Natural orange oil derived from orange rinds has a multitude of home and commercial applications. In addition to a pleasant scent, this eco-friendly substance has powerful solvent properties. You can purchase cleaners, polishers and air fresheners that contain orange oil, or purchase a vial of the oil at your local natural or homeopathic store to make everything from insect repellent to hand degreaser.
Insect Repellent
Orange extract contains about 92 percent d-limonene, a substance shown to be toxic to insects in laboratory experiments. In a study published in the June 2007 issue of "The Journal of Economic Entomology," scientists investigated the effects of orange oil extract on subterranean termites. One group was treated with orange oil extract at 5 parts per million, and another with orange oil extract vapors at 10 parts per million. The termites treated with the orange oil extract had a mortality rate of 68 percent after five days, while the termites treated with vapors only had a 15.4 percent mortality rate after three days. The study concluded that, "with a suitable method of application and in combination with other control practices, OOE can be effectively used for the control of subterranean termites." Howard Garrett, known as the Dirt Doctor, reports that orange oil is an effective method to control fleas, and is often added to pet shampoos for flea and tick removal.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapists claim that orange oil has many benefits when used in their practice along with other techniques. Although several clinical trials were inconclusive, aromatherapists report that orange oil reduces feelings of anger and fear, helps with depression, boosts confidence and instills feelings of happiness.
Cleaning and Degreasing
Orange oil works well as an all-purpose cleaner, polisher and degreaser, and is mild enough for residential use yet strong enough for commercial applications. For use around the home, mix .25 oz. of orange oil 1 qt. of water. Fill a spray bottle with the solution, and use it to clean floors, countertops, tiles, windows, stovetops, sinks, showers, tubs and mirrors. Use orange oil to clean rusted metal, boats, bicycles and your car, or to degrease motor parts. It is also effective used as a stain remover for tough stains like scuff marks, felt marker, gum, glue and candle wax. Orange oil also helps to remove odors from carpet and fabrics and helps to restore leather. Experiment with different concentrations of strength, including .5 oz., 1 oz. or 2 to 4 oz. mixed with 1 qt. of water.
Eco-friendly Petroleum Substitute
Yokohama was the first tire company to use sustainable orange oil along with other natural materials to produce tires that are 80 percent petroleum-free. The tires received the Editor's Choice Award given by "Popular Mechanics" at a 2008 industry trade show, and the company introduced the tires to the public in 2009. Yokohama's Vice President of Sales Dan King states that the tires "also help consumers save money at the gas pump by improving fuel efficiency via a 20 percent reduction in rolling resistance."
Wood Polish
Orange oil is an ingredient in many wood polishing products, and can safely remove day-to-day accumulation of dirt and dust, as well as condition the wood.
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