How To Make Homemade Citrus Cleaner
I have been eating my way through crates of winter citrus, and recently decided to use some of the peels to make a homemade cleaner. I added orange peels to vinegar, and let them sit in an airtight container for a couple of weeks. The result: a powerful, inexpensive, natural cleaner.
What You Need:
- Citrus Peels (I used a combination of navel orange and clementine)
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Water (optional)
- Airtight Glass Container
- Spray Bottle
- Measuring Cup
- Strainer
Instructions:
1. Collect citrus peels and store them in an airtight glass container.
Note: citrus fruits contain d-limonene, a natural solvent that chemically reacts with oil to break it down.
2. Once your container is full, cover the peels with white vinegar.
3. Date your jar, and let it sit for about 2 weeks.
Note: when ready, the vinegar should have a strong citrus odor and be yellowish in color.
4. Strain the peels.
5. Dilute with water if you so desire.
The concentration depends on your intended use and preference. I used a 1:1 ratio.
6. Pour into a spray bottle and use.
While I have been using it mostly in my kitchen to clean up stove top grease, this makes for a great, all purpose cleaner.
MORE HOMEMADE CLEANERS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• How To Make Your Own Lemon Dust Cloths
• 25 DIY Green Cleaning Recipes For the Whole House!
• 27 Household Uses For Citrus Fruit
(Images: Kate Legere)