Here’s the tutorial on how to make a DIY natural all-purpose citrus cleaner with just two ingredients, contains no harmful ingredients, and – more importantly – that really work.
Why make homemade cleaner?
The most significant point on this list would be to avoid toxic chemicals. While the idea of chemical cleaners may seem like you’ll get a better clean – natural homemade cleaning products can be super effective. Plus, you avoid the chance of even a single nasty chemical element working its way into your system in any way.
Why add citrus peels?
Not only does it help to neutralize some of the vinegar smell with a fresh, fruity one, but citrus peels also contain an oil called limonene, which is a powerful solvent for grease and dirt.
You can use a variety of citrus for this cleaner – including grapefruit, lemon, orange, clementine, etc. or even a combination of a few of them. For people who want a stronger smell then feel free to add a few drops of essential oil.
I also find that adding citrus peels helps to extend the use of something that is typically thrown away ( and yes, the leftover peels post-soak can be composted). I tried eating the citrus peel, after reading about their potential, but I couldn’t get past the bitter taste.
Luckily when using this cleaner, you’ll find that the vinegar smell disappears once it dries. However, the citrus scent lingers wonderfully.
Note: If you have a household with cats, D-Limonene is a poison to them. It can be found in citrus essential oils as well as a variety of household cleaning products – so be aware, and it t may also affect dogs, however in larger quantities. Unfortunately, I don’t know too much about this as I have no pets.
How to make the natural household cleaner recipe
What you need
- Citrus peel – orange, lemon, grapefruit, clementine. Use any from the citrus family.
- White vinegar
- Clean sterilized glass jar
- Spray bottle or pump bottle (this time I used a pump, as my spray bottles are currently in use)
Note: It’s hard to give exact amounts of peel and vinegar as this depends on which fruit you use (as the peel size varies) and how much citrus-based cleaner you want to make.
Instructions
Fill a container with citrus peel. Your choice which you’d like to use – or even combine. Note: If you’re not a massive citrus eater then you can begin the process of collecting peel in a bag in your freezer. Swap this to a jar, once you’ve collected enough.
Pour the vinegar into the jar, making sure all the peels are fully submerged.
Leave it to rest for at least one week. I often leave mine for two.
Pour in a spray or dispenser jar/bottle.
Dilute with fresh/filtered water with equal parts 1:1 – one part concentrated cleaner, one part water to use as a spray. Note: The colour of the diluted liquid will change a bit.
And voila, your natural citrus cleaner is ready to be used as and when needed.
How to use this spray
Next time you clean your refrigerator, then this vinegar spray can help to deodorize and neutralize smells. Just spray the cleaner onto your shelves and side of your fridge and wipe it down. The vinegar not only cleans but also helps to eliminate lingering odours that have clung to the surfaces. When I moved house, I did this alongside placing some baking soda in the fridge ( which helps to pull odours from the air) – to keep my fridge fresh while unplugged.
Berry, beet, pomegranate and other food stain are the bane of my food blogger existence ( okay, maybe not that dramatic – but still). I am constantly whipping up new recipes and often creating a lot of mess. Next time you make a mess, whip out this handy cleaner, and it will help to rid your surfaces of stains.
As an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down counters, doorknobs etc. as well as use within the bathroom for mould and mildew.
Note: It also works to help get stains off your hands. However, I’ve found that undiluted vinegar will often be best for tougher stains.
Where not use the citrus cleaner
While there are 1001 uses for this cleaner, there are also a few places you SHOULDN’T use it. Because of the acidic nature of vinegar, it’s best to avoid using this on granite and marble surfaces.
Also, as mentioned above – if using citrus peels and/or essential oils with d-limonene – this is toxic to cats and should be used with caution.
Although it can be used with some woods – I’d suggest caution as the acid can have adverse effects on certain wood finishes.
