This homemade non-toxic all-purpose citrus cleaner is made with just two simple ingredients, contains no harmful chemicals and most importantly– is super effective!
Most of the cleaning products available for purchase at the local supermarket are loaded with toxic chemicals that are harmful to our health. In today’s world, we are surrounded by harmful chemicals enough as it is, and the last place we need these chemicals are in our own homes. Especially when you can make a DIY cleaner that works just as good as the store-bought stuff.
With this non-toxic citrus cleaner, you can rest assured that your home will be sparkling clean and thoroughly disinfected, without your family’s health being compromised.
Non-Toxic All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner Ingredients
White Distilled Vinegar
Most people think that the toxic chemical cleaners sold in stores are more effective than natural, homemade cleaners– but that simply is not the truth.
Vinegar is an effective, inexpensive and natural cleaner that cuts through grease, grime, and deposits, while disinfecting surfaces and neutralizing odor. This is due to the acidic nature of vinegar– which is strong enough to be an effective cleaner, but gentle enough to not damage fabrics and surfaces.
Citrus Peels
Citrus peels contain an oil called limonene, which is a powerful solvent for grease and dirt, while simultaneously neutralizing odors, leaving a clean, fresh scent in their place. An added bonus of using citrus as an ingredient in this natural all-purpose cleaner is minimizing waste by repurposing your citrus peels!
You can use any citrus peels of your liking– grapefruit, orange, lemon, clementine peels, and more.
How to Make Non-Toxic All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Fill a clean container or jar with your citrus peels (I like to use a ½ gallon mason jar). You can combine different types of citrus peels or just stick to one.
Pour white distilled vinegar over the citrus peels into the jar, ensuring that they are fully submerged.
Seal the jar and give it a good shake to mix ingredients well.
Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for 2 weeks or more. The longer you allow the mixture to infuse, the stronger the solution will be!
Strain the vinegar to remove the peels and transfer into a clean jar for storage.
When you’re ready to use your all-purpose citrus cleaner, add the infused vinegar into a 16 ounce spray bottle, filling it just half way, and filling the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
Common Questions & Answers
Why Make Homemade Cleaners?
Making your own DIY citrus cleaner is the perfect way to have an effective cleaner on hand while avoiding the toxin exposure you get with typical store-bought cleaners. If you look at any of the cleaner ingredient lists you might have in your home, you’ll be surprised to see that they are full of dangerous chemicals. You can achieve a deep clean without breathing in and touching harmful chemicals. Plus, making your own homemade non-toxic cleaner is so simple, cheap, and effective– so why not?!
Where Can and Can’t I Use The Citrus Cleaner?
This homemade citrus cleaner is super versatile and can be used in endless places– from your countertops to tile floors, to the toilet, tub and sink, on windows and glass tables, and on appliances. However, because of the acidic nature of the vinegar, it is best to avoid using it on wood surfaces and granite.
What If I Don’t Use Citrus Often and Don’t Have Enough Peels?
If you don’t have enough fresh citrus peels to use right away– don’t fret! A great way to repurpose your peels is by storing them in a sealed bag in the freezer until you’ve collected enough to make your own DIY cleaner! When you’ve collected enough and are ready to make your cleaner, simply pull them out of the freezer and swap them over into your jar or container.
All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Ingredients
- white distilled vinegar
- citrus peels
Instructions
- Fill a clean container or jar with your citrus peels (I like to use a ½ gallon mason jar). You can combine different types of citrus peels or just stick to one.
- Pour white distilled vinegar over the citrus peels into the jar, ensuring that they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and give it a good shake to mix ingredients well.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for 2 weeks or more. The longer you allow the mixture to infuse, the stronger the solution will be!
- Strain the vinegar to remove the peels and transfer into a clean jar for storage.
- When you’re ready to use your all-purpose citrus cleaner, add the infused vinegar into a 16 ounce spray bottle, filling it just half way, and filling the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
How to Start Living Your Best Non-Toxic Life
In today’s world, we are surrounded by harmful chemicals in almost everything! From cleaning products, to beauty products, to the food we buy at the stores… it seems we can’t escape the unnecessary addition of these unhealthy ingredients. Which is why I’m so passionate about reducing my toxic load by making my own DIY household cleaners, homemade beauty products, and cooking more from scratch– so I can ensure me and my family are leading a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle (at least for the most part!)
And one of the best and easiest ways to reduce our toxic load in our lives is by swapping premade food staples for healthier, homemade alternatives. Which is why I created my recipe guide– Staples Made Simple, that is full of healthier, from-scratch versions of your favorite kitchen staples that you and your family will love. Grab a copy today, and fill your kitchen with food staples that you can feel good about!
Did you make my DIY non-toxic citrus cleaner? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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- Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: Elevate Your Breakfast Staple
- Vanilla Extract Recipe: Aging The Perfect Vanilla Extract At Home