DIY Citrus Cleaner

Create your own citrus cleaner to disinfect and deodorize.

Many commercial cleaners contain oils from lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits. The cleaning products often contain other dangerous ingredients that are not safe to use around children or pets. The ingredients can also cause skin and eye irritation. Make your own safe citrus cleaner at home with citrus peels and vinegar. The vinegar in the citrus cleaner naturally disinfects surfaces, and the citrus peels leave behind a fruity, pleasant scent.

Things You'll Need

• Lime peel
• Lemon peel
• Orange peel
• Glass jar
• 3 cups white distilled vinegar
• 32 oz. spray bottle

Instructions

1. Place the peels from one lime, one lemon, and one orange into a clean glass jar. Cut the citrus peels in half if you have difficulty fitting them into the jar.

2. Cover the peels with three cups of white distilled vinegar.

3. Secure a lid onto the jar. If you do not have a lid, cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap.

4. Store the jar in a dark location for two weeks. Shake the jar every other day to help combine the citrus oils with the vinegar.

5. Pour 1 cup of the mixture into a spray bottle. Dilute the solution by filling the rest of the spray bottle with cold water.

6. Spray the mixture directly onto the surface you wish to clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Scrub the citrus fruit with cool running water before you remove the peels. This will clean off any dirt, debris or pesticides.

• Store the citrus cleaner in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

• Throw away the citrus cleaner if it discolors or develops mold.

References

• Reader's Digest: 6 DIY Household Cleaners