Citrus Cleaner

In today’s world, I know I am more increasingly aware of the hidden dangers lurking in my everyday products, especially those I use to clean my home. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can have a lasting impact on both our health and the environment. From respiratory issues to skin irritation, toxic cleaners pose risks that are often overlooked because we aren’t thinking about them being on our bodies or in our food.  That’s why I found it so important to make the switch to non-toxic cleaning solutions, specifically an all purpose cleaner I could use everywhere.

I found that one of the easiest and most effective ways to create your own non-toxic cleaner is by using simple, natural ingredients like citrus. Not only is citrus a powerful natural cleaner that is strong enough to get the tough dirt to disappear, but it’s also a fragrant, refreshing addition to your cleaning routine. In this blog post, I want to walk you through how to make your own non-toxic all purpose citrus cleaner using just a few ingredients and a little patience.  I think you’re going to love it!

Why Non-Toxic Cleaners Matter

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to explore why non-toxic cleaners are so important.

• Healthier Home Environment–Chemical-laden cleaning products can contribute to poor indoor air quality, which is linked to asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Switching to natural cleaners is a great way you can significantly reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
• Eco-Friendly–Traditional cleaning products often come in plastic packaging that ends up in landfills, and their chemicals can find their way into our waterways. When you make your own cleaner, you’re helping reduce both waste and water pollution.  Homemade cleanser are also easier on your septic tanks.
• Cost-Effective–Homemade cleaners are not only safer but also budget-friendly. Many ingredients, like vinegar and citrus peels, are inexpensive and can be reused, making your cleaning routine both eco-conscious and cost-effective.  I am sure you already own a damp cloth or paper towel to go with it!

DIY Citrus Cleaner Recipe

Making your own citrus cleaner is incredibly simple, and the results are well worth the wait. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating your own all-natural citrus cleaner.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 glass jar with lid
• 1 glass spray bottle
• Citrus peels (from lemons, oranges, or grapefruits—whatever you have on hand!)
• Vinegar (white vinegar works best)
• Filtered water
• *Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme (for a fragrant boost)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jar–Start by taking your glass jar and filling it with citrus peels. You can use peels from lemons, oranges, or grapefruits. The more citrus peels you have, the stronger the scent and cleaning power will be, but be sure not to overpack the jar—you want to leave some space for the liquid.
   Optional: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to your jar. These herbs not only enhance the scent but also add natural antibacterial properties to your cleaner.
2. Add Vinegar–Once your jar is filled with citrus peels (and herbs, if using), pour in enough vinegar to cover the peels completely. The vinegar will pull out the natural oils from the citrus, creating a powerful and fragrant cleaning solution.
3. Let It Sit–Seal the jar with the lid and store it in a cool, dark place under your sink or in a pantry. Let it sit for 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the vinegar will infuse with the citrus oils and herb scents, creating an effective and all-natural cleaner.
4. Strain the Liquid–After the 2-4 weeks of infusion, strain the liquid into a clean spray bottle. Fill the bottle halfway with the infused vinegar.
5. Add Filtered Water–To dilute the solution and make it safe for most surfaces, fill the remaining half of your spray bottle with filtered water.
6. Shake and Use–Give the bottle a good shake, and your homemade citrus cleaner is ready to use! Simply spray on surfaces like countertops, sinks, and even bathroom tiles, and wipe away for a sparkling clean and fresh-smelling home.

Why This Citrus Cleaner Works

Citrus is naturally acidic, which helps break down grease, grime, and mineral deposits. The peels contain essential oils that provide a fresh, zesty scent while boosting the cleaner’s degreasing power. Vinegar, on the other hand, is an excellent natural disinfectant that kills germs and bacteria. The combination of these ingredients makes this DIY citrus cleaner a powerful tool in your eco-friendly cleaning arsenal.

By making your own non-toxic cleaner, you’re not only taking control of the ingredients you bring into your home but also helping protect the planet. This simple citrus cleaner is just one of many ways to embrace a cleaner, greener lifestyle in a simple and inexpensive way.  Small steps like switching your cleaners is just the beginning!  Not only will it leave your home smelling fresh and clean, but you’ll also feel good knowing that you’re using safe, natural ingredients to care for your space.  I know I love using this cleaner in my home.  I hope you do too!