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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.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Glass Jar with a 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)

Method
 

  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.