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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.)
Natural Citrus Peel Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 – 2 cups assorted citrus peels
- 1 – 2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
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.
Gloria says
Hi. Is citrus/vinegar safe on marble or granite counter tops? Thanks !
The Bandit says
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. 🙂
Carol says
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.
The Bandit says
It is safe around your critters too! I make a lot of this. 🙂
Vatsla says
This recipe is awesome. I will try it too. Keep up the good work.
The Bandit says
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