Did you know you can make your own lemon, orange peel and vinegar cleaner that’s all-natural, non-toxic, and won’t break the bank? Look no further than this citrus-infused vinegar cleaner made from orange and lemon peels!
Not only is this cleaner eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, but it’s also incredibly effective. I especially love that it’s non toxic for our family and pets.
The fact that it’s made from something that might otherwise get discarded (leftover citrus peels) is another bonus!
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Cleaning your home does not have to involve harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning solutions, and we love making our own natural products like homemade liquid plumber and dishwasher spot free rinse aid.
This natural and safe lemon orange peel cleaning solution helps protect the environment from unnecessary chemicals in the water supply while keeping your home nice and clean.
Why You will Love this Natural Citrus Cleaner
Using all-natural ingredients, this all-purpose cleaner is safe for your home and your family.
This citrus-based cleaner is easy to make and leaves a refreshing scent behind.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and cleaner, making it perfect for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
The citrus vinegar cleaner is safe to use on countertops, sinks, and utensils, without posing a risk to your health.
It’s inexpensive. You can make a bottle of this DIY spray cleaner for pennies!
Ingredients Needed
With this all-natural cleaning product, you will actually be able to pronounce the ingredients in the cleaning bottle!
All you need are a few simple ingredients including:
- The peelings from your lemons and oranges – These will add a citrusy lemon orange scent to the mixture.
- Water – Diluting the straight vinegar by half is the key to making a great natural cleaner.
- White vinegar – The naturally occurring acetic acid in white vinegar will clean and deodorize your surfaces.
How easy is that?
Equipment Needed
To make this orange peel and vinegar cleaner, you will need:
A 16 ounce Mason Jar or glass jar of some type
Wire mesh strainer
A small funnel
A 16 ounce glass spray bottle
If you want to print the optional label, you’ll need white paper, a printer, and clear packing tape.
Step by Step Directions
Creating this household cleaner is not difficult. Simply follow these steps to create your own natural cleaning solution:
STEP ONE: Cut or tear your citrus peels into smaller pieces. Place the lemon and orange peels into a glass container.
STEP TWO: Pour vinegar into the jar, making sure to cover the peelings entirely.
If necessary, you can use a long-handled wooden or plastic spoon to push the citrus peelings down into the liquid.
STEP THREE: Store the mason jar in a cool, dark place for two weeks.
STEP FOUR: After the peels and vinegar have steeped for two weeks, strain the peelings out of the vinegar solution using a fine mesh strainer.
STEP FIVE: Pour about 1 cup of the orange-infused vinegar into a glass bottle, using a funnel if necessary to prevent spillage.
STEP SIX: Fill the remainder of the bottle with room temperature water (about 1 cup).
Twist the spray cap on, and you’re ready to clean the surfaces of your home in a chemical-free way!
Printable Label
You can download and print our custom Homemade Vinegar Cleaner label for the spray bottle if you like.
It’s a good idea to affix and protect the label with clear packing tape.
How to Use this Cleaner
Using this orange peel vinegar cleaner is simple. Just spray and wipe with a soft cloth or damp sponge.
You can use this orange peel cleaner on hardwood floors, counters, glass doors, and much more. For delicate surfaces, we recommend always testing a small area first.
For glass, spray the surface with the citrus cleaner and wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel. This orange vinegar cleaner is excellent for removing fingerprints from a glass door and cleaning windows without streaks.
To clean your kitchen counter, spray and wipe down with a clean cloth.
Make your kitchen sink fresh and shiny by spraying this easy DIY cleaner on all the surfaces and wiping clean with a damp sponge or towel.
Remove soap scum from bathtubs and showers by spaying with the homemade orange vinegar spray and scrubbing gently with a non-scratch scouring sponge.
For light stains, allow the citrus-infused vinegar cleaner to sit on the stain for a few minutes, then wipe as usual.
Here’s a printable card with complete directions:
Lemon Orange Peel and Vinegar Cleaner (with Printable Label)
Equipment
- 1 funnel
- 1 sheet printable white paper for label, optional
- clear packing tape, optional
Materials
- leftover lemon and orange peels, about 1 1/2 cups
- white vinegar, about 1 to 1 1/2 cups
- lukewarm water, about 1 cup
Instructions
- Cut or tear the citrus peels in small pieces. Place the lemon and orange peels into a glass Mason jar or glass container.
- Pour vinegar into the jar, making sure to cover the peelings entirely. (Note: If necessary, you can use a long-handled wooden or plastic spoon to push the citrus peelings down into the liquid.)
- Store the mason jar in a cool, dark place for two weeks.
- After the peels and vinegar have steeped, strain the peelings out of the vinegar solution using a fine mesh strainer and pressing down to extract the liquid.
- Pour about 1 cup cleaning solution into a glass bottle, using a funnel if necessary to prevent spillage.
- Fill the remainder of the bottle with about 1 cup room temperature water. Place the spray cap on, shake gently to combine, and you’re ready to clean!
Notes
This all-purpose cleaner made from natural ingredients is a cost-effective way to keep your home clean and safe. With a refreshing citrus scent, you can eliminate the need for a chemical cleaner and make your home a healthier place to live.
Do you make your own natural cleaners? I’d love to hear more, so drop a comment below!
Save for Later
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Eliza Cross is the creator of Happy Simple Living, where she shares ideas to help busy people simplify cooking, gardening, holidays, home, and money. She is also the award-winning author of 17 cookbooks, including Small Bites and 101 Things To Do With Bacon.
Hi, I’m wondering if it’s advisable to reuse the citrus peels for a second steeping in vinegar for another batch of homemade cleaner? OR should I toss them and start anew with fresh peels?
Thanks,
Suzanne in SC
Great question! I find that after one steeping session the majority of the citrus oils have been extracted to the solution. So I generally compost that batch of peels, and start with a fresh batch the next time I make homemade cleaner. ~Eliza
Hi! Do you think I can use this cleaner to mop my tile floors without leaving a film or residue?
Great question. It does a great job on sealed porcelain tile. What kind of tile floors do you have?
Hello, is it possible to have created a mother after I strained the lemon & orange peels? I had my mixture in a linen closet that I would use to fill my spray bottles w/half citrus vinegar & half water to dilute. I opened my glass sealed jar and found 3 thick white rubbery disks inside. What is it? I’m so confused. lol
Wow! It sounds like that’s exactly what happened! I’ve never experienced that, but maybe you had very “active” vinegar. If temperatures were on the warmer side, that might have made a difference, too. Were you able to strain and use the mixture?