DIY Citrus Peel cleaner

Who else is finding it increasingly difficult to re-stock cleaning supplies? Panic-buying has my local grocery and pharmacy stores constantly sold out of basic cleaning essentials. Luckily for me, I haven’t had any difficulty stocking up on fresh fruit and produce 🙏🏾 So, let’s use that to our advantage (for eating AND for cleaning)! Citrus is known and used for it’s cleaning power. So, here’s a DIY Citrus Peel cleaner recipe that is still as effective as store-bought cleaners, but uses all-natural, non-toxic clean ingredients that are super easy to find at the moment. I’ve chosen to use orange peels, but you could use any citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, etc.) fruit peels you like. And, if you are lucky enough to find isopropyl alcohol, here’s my favorite DIY Surface Cleaner that I usually make when I have alcohol on hand. Either way, I got you covered!

About the ingredients/supplies

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Organic citrus fruit peels

Their high citric acid content makes a great cleaner when paired with vinegar
Great for removing hard water stains. Think stainless steel faucets and coffee (and tea)-stained mugs!
Have all-natural fruity citrusy scents

Distilled white vinegar

Is an environmentally-friendly, yet effective cleaner
I know, I know, but the smell, right? Well, adding citrus peels takes the edge off. After it’s infused, using vinegar is actually tolerable
Apple cider vinegar won’t work here, sorry! Unless it is refined and does NOT contain “the mother”

Air-tight container

Choose something with adequate capacity that you won’t miss using, since it will be in use for a few weeks (see below for details)
I used a re-purposed glass jar, but have also linked something similar above
Re-using containers is a great way to recycle and be more eco-friendly

Sprayer bottle

Great for cleaning, since it distributes a light mist evenly
I’ve linked the spray bottle I use above in case you’re in the market
This cleaner can also be used as a fabric softener (see instructions below), so use a container best suited for how you plan to use this

Distilled water

This ingredient is completely optional for if you wish to dilute your cleaner
Of all waters, this is the best option for the cleanest DIY Citrus Peel cleaner possible
If you don’t have distilled water, filtered water is a close second

How to make

Remove the peels from your citrus fruit, and add enough to fill an air-tight container (the peels from two oranges filled my container)
Fill up the remainder of the container with distilled white vinegar
Seal tightly and place your air-tight container in a cool, dark place (I chose my kitchen cupboard)
Leave your container undisturbed for a minimum of 2 weeks to allow the citrus peels to infuse the vinegar. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
After 2 weeks, strain the vinegar from the citrus peels
Add to a sprayer bottle
Enjoy!

How to use

Spray onto surface and wipe clean with a sponge or cleaning towel
For even more cleaning power, allow DIY Citrus Peel cleaner to sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean
Use 1/4 cup in place of fabric softener to remove odors and soften clothes. And no, your clothes will not smell like vinegar once they’ve dried!

Caution

This cleaner is great for removing hard water stains and many other uses around the home. BUT, do not use on marble, granite, soapstone, wood or painted surfaces. And if you’re ever unsure, do a test on a small section before applying all over. I told you this was powerful stuff!