Last Updated on March 17, 2017 by Diane Hoffmaster
A few weeks ago, I bought two bags of limes because we had plans to make margaritas. Well, we never managed to make it to the liquor store for the tequila and now I am wondering what to do with limes that are just too old to be very useful. You know how old limes get, right? Kind of pale looking and not quite green any more? Dull, dense and rather unappetizing? Maybe a rather gross shade of brown? Well, here are a few uses for limes that I have come across that don’t require that they be fresh and juicy.
What to do with limes that are just a bit too old!
Garbage Disposal Refresher: Leftover limes are great for cleaning the garbage disposal. Just slice in quarters and shove down into the garbage disposal. Run the hot water and turn on the blades. After a minute or so you will have a nice, fresh garbage disposal!
Clean out the microwave: Add sliced limes and water to a 1 cup glass measuring cup. Place in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth.
Scare away ants: When I was researching what to do with limes, I came across an interesting fact. Ants hate all citrus! If you puree a few lime peels in a cup of water, you can pour this solution all over the yard to keep ants away. Use it in your garden, on your patio, and along the foundation of your home to keep those areas ant free!
Make homemade potpourri: If you have a food dehydrator, you can dehydrate thin slices of limes and make homemade potpourri out of them. Add large, thin slices of coconut and some tropical essential oils for a nice aroma of summer.
Clean your cutting board: Slice a lime in half, sprinkle with course salt and use that to scrub your cutting board. This is a great way to remove the smell of fish and garlic from a wooden cutting board.
Make your own lime salt: Lime salt is great around the rim of your margarita glass! Learn how to make flavored salts with your old limes.
Turn them into frozen lime cubes: Slice your lime into quarters and again in half. Freeze them on a cookie sheet. Store in a large freezer bag. Any time you want a cold glass of water, just toss a few in the glass and add water. They will chill the water while adding a bit of flavor.
Freshen the air: Slice a few limes and toss in a pot of water on the stove. Simmer over low heat and add a wonderful aroma to the air.
Try juicing them: If you are wondering what to do with limes once they turn brown, you can still try juicing them. Here are some tips on how to juice old limes that might help.
Get rid of dark knees and elbows: is the skin on your knees and elbows dark and rough? Make them lighter and smoother by rubbing lime on them. Rub for about 10 or 15 minutes. Add a sprinkle of course salt for extra exfoliating.
Old limes are still rather useful, even if they aren’t all that attractive anymore. Since ugly produce seems to be gaining in popularity, I figured I would try and be less wasteful when it comes to over ripe produce.
Do you have any other uses for old limes?
Did you find this post helpful? IF so, check out these uses for orange peels!
I live in a senior citizen apartment complex in Valparaiso IN. Enjoy crafty stuff and writing. Like your ideas.
Glad you found them helpful!
I freeze old or used limes. Toss one in the cooker body while steaming or cooking. Leaves the inside of the cooker sparkling clean.
That’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing!