Naturally Zesty Clean: Homemade Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner for a Sparkling Home
Spring is in the air! And with it comes the urge to throw open the windows, let the sunshine stream in, and...tackle that to-do list, right? But as we embrace the season of renewal, let's ditch the harsh chemical smells that often accompany spring cleaning and embrace a naturally zesty approach. Imagine infusing your home with the bright, uplifting aroma of citrus, all while knowing you're using a safe, sustainable cleaner. It's time to harness the cleaning power of citrus peels and turn a simple kitchen byproduct into a potent, eco-friendly cleaning solution!
For years, I've relied on this simple citrus cleaner on our homestead, not just for its effectiveness, but for the peace of mind it brings. Knowing I'm not exposing my family, my animals, or the land to harsh chemicals is incredibly important to me. Plus, there's a special satisfaction in taking something we'd usually throw away – citrus peels – and transforming them into something useful. It’s a small act of resourcefulness that aligns perfectly with our slow-living philosophy, where we appreciate the process, use what we have, and strive to reduce waste. Let's dive into creating your own!
The Power of Citrus: Why This Cleaner Works
Have you ever noticed how a squeeze of lemon can cut through grease on a dirty dish? Or how a few drops of citrus essential oil can freshen up a room? That's because citrus fruits are packed with natural cleaning power. The star of the show is citric acid, a natural compound that effectively cuts through grease, disinfects, and deodorizes.
Beyond citric acid, citrus peels contain antimicrobial properties thanks to their essential oils. These oils help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, making this cleaner a great choice for surfaces that need a little extra sanitizing, like kitchen counters and bathroom sinks. This natural cleaner is effective against common household grime, and it’s a great alternative to commercial cleaners that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Some people might think that natural cleaners are less effective than commercial ones, but I’ve found that with a little elbow grease (and the power of citrus!), they can be just as effective, if not more so. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing exactly what's in your cleaner and that it's safe for your family and the environment.
Gathering Your Ingredients & Supplies: Minimalist & Waste-Free
One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients and supplies, most of which you probably already have on hand. Here's what you'll need:
Citrus Peels: The foundation of our cleaner! You can use peels from oranges, lemons, grapefruits, or limes – or a combination of all of them! I prefer to use organic citrus whenever possible to avoid any potential pesticide residue. I collect peels in a bag in the freezer until I have enough to make a batch of cleaner. This prevents them from going bad and allows me to accumulate enough over time.
Vinegar: A powerhouse natural cleaner and degreaser. Plain white vinegar is the standard recommendation. It’s inexpensive, effective, and readily available.
Optional Add-ins: While the citrus peels and vinegar are the main ingredients, you can customize your cleaner with a few optional add-ins:
- Baking Soda: For extra scrubbing power, especially on tough stains.
- Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for added fragrance and antimicrobial properties. Lemon, orange, and tea tree are all great choices.
Spray Bottle: A reusable glass spray bottle is the perfect vessel for your homemade cleaner. It's durable, easy to clean, and reduces plastic waste. I like to save old glass spray bottles from other products, remove the labels (a little baking soda and oil usually does the trick!), and give them a good cleaning before using them for my citrus cleaner.
Funnel: A funnel helps pour the vinegar into the jar and later transfer the strained cleaner into the spray bottle.
Focusing on using minimalist supplies and reusing items whenever possible is a key element of sustainable homesteading. It not only reduces waste but also saves money and promotes a more conscious way of living.
The Step-by-Step Citrus Cleaner Recipe: Simple & Sustainable
Now, let's get to the recipe! This is a simple and straightforward process that anyone can do.
Collect Your Peels: Start by filling a clean glass jar (a mason jar works great for its aesthetic appeal) with citrus peels. Pack them in tightly, but don't overfill the jar.
Cover with Vinegar: Pour white vinegar over the peels until they are completely submerged. Make sure all the peels are covered to prevent mold growth.
Seal and Infuse: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. This allows the citrus oils to infuse into the vinegar. Give the jar a gentle shake every few days to help with the infusion process.
Strain the Vinegar: After 2-4 weeks, strain the vinegar through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. This will remove the citrus peels and any sediment.
Dilute and Customize: Dilute the citrus-infused vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle. You can adjust the ratio to your liking, depending on the strength you prefer. At this point, you can also add a teaspoon of baking soda or a few drops of essential oil, if desired.
Test and Enjoy! Before using the cleaner on a large surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Once you're confident it's safe, you can start using it to clean your home!
Troubleshooting Tip: If the cleaner smells too strongly of vinegar, try adding a few more drops of essential oil or leaving the spray bottle open for a few hours to allow some of the vinegar scent to dissipate.
Safety Tip: Avoid using this cleaner on granite or marble surfaces, as the acidity of the vinegar can damage them.
Using Your Citrus Cleaner: From Kitchen to Bathroom
One of the things I love most about this citrus cleaner is its versatility. It can be used on a wide range of surfaces throughout your home.
- Kitchen: Use it to clean kitchen countertops, sinks, stovetops, and even inside the refrigerator. It's great for cutting through grease and grime.
- Bathroom: Use it to remove soap scum from shower doors, clean bathroom sinks and toilets, and wipe down mirrors.
- Floors: You can even use it to clean floors, but be cautious on hardwood floors, as the vinegar can damage the finish. I recommend testing it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Deodorizing: A quick spray down the garbage disposal helps deodorize the drain.
I use this cleaner almost daily in my kitchen. After cooking, I wipe down the countertops and stovetop with it. It's also great for cleaning up spills and messes. I even use it to clean my kitchen sink, which always seems to be covered in food scraps and grime. The citrus scent leaves my kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
Don't be alarmed by the vinegar smell when you first spray the cleaner. It dissipates quickly, leaving behind a subtle citrus scent. And if you're concerned about the smell, you can always add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the vinegar scent.
Embracing Natural Cleaning for a Healthier Home & Planet
Making your own citrus all-purpose cleaner is a simple yet powerful way to embrace natural cleaning for a healthier home and planet. It's cost-effective, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and effective. Plus, it's a great way to reduce waste and connect with the slow-living principles of resourcefulness, sustainability, and mindfulness.
There's something incredibly empowering about making your own cleaning products. You know exactly what's in them, and you can feel good about using them in your home. It's a small step that can make a big difference in your health and the health of the planet. Imagine the beauty of a naturally clean and fragrant home, created with simple ingredients and a conscious intention.
Try this recipe at home and let us know what you think in the comments below! What are your favorite natural cleaning tips? Do you have a go-to essential oil blend you love to add to your homemade cleaners? Share your tip, and we'll feature the best one in next month's newsletter! We can all learn from each other as we strive to live more sustainably.