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Home » Don't Eat Me » Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner

Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner

Don't Eat Me

13 Jan

An organic cleaner, degreaser and insect repellent, Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner is super easy to make and great for your home!

A lot of household cleaners are packed full of chemicals. Orange, lemon and lime peels are full of citrus oil, a natural cleaner and degreaser, and we usually just throw them away.

Homemade cleaners are better for the environment and better for our homes. They smell better and clean just as well as store bought. This Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner is easy to make and is ready in about two weeks!

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Oranges, fresh from the tree.

The Benefits of Citrus Oil

There is nothing like the smell of a freshly peeled orange. The citrus oil that is released fills the air with a wonderful, fresh and happy smell!

Orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime peels are filled with citrus oil. Citrus oil has antimicrobial properties, which can help fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They may be used in natural cleaning products, air fresheners, or diffusers to help purify the air and create a clean environment and are a natural insect repellent for mosquitoes, ants and flies.

In addition, the smell is uplifting and mood boosting. Maybe it will even help you enjoy cleaning!


Citrus peels and vinegar sealed tightly in a jar.

How to make Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner

Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner is a natural product that is easy to make, cuts grease and smells pretty good. It is very effective as an all purpose cleaner and has natural insect repelling properties.

Citrus peels in an uncovered jar with a bottle of distilled white vinegar in the background.

Place 1-2 cups of citrus peels into a medium sized jar with tight fitting lid. These can be all orange or an assorted mixture of whatever you have on hand.

Citrus peels in a jar.

Add 1 – 2 cups of vinegar, enough to submerge the peels.

Cover and tightly seal. Allow the mixture to develop for a minimum of two weeks. For best results, shake the jar occasionally during the rest.

Draining vinegar infused with citrus oil from the jar after 2 weeks.

When ready, strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer and discard the peels.

Pouring the citrus oil infused vinegar into a spray bottle using a funnel.

Pour the citrus oil and vinegar mixture into a spray bottle and add 1 cup of water.

Use as an all purpose cleaner and degreaser. (For best results do not use on glass or mirrors.)

Finished Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner in a spray bottle with one cup of water, ready for use.

Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner

An organic cleaner, degreaser and insect repellent, Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner is super easy to make and great for your home!
4.67 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Resting Time: 14 days days
Total Time: 14 days days 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 – 2 cups assorted citrus peels
  • 1 – 2 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Place 1-2 cups of citrus peels into a medium sized jar with tight fitting lid. 
  • Add 1 – 2 cups of vinegar, enough to submerge the peels.
  • Cover and tightly seal. Allow the mixture to develop for a minimum of two weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
  • When ready, strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer and discard the peels.
  • Pour the citrus oil and vinegar mixture into a spray bottle and add 1 cup of water.
  • Use as an all purpose cleaner and degreaser.  (For best results do not use on glass or mirrors.)
* The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
Have you tried this recipe? Post a pic and mention @TheRecipeBandit or tag #therecipebandit!


  • Michelle Mundy

    As a busy working mom with kids on the go, I know how important it is to be able to make simple and delicious meals using everyday ingredients. The recipes shared here are family friendly with easy to understand step by step instructions. Tried and true, from our family to yours. Welcome to The Recipe Bandit! Click here to read more about me.

6 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gloria says

    July 23, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    4 stars
    Hi. Is citrus/vinegar safe on marble or granite counter tops? Thanks !

    Reply
    • The Bandit says

      July 23, 2019 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Gloria! The experts actually suggest not using acidic products (like vinegar and citrus) on your granite or marble. They say it can remove the sheen and etch the surface. I wouldn’t take the chance if I had granite I liked. I’ll start researching sand see if I can concoct something that is easy to make, effective as a cleaner and safe for granite and marble. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Carol says

    February 24, 2019 at 4:57 pm

    4 stars
    With cold and flu season, we have been eating a lot of oranges. I’ve been looking for an easy cleaning recipe. I’m going to give this a try.

    Reply
    • The Bandit says

      February 25, 2019 at 2:30 am

      5 stars
      It is safe around your critters too! I make a lot of this. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Vatsla says

    February 22, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is awesome. I will try it too. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    • The Bandit says

      February 24, 2019 at 6:00 am

      5 stars
      Thank you Vatsla! I have been using this one for a few years now since we have so much citrus this time of year. I hope you like it. <3

      Reply

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About Me

  • Michelle Mundy

    As a busy working mom with kids on the go, I know how important it is to be able to make simple and delicious meals using everyday ingredients. The recipes shared here are family friendly with easy to understand step by step instructions. Tried and true, from our family to yours. Welcome to The Recipe Bandit! Click here to read more about me.

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