I have been making my own homemade all-natural citrus cleanser for a while now. I thought it might be helpful to share a tutorial on how I make it, in case you’re working to “clean up your act” in the same way I am. In this post, you will learn how to make your own organic citrus-infused liquid cleanser for kitchen, windows and more. It’s economical, natural and effective. Ditch your chemical cleaning products for good!
As I mentioned in a previous post, lately I’ve been bitten by the cleaning bug. I’ve been emptying closets, re-organizing and eliminating clutter, shedding the old to make way for the new. I was also recently diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, which is really not a big deal but it has changed the way I look at my environment. My doctor described the thyroid like a sponge that takes in everything you’re exposed to, for better or for worse. I’ve decided that getting rid of unnecessary chemicals in our home is a priority.
Making a homemade, all natural, all purpose cleanser is really quite simple. All it takes is some good old fashioned white vinegar, some citrus peels, and a little time. You can make it organic by using organic ingredients. This concept goes back to our great grandparents, who were using simple vinegar to clean and disinfect their kitchens and homes. More and more, I find myself returning to those old fashioned simple techniques… they’re often a vast improvement over the “modern” methods!.
What I really love is how adaptable this “recipe” is. You can use any citrus peels you like – lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, or a combination of all of them! You can also make as much or as little as you like. They all work well, cut through grease, clean glass windows with very little streaking, and they leave your home disinfected while smelling crisp and clean.
I like using these glass spray bottles to store them in. Of course you can use simple plastic spray bottles, which are less prone to breakage. The glass just feels more old fashioned to me, and I like the weight of it.
Once you begin using this homemade cleanser instead of chemical cleansers you’ll start to realize just how unnecessarily potent the other stuff is. I can’t even handle the smell of chemical cleansers anymore. This one smells fresh, clean and is every bit as effective. Our great grandparents knew what they were doing. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Helpful Hint: If you’re wondering what to do with all of that extra citrus that has been peeled, try my Sweet Citrus Rosemary Medley, Citrus Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing or Pineapple Lime Grilled Chicken.
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Natural Homemade Citrus All Purpose Cleanser
Ingredients
- Peels from lemons, limes, grapefruits and/or oranges (use organic for an organic cleanser)
- White vinegar use organic for an organic cleanser
- Mason jars with lids tapered opening recommended, or any airtight container
- Spray bottle
- Mesh strainer
- Distilled water
Notes
Instructions
- Before peeling your citrus, be sure you have cleaned it with warm soapy water and have removed any stickers. You can use any variety or combination of citrus that you like. I prefer to do the peeling by hand to eliminate the possibility of any fruit getting into your cleanser base-- sugar = mold.
- Fill a clean mason jar, or airtight container, with the peels and pack as tightly as possible. Jars with a tapered opening work best, so that you can place a larger peel at the top to block the smaller pieces from floating above the vinegar, which in my experience can lead to mold.
- Once you jar is packed, fill with vinegar until all of the peels are completely submerged.
- Screw the lid on tightly and store the jar in a cool, dark place for two weeks. I like to check it every few days to be sure that the peels are still submerged and no mold has grown on any exposed pieces.
- After two weeks your cleanser base is ready. Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer into a bowl or another jar. Discard the peels
- The base can be stored in a tightly sealed jar or airtight container until ready to use. When you are ready to make the cleanser, combine it with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio and, using a funnel, pour into a spray bottle.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe and cleaner. Use it all the time and have introduced as many people to it as possible. I put a couple drops of thieves essential oil in my spray bottle with thus mixture and use it for woods, tile and my windows. Or just to freshen the air!! Great for use around kid’s which helps alot for children with allergies. So earth friendly and cheap!
What would happen if you used regular purified water instead of distilled water? Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Hi Laurie, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. For this cleanser it is important to use distilled water. It keeps much longer than if you were to use purified water.
Hi was wondering how do you prevent the metal lids from tarnishing or eroding from the vinegar? Thank you
Just wondering whether or not can you mix,oranges, lime, lemon and grapefruit together for a all purposes cleaner. Thank lee
If you are using the process above, you can use any mixture of citrus peels you like.
Hi. I was wondering if you can tell me what the shelf life of this is since you’re not adding any preservatives? Thank you.
Hi Linda, vinegar is a powerful natural preservative. It should last for quite some time. I’ve never had a batch go bad.
I will definitely try this next summer. I’m a big fan of infusions, and cleaning with natural products. Now I can make my own, thanks!
Do you think that saving small amounts of citrus peelings in the freezer (until there’s enough for a full batch) would work out just as well?
