Most people toss banana peels into the trash without a second thought, assuming they’re nothing more than food waste. But in reality, banana peels have a variety of unexpected uses — and when paired with laundry detergent, they become an incredibly effective tool for cleaning, pest control, and even plant care.
This simple combination can solve several common household problems in a safe, affordable, and surprisingly efficient way.

Below, you’ll discover the practical effects of mixing banana peels with laundry detergent, along with several additional uses of banana peels that many people overlook.

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What Does Banana Peel Mixed With Laundry Detergent Do?

1. Repels and Eliminates Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests, and they carry bacteria and germs that can threaten human health. Instead of smashing them — a method that can release harmful bacteria into your living space — you can use a safer and cleaner approach: banana peels combined with laundry detergent.

How to use it:

• Cut the banana peel into small pieces and place them inside a small container.

• Add a little salt and a spoonful of laundry detergent.

• Mix the ingredients evenly with chopsticks or a spoon.

Banana peels naturally attract cockroaches due to their sweet scent. Meanwhile, the salt and detergent work together to dehydrate the insects and disrupt their respiratory systems, leading to their elimination.

Place this mixture in areas where cockroaches appear frequently at night — such as under sinks, behind cabinets, or near trash bins. By the next morning, you’ll likely notice a significant reduction in roach activity. This method is not only effective but also helps keep your home hygienic and chemical-free.

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Other Useful Applications of Banana Peels

Banana peels have far more uses than most people realize. From cleaning to gardening, here are some additional ways they can be incredibly beneficial.

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2. Cleaning and Polishing Leather Shoes

Over time, leather shoes lose their shine and accumulate dirt. The inside of a banana peel contains pectin, a natural compound that helps remove dirt while restoring shine.

How to use:
Rub the inner side of the peel gently over the leather surface, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. You’ll see the dust lift off easily and the leather regain a smooth, polished finish. It’s a natural, cost-effective alternative to shoe polish.

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3. Eliminating Unpleasant Car Odors

New cars or vehicles with leather seats often develop strong, unpleasant odors. Banana peels contain fruit acids and antioxidants that help neutralize smells naturally.

Instructions:
Place several fresh banana peels inside the car and leave them overnight. The compounds in the peels react with and absorb lingering odors. Replace the peels regularly for best results, and avoid leaving them so long that they rot.

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4. Fertilizing and Watering Plants

Banana peels hold valuable nutrients like potassium, calcium, and trace minerals — all essential for plant growth. When fermented, these nutrients become even more bioavailable.

How to make banana peel fertilizer water:

1. Tear the peel into small pieces and place them in a bowl.

2. Add water and cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

3. Let it ferment for 3–4 days.

4. Strain the liquid and dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio.

The resulting solution makes an excellent natural fertilizer that supports strong stems, lush foliage, and vibrant flowers.

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5. Speed-Ripening Fruit

Fruits like mangoes, persimmons, and kiwis often require days to ripen. Banana peels release ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent.

Method:
Place the banana peel inside a bag with unripe fruit and seal it tightly. After 2–3 days, the fruit will soften and ripen much faster.

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6. Reducing Alcohol Hangovers

Banana peel water can also act as a gentle hangover relief drink.

How to prepare:
Boil chopped banana peels in water for 7–8 minutes, add a little sugar to improve the flavor, then strain. This drink helps replenish hydration and reduces discomfort after alcohol consumption.

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6 Health and Wellness Tips Using Banana Peels (Based on Insights from Healthline)

Beyond household uses, banana peels offer several benefits for skin and health care:

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1. Treating Warts

Rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected area or place a small piece of the peel over the wart and secure it with a bandage. Over time, the enzymes and antioxidants in the peel can help shrink and eliminate the wart naturally.

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2. Relieving Psoriasis

Banana peels help moisturize dry skin, soothe itching, and reduce irritation. Apply the peel directly onto psoriasis patches once or twice daily; improvements often appear after several days of consistent use.

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3. Soothing Itching and Rashes

The peel’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds help calm irritated skin. Simply apply a piece of the peel onto the itchy or inflamed area for quick relief.

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4. Reducing Insect Bite Irritation

Mosquito bites are common in many regions and often cause uncomfortable itching. Rubbing the inside of a banana peel onto the bite can help reduce inflammation and stop the itch quickly.

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5. Supporting Acne Treatment

Banana peels contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm acne-prone skin. Rub the peel gently over your face before bedtime to reduce redness, irritation, and future breakouts.

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6. Fading Bruises

Because banana peels help stimulate skin recovery, they can speed up the healing of bruises. Applying the peel to the bruised area helps reduce discoloration and accelerates the repair process.

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Final Thoughts

Banana peels are far more useful than most people realize. When combined with laundry detergent, they become an effective pest control solution, especially for cockroaches. Beyond that, banana peels serve as natural cleaners, plant fertilizers, odor neutralizers, and even skincare remedies.

Instead of throwing them away, consider incorporating these simple, affordable, and surprisingly powerful methods into your daily life. With just a banana peel and a few everyday ingredients, you can solve multiple household and health issues naturally and efficiently.