Keeping your home sparkling clean doesn’t require harsh commercial chemicals.

Instead, you can make your own citrus cleaner using simple, natural ingredients like vinegar and citrus peels.

This DIY citrus cleaner is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and perfect for tackling grease, grime, and everyday messes.

The natural citrus oils combine with vinegar to form a powerful cleaning solution that disinfects, deodorizes, and leaves your home smelling fresh.

Why Make Your Own Citrus Cleaner

Learning how to make a homemade citrus cleaner is not only good for your wallet but also for the environment.

Instead of relying on chemical-laden store-bought sprays, this natural citrus cleaner lets you reuse leftover fruit peels and create a safe cleaning product for your family.

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits contain limonene, a natural oil that cuts through grease.

Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, while the citrus oils add antibacterial properties and a refreshing scent.

Together, these ingredients create a non-toxic, all-purpose citrus cleaner that’s perfect for everyday use.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Own Citrus Cleaner

Gather Your Ingredients

To make your own natural citrus cleaner, you’ll need:

Peels from oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits
White distilled vinegar
A mason jar or glass container with a tight lid
A spray bottle for easy application
(Optional) A few drops of essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree for extra cleaning power

Prepare the Citrus Peels

Collect peels from your favorite citrus fruits. Wash them well to remove dirt and wax. Cut the peels into smaller pieces to help the vinegar extract the natural oils.

Fill a clean glass jar halfway with the peels, leaving some room for the liquid.

Add Vinegar to Create the Base

Pour white vinegar into the jar until the citrus peels are fully submerged.

This vinegar acts as the base for your homemade citrus cleaner. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar gently to start the infusion process.

Over time, the vinegar will absorb the citrus oils, creating a potent DIY cleaning concentrate that’s both effective and pleasantly fragrant.

Let the Mixture Infuse

Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet, for about 2 weeks. Shake it every few days to help distribute the oils evenly.

After two weeks, strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the peels. The liquid should have a golden-orange color and a clean, citrusy aroma.

Dilute and Store Your Citrus Cleaner

Mix the citrus-infused vinegar with an equal amount of water (1:1 ratio). This dilution reduces acidity while maintaining the cleaner’s strength.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and label it clearly as your homemade citrus cleaner.

Store your cleaner in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh for several months when properly sealed.

How to Use Homemade Citrus Cleaner

This natural citrus cleaner is safe for many household surfaces. Always test a small hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage the material.

Here are some great ways to use your DIY citrus cleaning spray:

Kitchen counters: Cuts through grease and removes cooking odors.
Bathroom surfaces: Cleans soap scum and freshens the air.
Glass and mirrors: Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free shine.
Floors and walls: Add a splash to mop water for a light, refreshing scent.

Avoid using on marble, granite, or natural stone, as vinegar can dull or etch these surfaces.

Boost the Cleaning Power

If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, add one tablespoon of baking soda to your spray mixture. The reaction between the baking soda, vinegar, and citrus oils helps lift dirt and neutralize odors.

You can also add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to make your homemade citrus cleaner smell even fresher and boost its antibacterial properties.

Creative Citrus Cleaner Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic formula, experiment with these fun variations:

Lemon-Lavender Citrus Cleaner: Add dried lavender or lavender essential oil for a calming scent.
Orange-Clove Citrus Cleaner: Drop in a few cloves for a warm, spicy aroma.
Grapefruit-Mint Citrus Cleaner: Mix grapefruit peels with mint leaves for an energizing fragrance.

These blends enhance cleaning effectiveness while filling your home with natural, refreshing aromas.

Sustainability Benefits

Making your own citrus vinegar cleaner is a sustainable choice that reduces both plastic waste and chemical exposure.

By reusing citrus peels, you’re minimizing food waste and cutting down on commercial product packaging.

It’s a small but powerful step toward a greener, cleaner home.

Tips for Best Results

Shake the spray bottle before each use to redistribute ingredients.
Use filtered or distilled water for dilution to avoid residue.
Let the solution sit for several minutes on stubborn stains before wiping.
Store leftover concentrated cleaner (before dilution) in the fridge to extend its shelf life.

Enjoy a Naturally Fresh Home

By learning how to make your own citrus cleaner, you’re choosing a safer, more sustainable cleaning routine.

This DIY citrus vinegar cleaner is budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and leaves your home smelling bright and fresh.

And if you’d rather relax while someone else does the scrubbing, NW Maids offers professional, eco-friendly cleaning services to keep your home spotless.

Visit NW Maids to book your next cleaning and enjoy a naturally clean, citrus-fresh home without the hassle.

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