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Extracting Orange Oil

Source of Recipe

Marcie Dingerson


Recipe Introduction

Origins Unknown

List of Ingredients

Orange Peels
Grain Alcohol (potato vodka will work)


Recipe

Dry the orange peels.

Grind the peels.

Place into a mason (glass) jar and cover with grain alcohol (or potato vodka).

Shake vigorously for a few minutes.

If possible repeat this over a couple of days. (Warmed alcohol will help yield more oil.)

Strain mixture through a coffee filter.

Place mixture in a shallow dish, cover and allow alcohol to evaporate.

What's left over will be orange oil.

Extracting orange oil

Orange oil is being used in many cleaning products these days for its pleasant aroma and powerful solvent properties. As an essential oil, it has many health-related benefits. If you'd like to have a go at making your own orange oil extract, try this:

Author's Note: Because this process uses solvents, wear gloves, keep out of reach of children and naked flame and the same applies for the finished product. Orange oil is flammable and very corrosive. For most cleaning purposes, a quarter of an ounce (7 mls) mixed in with a quart (1 liter) of water should be sufficient. Always spot test a brew before applying in quantity. Most orange oil you buy is cold-pressed, which is a preferable method of extraction, but I couldn't find any oil presses suitable for home use/small quantities available.