How to make all-purpose citrus cleaner | Zero waste tutorial

I clean almost everything at home with a super simple homemade multi-purpose vinegar cleaning spray. But when I’ve been eating oranges, I like to save the peels to make citrus all-purpose cleaner. It’s stronger and more acidic than the plain vinegar cleaning spray, and is thus great for oily kitchens.

By the way, some companies actually sell jugs of citrus degreaser. This makes me happy as I feel like I’ve cheated the system by making my own for pennies!

This citrus-based cleaner works like a charm on most surfaces. I use it to clean everything from the stove to the toilet. (You should however not use it to clean stone, granite, marble, paint or hardwood as it is quite acidic and can ruin those types of surfaces.)

Oh, in case you were wondering, yes, it does still smell of vinegar, albeit with a hint of citrus. If that bothers you, add some orange or lemon essential oil.

How is citrus all-purpose cleaner good for the environment?

Virtually all cleaning products at home can be replaced with cheaper, more eco-friendly DIY alternatives.

For starters, this orange citrus cleaner lets you save on plastic packaging. Vinegar can be bought package-free at most zero waste stores, and even if you buy them in a container at the supermarket, you don’t use much so it lasts for ages.

Cleaning products are also a huge cause of air pollution at home, and can even cause lung damage. These all-natural ingredients are less harmful to the environment and the air quality in your own home.

Citrus all-purpose cleaner tutorial

Ingredients:

• Citrus fruit peels (any type, including oranges, lemons, clementines and tangerines)
• White vinegar
• Water
• Empty spray bottle (if you have a recycled one, great!)

Step 1

Stuff the citrus peels into a jar. Make sure you’ve removed all the flesh of the fruit.

Step 2

Pour vinegar over the citrus peels.

Step 3

Ensure that the citrus peels are completely covered by the vinegar, as any exposed pieces might rot. Wedge a large piece of peel in place on top to stop the rest from floating up. Close the lid tightly.

Step 4

Store the jar on a shelf away from direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. I sometimes keep mine for as long as 4 weeks.

Step 5

Filter out the citrus peels using a sieve. I don’t have one so I just use a colander and it works just fine. You’ll be left with an orange liquid.

Step 6

Transfer the orange liquid to the spray bottle, leaving two thirds of the bottle empty.

Step 7

You can use the orange liquid without diluting it with water if you are looking for something very strong and degreasing. Otherwise, dilute one part orange liquid with two parts water to make an all-purpose cleaning spray. Feel free to adjust the proportion of water to make it stronger or weaker.

ATTENTION: This spray is antibacterial but it is not a disinfectant. If you want to disinfect something because of COVID-19, use soap or actual disinfectant.

As you spray this tangy goodness all over the grossest parts of your home, revel in the satisfaction of getting not only Vitamin C but also this lovely all-natural cleaning spray out of your favourite citrus fruits!