Why purchase expensive, chemical laden, multi-purpose cleaners when you can make your own. Not only is it cheap and easy to make, it works well and is all natural.
Often people eat or cook with the citrus pulp and then throw out the peel. We like to use the whole citrus fruit. We like to use the peel for a variety of uses, one of which is to make a multi purpose cleaner.
While orange peels are commonly used, feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, or even limes. You can also mix two types of peel together if you are after a particular smell, and/or a different colour. For example, Lemon Meyer and Kaffir Lime.
Ingredients:
- Citrus peels (you can use peels from oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits)
- White vinegar
- Water
- A glass jar (for storing the cleaner)
- A spray bottle
- Optional: essential oils (e.g., lemon, tea tree, kaffir etc) for added fragrance and antibacterial properties
Instructions:
-
Collect citrus peels: Gather the peels from your citrus fruits. You can use leftover peels from fruits you’ve eaten or squeezed. The more peels you have, the stronger your cleaner will be!
-
Fill the jar: Place the citrus peels into a glass jar, filling it about halfway or so.
-
Add vinegar: Pour white vinegar over the peels, enough to completely submerge them. The vinegar helps to break down the oils from the citrus peels, creating a powerful cleaning solution.
-
Let it sit: Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark spot for 1-2 weeks. This allows the citrus oils to infuse with the vinegar, making your cleaner more effective and smell great!
-
Strain the liquid: After the 1-2 weeks, strain the liquid to remove the peels. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to do this.
-
Dilute with water: Mix 1 part of your citrus-infused vinegar with 1-2 parts water, depending on how strong you want the cleaner to be. If you find the vinegar scent too strong, you can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree for extra fragrance.
-
Transfer to a spray bottle: Pour your homemade cleaner into a spray bottle, and it’s ready to use!
How to Use:
- Spray it directly onto countertops, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and other areas that need a clean-up.
- Wipe with a cloth or sponge, and you're all set!
This cleaner is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and works well for everyday cleaning. Plus, it uses ingredients you likely already have at home! It's effective at cutting through grease and grime.
Additional Tips:
Test on Surfaces: Before using your cleaner on a large area, try it on a small inconspicuous spot to check for any adverse reactions.
Avoid using: citrus vinegar cleaner on granite, marble, or other natural stone surfaces as the acid can dull the finish.