Yes that should work fine, but the peels may lose a bit of their fragrance in the freezing process.
Thank you for your site. I find it very helpful.
I use this to mixture chase spiders away too. I spray around all the window and door openings (exterior only because it can stain flat interior paint), my porch/patio and all the corners of my garage as well as the rose beds. Works really well and is pet safe.
Hi, Just a little FYI… I also love making my own natural sprays, cleaners and oil blends. I have cats and I’ve heard that citrus is not healthy to spray around them. I’m not 100% sure of the accuracy but I’ve heard it on many different platforms. Take good care!
Hi Tori,
I have just started with your web site and I am loving what I am reading,
I just wanted to says thanks for taking the time to share your ideas with us, I am going to try your lemon homemade cleaner. .lots more to read, please never stop this fab web site
Mary
Dear Tori, I am based in Germany and I really love your site! So many great ideas and articles. I will use this cleanser very soon. Thank you for building this lovely place in the web.
Nicole
Thank you for writing Nicole!
I like your idea for all purpose homemade cleanser made of citrus peels! I have always wanted to use them, not just throw them away! You helped me to find the way! Thank you!
Could this cleaner be used on laminate floors?
Hi Erin, I don’t have laminate flooring but I read online that citrus oil products are not recommended and may damage the finish. However vinegar is said to work well, so maybe just use the diluted vinegar without the citrus infusion? I’m not an expert here, just letting you know what I found online.
How do you store up the rinds until you’ve accumulated enough of them? I’m in a single household and don’t peel daily. Thanks
Hi Debbie, you can freeze them until you’re ready to use them, then defrost before placing them in the vinegar.
tori- this is TREMENDOUS thank u very much! my handicapped child has a very quirky sensory integration disorder on top of every thing else and we have been relegated to using only high acid (9%) white vinegar as a household cleanser. it’s ok for some stuff but not so much on others and the smaller bathrooms REEK OF VINEGAR for long periods of time after cleaning. i can’t wait to try this cuz i know she will NOT react to citrus and this stuff has to smell a lot better than straight vinegar. i also have a surfiet of “off” citrus still on all my trees. thank you SO MUCH!!!!!
laura
I’m so happy that it is helpful Laura! It smells worlds better than vinegar alone. Please let me know how you like it!
I have seen similar recipes before but this is the first one that said not to get any of the fruit in it. I’m glad I hadn’t tried it yet! You are also the first to say a mixture of peels is OK. Thanks!
You’re welcome Paula! Yes a mixture is totally fine. The color can turn out a bit strange due to the mix of colors, depending on which peels you use, but it will smell delicious and work equally well. Lemon-lime is lovely, as is orange-grapefruit.
I love your recipes and your email newsletters.
I would love to be able to use the citrus cleaner, but I have granite counters. Do you have any recommendations for making a safe
homemade cleaner for granite countertops, please?
Hi Elsie– this is a great question. I would like to experiment with it a bit, but I think I’ll be able to come up with a natural homemade solution for you. Fingers crossed! Watch the newsletter for an update. 🙂
Thanks Lina! It’s really not a big deal, I’m feeling fine… just one of those weird things that I’ll have to keep tabs on. I appreciate the kind thoughts!
This looks great – I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for posting links to all the materials needed. And, I’m very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. All the best to you,
Great idea!
I was given samples of orange and lemon essential oils. Perhaps those can be used in place of the fruit? I’m trying to figure out what to do with them since strong scents on my body send my brain into a tizzy.
Hi Anita, you could definitely put a few drops of essential oil into the bottle. I’m not sure it will disperse quite as well as infusing the liquid with peels, but it’s worth a shot and won’t hurt the mixture (the infusion, in essence, draws the essential oil out of the peels and into the liquid– so basically the same thing). Also lately, because I’m on this natural kick, I’ve been using these essential oil cold diffusers to freshen the air at home. You might like them, they’re a great way to use the essential oils: http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Diffuser-Smiley-Daisy®-Whisper-Quiet/dp/B00MPV473S/?tag=theshiintheki-20
Thanks, Tori… I love homemade cleaners/ideas!
Is it OK to use the peels from mandarins or tangerines?
Barbara yes! Any citrus peel will do. Just don’t let the actual fruit into the vinegar (only the peels), as it can cause parts that are exposed to spoil and the natural sugars can lead to stickiness. But yes, tangerines or mandarins will absolutely work.
You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge! Thanks Tori!
You are very kind Anna! 🙂