Lemons are one of those things that seem to disappear quickly in the kitchen. You squeeze them over fish, add them to drinks, use the juice in marinades, or grate some zest into a recipe. Then you’re left with the peel, which usually gets tossed into the trash without much thought.

Before you throw those rinds away, take a second look at them. The peel still contains citrus oils and plenty of fragrance, so it can be useful for cleaning, freshening up certain areas of the house, cooking, baking, and even gardening.

Some of these ideas are as easy as dropping a few peels into a pot of water, while others take a little more preparation. Either way, saving your lemon peels gives you another use for something that would otherwise end up in the garbage.

Simmer Lemon Peels for a Fresh Scent

Put leftover lemon peels in a small pot of water and let them simmer gently on the stove. The warm citrus scent can make the kitchen smell fresh, especially after cooking something with a strong odor.

You can also add a cinnamon stick, a few sprigs of rosemary, or other herbs you have on hand. Keep an eye on the pot and add more water if needed.

Give Dingy White Clothes a Little Help

Lemon juice is sometimes used as a mild stain-lightening treatment for white fabrics. If you’re trying this method, squeeze any remaining juice from the peel onto the affected area, then let the fabric sit in sunlight before washing.

Test this on a small, hidden area first, since lemon juice and sunlight can affect some fabrics. Avoid using it on colored clothing unless you’ve checked that the fabric can handle it.

Freshen Up Small Spaces

Dried lemon peels can make a simple addition to areas that need a little freshening. Put a few in a small dish in the refrigerator, or place dried pieces in a breathable bag for a closet or shoe area.

They won’t replace proper odor removal for serious smells, but they can add a mild citrus scent to smaller spaces. Let the peels dry fully before storing them in enclosed areas.

Get Strong Food Smells Off Your Hands

Garlic, onions, and fish can leave stubborn smells on your hands long after you’re finished cooking. Rubbing the inside of a lemon peel over your hands can help reduce those lingering odors.

Rinse your hands afterward, then wash them as usual. If your skin is sensitive or has cuts, skip this trick since citrus can sting.

Add Lemon Peels to the Compost

Don’t let those peels go straight into the garbage if you have a compost pile or bin. Cut them into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost so they break down along with the other kitchen scraps.

Like other citrus scraps, they can take a little longer to break down than softer fruit and vegetable scraps. Smaller pieces can help move things along.

Steam-Clean the Microwave

Lemon peels can make microwave cleanup a little easier. Put the peels in a microwave-safe bowl with about a cup of water, then heat for 3 to 5 minutes.

Leave the door closed for a few more minutes afterward so the steam can loosen dried-on food. Carefully remove the bowl, then wipe the inside with a cloth or sponge. The warm lemon water can also help with lingering food smells.

Here’s How to Clean a Microwave (4 Easy Methods).

Scrub a Wooden Cutting Board

For a cutting board that needs some extra attention, sprinkle coarse salt over the surface and use a squeezed lemon half to scrub it. The salt provides some scrubbing action while the lemon can help freshen the board.

Rinse the board well with water afterward, then dry it upright so air can reach both sides. Don’t soak wooden cutting boards for long periods, since excess water can cause the wood to swell or crack.

Freshen the Garbage Disposal

A few small pieces of lemon peel can help make a garbage disposal smell fresher. Turn on cold water and add the pieces gradually rather than dropping a large amount in at once.

Don’t use large chunks or piles of thick peels, as they can cause problems in some disposals. This is more of a quick freshening trick than a substitute for cleaning the disposal.

You can find more tips here on getting rid of garbage disposal smells and what to avoid to prevent clogs.

Loosen Coffee Pot Stains

Coffee stains can build up inside glass pots and carafes over time. Add a few lemon peels, warm water, and a spoonful of salt to the cooled pot, then gently swirl the mixture around.

Let it sit for several hours or overnight before rinsing it thoroughly and washing the pot as usual. For stubborn buildup, you may need a cleaner made for coffee equipment.

Freshen Up Stainless Steel

The inside of a lemon peel can be useful for giving stainless steel sinks and faucets a quick refresh. Rub the peel over the surface, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

This can help remove light residue and leave behind a fresh citrus scent. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using citrus or acidic ingredients on specialty finishes.

Save the Zest for Cooking

If you’re going to use the lemon juice anyway, save some of the zest before tossing the peel. A fine grater or zester can remove the yellow outer layer while leaving most of the bitter white pith behind.

Lemon zest can be added to cakes, cookies, roasted vegetables, marinades, salad dressings, pasta dishes, and eggs. You can also freeze extra zest in a small container or freezer bag so you have some ready for another recipe.

Make Lemon Simple Syrup

Lemon peels can add extra flavor to homemade simple syrup. Simmer equal parts sugar and water with strips of lemon peel, then remove from the heat and let sit for a while before straining.

The finished syrup can be added to iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, or other drinks. You can also brush it over cakes to add moisture and a little extra lemon flavor.

Make Candied Lemon Peels

If you like sweet treats with a citrus flavor, turn the peels into candied lemon slices or strips. Simmer the peel in sugar syrup until it becomes tender and somewhat translucent, then let the pieces dry.

Once they’re ready, roll them in sugar or dip them in melted chocolate. They’re good for snacking and can also be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.

Make Lemon-Infused Vinegar

Lemon peels and white vinegar can be combined to make a simple household cleaning solution. Fill a jar with lemon peels, cover them with white vinegar, and let the mixture sit for about one to two weeks.

Strain out the peels and dilute the infused vinegar with water before using it on suitable surfaces. The lemon gives the vinegar a fresher smell while the vinegar remains useful for many everyday cleaning jobs.

If you’re looking for more homemade options, try these natural surface cleaners.