Wondering why your mother-in-law leaves tangerine and orange peels on your window sills every visit? It turns out, this odd habit is a clever, natural method to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting.

The secret lies in the essential oils contained within the peels, which release a delightful, citrusy aroma when exposed to air. This aroma not only combats unpleasant odors but also spreads a refreshing scent throughout your space, especially effective when the peels are placed on window sills where airflow can help disseminate the fragrance. Moreover, the warmth from sunlight can amplify the scent, making your home feel more welcoming.

Beyond just freshening up the air, these citrus peels can serve multiple purposes around the house, from being used in tea to enhance flavor, to acting as a natural deodorizer for laundry.

This practice is not only eco-friendly, reducing waste by repurposing the peels, but it also avoids the chemicals in artificial air fresheners. So, the next time you find citrus peels adorning your windowsills, know it’s your mother-in-law’s traditional wisdom at work, aiming to bring a slice of nature into your home.