It is citrus season here in Arizona. This means for a few weeks, everyone that has citrus fruit has to get it off of their trees, and there is always too much for one family. So we share – with anyone that will take it!
One of the things that I like to do when I squeeze oranges for juice is make citrus peel cleaner with some of the leftover peels. This is a great natural product, is easy to make, cuts grease and it smells pretty good. My favorite place to use it is in the bathroom as an all purpose cleaner. I do have to mention that unfortunately, it is not the best for mirrors because the citrus oil will leave streaks. I learned this the hard way! It is great otherwise.
I mixed up the peels and used orange and lemon but just orange is fine. I try to have about 2 cups total to put in the jar.
Fill the jar with white vinegar – try to get a full cup of vinegar into the citrus peels.
Put on the lid and seal tightly. Date the lid so that you know how long it has been since you sealed it. Every so often, give the jar a shake. Allow to steep for 2-4 weeks.
Once it is ready, using a strainer, remove the vinegar from the jar. Straining it into a glass measuring cup is the easiest, as it has a spout to pour into a spray bottle.
Once it has been poured into the spray bottle, add a cup of water. Shake to combine and you are ready to use!
Citrus Peel Cleaner
Ingredients
- 2 cups assorted citrus peels
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place 2 cups of citrus peels into a medium sized jar with tight fitting lid.
- Add 1 cup of vinegar.
- Allow to steep for a minimum of two weeks, up to four weeks.
- When ready, strain into a measuring cup with a spout.
- Pour 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.)
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