Embrace the Change of Season with a Homemade Citrus Cleaner
As we find ourselves in the midst of October, the weather has taken a noticeable turn. It’s almost as if overnight, we transitioned from warm, balmy days to chilly, crisp air. Just the other day, the temperature was a comfortable 85 degrees, and now we’re bracing for a drop to the 50s. Ah, the unpredictability of Ohio weather! With the prospect of spending more time indoors as winter approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to give our homes a thorough cleaning before the first snowflakes start to fall. Rumor has it that we might see some white stuff this weekend—yikes!
Today, I’m thrilled to share a simple yet incredibly effective recipe for a homemade citrus cleaner. This combination of inexpensive ingredients not only works wonders but also allows us to recycle. It’s my go-to cleaning spray throughout the year.
Purchasing commercial cleaning products filled with harsh chemicals has never appealed to me. Crafting natural cleaners at home is so straightforward that it feels like a waste of time and money to lug those overpriced plastic bottles from the store. If you’ve ever been curious about making your own cleaning products, you’re in for a treat!
The recipe I’m about to share has been a staple in my cleaning routine for quite some time. I recall the days of buying all-purpose cleaners, but that’s a thing of the past for me. Why spend a fortune and constantly haul multiple bottles when you can create an effective cleaner at home? Most commercial cleaners that tout citrus scents often contain minimal natural oils. Plus, we should all be mindful of how plastic bottles contribute to landfill waste. I prefer to be eco-friendly and efficient!
Have you noticed how pricey citrus fruits have become? It’s a no-brainer to utilize every bit of them that we can, right? So, are you ready for a super easy cleaner recipe that uses ingredients you likely have on hand? It also supports recycling, which I know you’ll appreciate. Let’s dive in!
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Let’s Create Your Own Citrus Cleaner!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 quart-sized glass jar with a lid (a spaghetti sauce jar or a Mason/Ball jar works perfectly)
- 1 glass spray bottle, capable of holding at least 2 cups (more is better) (Glass is essential here, as citrus oils can degrade plastic).
Ingredients for the Citrus Infusion:
- Citrus peels (enough to fill the jar)
- White distilled vinegar
While you can certainly create this cleaner without citrus peels, using them adds essential oils that provide extra cleaning power to tackle greasy messes. Plus, the delightful scent of citrus is an added bonus! Did you know that insects like ants are repelled by citrus? By using this fantastic spray, you can keep those pesky critters at bay while cleaning—what’s not to love about a multitasking cleaner?
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Infusion
Begin by saving your leftover citrus peels. You can use any type—lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits. Gather enough to loosely fill your jar. Store the peels in the jar or in a plastic bag lined with paper towels in the fridge until you have enough to fill it.
Once you have a sufficient amount of peels, pour white distilled vinegar over them until they are completely submerged, and then cover the jar with the lid. Allow this mixture to sit at room temperature for at least two weeks to infuse. Remember to shake it occasionally. Alternatively, you can add peels and vinegar over time, ensuring that the peels remain submerged.
The Homemade Citrus Cleaner Recipe:
- 1/2 cup strained citrus vinegar
- 1 tsp dish liquid
- 1 1/2 cups water (distilled is ideal, but regular tap water will work too)
Combine all the ingredients in your glass spray bottle and gently shake to mix. This cleaner is perfect for use on glass and any surface you would typically clean with an all-purpose cleaner.
Helpful Tips:
- Check out how I supercharged my bathroom cleaning routine in this post.
- Label your glass bottle with the recipe. When you run out (and trust me, you will because this cleaner is amazing), you can easily whip up another batch!
- Feel free to use regular white distilled vinegar and add a few drops of bottled essential oil while your citrus vinegar is steeping for an extra boost.
- If you prefer applying the cleaner directly rather than spraying it, simply pour a bit onto your favorite cleaning cloth.
- Exercise caution when using any citrus-based spray cleaner around pets, particularly cats. It’s safe to use, but it’s best to spray when your pets are out of the area. Alternatively, applying it to a cloth works well.
- Remember, citrus oils will degrade plastic over time, so always store this cleaner in a glass bottle.
- You can recycle glass bottles and create your own spray bottle by attaching a sprayer from a cheap plastic spray bottle. Just cut the straw to fit your bottle.
And there you have it! It’s truly that simple. Say goodbye to purchasing commercial cleaners! This homemade citrus cleaner will revolutionize your cleaning routine. No more hauling multiple bottles from room to room. I utilize this cleaner throughout my kitchen, from the microwave to the glass cooktop and every countertop mess in between. It’s a true workhorse!
I’m excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear your feedback on how fantastic it is! If you enjoy fun tips, tricks, and recipes like this, join us on Facebook in The Witty Gritty Life group and make sure to like the TWGL page. You can also follow along on Instagram to see what’s happening behind the scenes!
Wishing you an amazing day, and I look forward to seeing you back here soon!
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