Don’t toss out your onion skins. Here are 11 ways to use them at home

Onion skins can be a unique addition to homemade potpourri, adding both color and a subtle fragrance. Combine dried onion skins with other aromatic elements like dried citrus peels, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and dried flowers. Place the mixture in a decorative bowl or sachet and enjoy the natural aroma that fills your space. The earthy scent of onion skins complements the other ingredients, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.

Onion skins can be incorporated into the papermaking process to create textured, eco-friendly paper. To make onion skin paper, blend a handful of onion skins with water until you achieve a pulp-like consistency. Spread the pulp onto a screen or mold, pressing out excess water and allowing it to dry completely. The resulting paper will have a unique texture and color, perfect for crafts, cards, or artistic projects. The natural fibers in the onion skins add strength and character to the paper.

Onion skins can be used to make a natural pest repellent for your garden. To prepare, soak a generous amount of onion skins in water for a few days, creating a concentrated solution. Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. Use this onion skin spray on plants to deter pests like aphids and spider mites. The strong scent of onions acts as a natural deterrent, helping to protect your plants without the use of harsh chemicals. Reapply as needed, especially after rain or watering.