What to Do With Leftover Juicer Pulp: 10 Genius Ideas Sure to Surprise You
If you've invested in a juicer, you know the kitchen appliance is perfect for whipping up deliciously fresh and healthy sips. But you also know how much leftover pulp juicing produces. And while many of us simply toss it in the trash or compost it, many juicers find themselves asking what to do with pulp from juicing. As it turns out, there's a lot you can do! That leftover pulp is bursting with fiber and healthy nutrients (keep reading to see how you can get the perks), but you can also use leftover pulp for everyday things like cleaning, caring for plants and even improving the health of your skin. Keep reading to discover our 10 favorite things to do with the leftover pulp.
1. Freshen up your garbage disposal
Your garbage disposal gets a lot of use, which means it can sometimes give off a less-than-fresh odor. Lemon pulp to the rescue! Next time you have a bit leftover, pour 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup lemon pulp and 1/2 cup lemon juice down the drain. Plug the drain and let it sit for an hour before pouring a pot of boiling water inside. The lemon has natural disinfecting properties, so the disposal will smell fresh in no time.
"I'm always in search of natural cleaning solutions, and this lemon garbage disposal cleaning hack is an easy one," says Sara McDaniel, an interior designer, home renovation expert, and owner of Simply Southern Cottage. "It makes my kitchen smell so clean and fresh!"
2. Make tasty dog treats
Instead of wasting money on expensive treats, make your own! Just mix 2 cups of orange pulp, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/3 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds and 1 tablespoon of coconut. Shape into balls (or any other desired shape) and bake at 275°F for an hour.
Your pup will love the treats, but they're also good for him! "These treats are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids. thanks to ingredients like flax seeds," assures veterinarian Sara Ochoa, DVM, founder of How To Pets. "Omega-3s are so important for maintaining healthy skin and coat, and they can even help combat conditions like dandruff and dry fur. Plus, they're a boon for pups prone to ear infections."
Related: “I’m a Veterinarian and This Is a Red Flag That Your Dog’s Ears Need Cleaning!”
3. Revitalize your houseplants
While watering your plants, you notice they're looking a little sad and droopy. What can help: Use leftover apple pulp as a natural fertilizer. Simply soak the pulp in warm water, then place it in the soil. The pulp is rich in organic matter that can enrich the soil, promoting healthy plant growth. The result? Lush, happy greenery!
Related: Plant Pros: 7 Genius Ways to Water Plants While You’re Away + One Hack Never To Try
4. Revitalize your skin
If your skin is dry and dull, skip the pricey lotions and try this: Mix 1/4 cup of celery pulp, 1/4 cup of olive oil or coconut oil and 3 teaspoons of honey and apply it on your face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Follow up with your usual skincare routine. The celery pulp will help calm redness and rashes thanks to the pulp's anti-inflammatory properties.
"The celery's silica boosts moisture and elasticity to keep skin looking youthful and supple," explains celebrity aesthetician Joanna Vargas, author of Glow from Within
5. Add flavor to soups and stews
You're in the middle of cooking your favorite soup when you realize you forgot the vegetable broth. The simple swap that works just as well? Leftover vegetable juicer pulp (like from celery or cucumber). Simply simmer the pulp with water and your favorite herbs and spices for a flavorful base for soups and stews. (You can also freeze it and use it later.)
Related: Discover the 3-Ingredient Italian Secret to Flavor-Up Pasta Sauces, Soups & Stews
6. Sanitize cutting boards
You love your wooden cutting board, but you worry there's bacteria lurking on the surface even after you wash it. To help put your mind at ease, use a sponge to rub leftover lemon pulp over the surface of the board. The acids in the pulp act as a natural bleach to kill off any bacteria, plus they help break down any food stains, so your board looks like new.
7. Bake up healthier muffins
If you want an easy and cheap way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, add a cup of leftover apple, carrot, zucchini or other pulp to your favorite muffin recipe. Incorporating fruit or vegetable pulp into muffin recipes adds moisture, fiber and nutrients to your baked goods, making them healthier and more flavorful.
8. Banish acne
While washing your face, you notice a zit on your forehead! To fight this, grab some leftover tomato juice pulp. Dab a small amount of pulp onto problem areas and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and following up with your normal skincare.
"The tomato's natural acidity helps rid your skin of excess oil and promotes healing, explains Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home.
9. Fight off dental plaque
Even with regular brushing, you feel like your teeth aren't as clean as they could be. To ensure a healthy smile, place 1/2 to 1 tsp. of apple pulp on your toothbrush regularly and brush your teeth with it. Apple's fibrous pulp removes debris from teeth, and its mild acidity increases saliva levels to rinse away plaque that leads to cavities.
10. Whiten your nails
The low-cost secret to brighten yellow nails: lemon pulp! Fill a bowl with the pulp and place your fingers in, then rub your nails with the pulp. Let sit for 1 minute; rinse. The pulp's citric acid lifts yellow pigments from nails, and its vitamin C helps brighten them.
Related: The 8 Best Press On Nails According to Celebrity Manicurists
For more clever life hacks, keep reading!
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