Keeping your home fresh and spotless doesn’t have to rely on store-bought products filled with harsh chemicals. A citrus cleaner offers an environmentally friendly solution that combines citrus peels with vinegar to eliminate grease and grime while tackling typical household cleaning tasks. The combination of citrus oils and vinegar creates a powerful cleaner with a pleasant scent that kills bacteria and removes odors from household surfaces.

Why Choose a Homemade Citrus Cleaner

Homemade citrus cleaners serve two purposes: protecting the environment and reducing household expenses. You can create an effective all-purpose cleaner by repurposing leftover citrus peels instead of buying commercial sprays. The natural oils found in citrus fruits, such as limonene, act as grease cutters, while vinegar functions as a disinfectant and deodorizer. Together, these ingredients form a safe, eco-friendly cleaning solution perfect for everyday use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Homemade Citrus Cleaner

Gather Your Ingredients

To make your own citrus cleaner, you’ll only need a few simple household items:

Peels from oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits
White distilled vinegar
A mason jar or glass container with a lid
A spray bottle for easy use

Optional: A few drops of essential oils (such as tea tree or lavender) to enhance the scent and boost cleaning power.

Prepare the Citrus Peels

Start by gathering peels from your chosen citrus fruits. You can use any type—from sweet oranges to fresh lemons or tangy grapefruits. Wash the peels thoroughly before use to remove any dirt or wax residue.

Cut the peels into smaller pieces so they fit easily inside your jar. Fill the jar about halfway with the peels, but don’t pack them too tightly—leaving space allows the vinegar to fully extract the natural oils.

Add Vinegar for the Base

Pour white vinegar into the jar until the peels are completely submerged. The vinegar acts as the cleaning base, breaking down dirt and providing natural disinfection. After filling the jar, secure the lid tightly and gently shake it.
The infusion process begins immediately as the vinegar gradually absorbs the citrus oils, creating a strong cleaning solution.

Let It Infuse

Place the jar in a cool, dark spot such as a pantry or cabinet, and allow the mixture to sit for about two weeks. During this time, it will turn a golden-orange color and develop a strong citrus aroma.

Shake the jar every few days to help distribute the oils evenly. The longer the infusion continues, the more powerful your cleaner will become. After two weeks, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, and discard the used peels.

Dilute and Store the Cleaner

To make the cleaner ready for household use, dilute the infused vinegar with equal parts water (a 1:1 ratio). This step reduces acidity while maintaining cleaning power. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application.

Label your spray bottle clearly and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The cleaner will stay effective for several months if kept sealed under proper conditions.

How to Use Your Citrus Cleaner

Your homemade citrus cleaner can be used on many household surfaces—but always test it first on a small, hidden area to ensure it won’t damage delicate materials.

Common uses include:

Kitchen counters: Cuts through grease and leaves a fresh scent.

Bathroom surfaces: Removes soap scum and deodorizes.

Glass and mirrors: Creates a streak-free shine when wiped with a microfiber cloth.

Floors and walls: Add a splash to mop water for a lightly scented cleaning solution.

Avoid using this cleaner on marble, granite, or other natural stone surfaces, as vinegar can dull and etch these materials over time.

Boost the Cleaning Power

To tackle stubborn stains, boost the formula by adding one tablespoon of baking soda to the spray mixture. The combination of vinegar, citrus oils, and baking soda creates a fizzy reaction that helps lift dirt and neutralize odors quickly.

You can also add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil for extra antibacterial benefits and a stronger scent.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with different citrus combinations and added ingredients to create unique blends:

Lemon-Lavender Cleaner: Add dried lavender or lavender oil for a soothing aroma.

Orange-Clove Cleaner: Drop in three whole cloves for a warm, spicy fragrance.

Grapefruit-Mint Cleaner: Combine grapefruit peels with fresh mint leaves for an energizing scent.

These blends offer effective cleaning power while creating a spa-like atmosphere in your home.

Sustainability Benefits

Making your own citrus cleaner is an excellent way to reduce waste. Repurposing citrus peels helps cut down on food waste while replacing commercial cleaning products that come in plastic packaging and contain synthetic chemicals. This simple switch benefits both your home and the planet.

Tips for Best Results

Always shake the spray bottle before each use to remix the ingredients.
Use filtered water for dilution to prevent residue.
Let the solution sit on tough stains for several minutes before wiping.
Store leftover concentrate (undiluted vinegar mix) in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

Enjoy a Naturally Fresh Home

By crafting your own citrus cleaner, you’re embracing a healthier, more sustainable cleaning routine. This easy-to-make solution is cost-effective, pleasantly scented, and gentle on the environment—all while making household chores more enjoyable.

If you’d rather leave the scrubbing to professionals, NW Maids offers expert cleaning services that use safe, efficient methods to keep your home spotless. Visit NW Maids to schedule your next cleaning and enjoy more time to relax in your sparkling space.