Citrus + white vinegar = hands-down the most awesome all-purpose spray you will ever need.
In fact, it will be the ONLY cleaning spray you need in your home. Ever.
The first time I made this cleaner I said to myself ‘where have you been all my life?!?’ Seriously. This cleaner is so simple to make, can be used for 1,427 different things, and it is ridiculously cheap to make.
You use leftover peels from citrus and distilled white vinegar and BAM, you got yourself an all-purpose cleaner. Score!
How easier can that get? It can’t. Period.
Let’s also take note that this all-purpose cleaner LACKS all the harmful chemicals that you get when you spend 5 bucks a bottle at the store. Double Score!
What Does Vinegar and Citrus Actually Do?
A lot actually. Probably more than you think.
White vinegar is a great product to clean with. It is a disinfectant, sanitizer, deodorizer, and it cuts grease. What more could someone cleaning want OR need? Nothing!
According to the David Suzuki Foundation: Solutions are in our Nature, by using vinegar,
“you can tackle household bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and other “gram-negative” bacteria with vinegar. Gram-negative bacteria can cause infections including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis.”
Add the citrus peels that also cut grease and you got yourself the most ‘awesomest‘ (yes that’s a made up word) cleaner in the world!
Did I also mention that this is a real all-purpose cleaner?
I use it:
- on mirrors (it is streak free)
- on counter tops
- to clean toilet seats
- on spills on carpets
- to clean out sinks
- clean the floor
- sanitize the fridge/freezer
- wipe the table
- and to do pretty much anything
And it’s super cheap. And easy. And super cheap ;).
How to Make the All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Supplies Needed:
- Citrus peels (lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, or a combo of citrus)
- Mason jar with lid (pint, quart, half gallon…it just depends on how many peels you have) {I usually use a pint jar}
- White distilled vinegar
1. Use any type of citrus peels available (lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, etc). You can use one type or mix a few together (i.e. lemon and lime). Really just use whatever you have on hand.
I was making lemon juice and freezing it with the one lemon I had on hand so it wouldn’t go bad (see below).
2. Cut and pull the flesh from the peel.
3. Put peels in jar and fill with vinegar 1-2 inches from the top.
4. Cover with lid. It will be clear!
5. Let sit for 2-4 weeks. I usually do 3.
6. After 2-4 weeks (your choice) strain the mixture into a clean jar.
7. To make the actual cleaner use a 1:4 ratio. 1 part citrus/vinegar mixture to 4 parts distilled water in a spray bottle. Add 3 drops essential oil (optional).
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I love your “healthy” DIY cleaning supplies. I just have one question. When I started using essential oils, I was told if you dilute any citrus oils that you must put them in a glass spray jar. If you put a citrus/water (or vinegar) solution in a plastic spray bottle the acid can leach out the plastic. I would assume it’s the same with a citrus peel/vinegar solution when it’s transferred to the plastic spray bottle. Have you heard of this?