudges build up quickly. Supermarket sprays are a common go-to, but one mum in Devon discovered a way to avoid harsh chemicals and save money using something she already had in the kitchen.

Louise Humpshire, who lives in Devon with her two toddlers, said: "I was spending a small fortune on cleaning products. With two young children, I'm always wiping windows and glass doors.

"One day I thought, why not try the peels instead of throwing them away? It's free, it's natural, and it saves me another trip to the shops."

Louise began saving her citrus peels and found a simple method that left her windows spotless and streak-free, without using any strong-smelling sprays.

Home and glass specialists at Balustrade Superstore say her trick is not only clever but also effective.

A spokesperson said: "Homemade solutions can be a great alternative to chemical sprays. For many households, it means fewer harsh products around children and pets. It is also a clever way to reuse kitchen waste."

They explained that citrus-based cleaners are generally safe on glass and uPVC frames but should be wiped off wooden frames quickly to avoid any damage to the finish.

Louise's method includes three types of peels:

Orange peels: Contain natural citrus oils that cut through grease. Soak them in vinegar for 1-2 weeks, then strain to make a powerful, streak-free cleaner.

Lemon peels: Rich in citric acid, which dissolves grime and limescale. Rubbing lemon peel directly onto glass can loosen water stains before wiping clean.

Grapefruit peels: Work like lemon and orange but with a stronger scent. Combined with coarse salt, they make a great scrub for stubborn spots.

To make the spray cleaner, fill a jar with peels, cover with vinegar, leave for up to two weeks, then strain and dilute (50:50) into a spray bottle.

Louise said: "It makes the house smell lovely and the glass looks great. Plus, I know the children aren't being exposed to unnecessary chemicals."

With more families looking to cut back on household costs, experts say it's a useful alternative that's easy to try.

"Clean windows don't just look better, they last longer," the Balustrade Superstore spokesperson added. "Simple habits like this can really make a difference."