DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner for the Home

DIY citrus vinegar cleaner is an all-natural item for the home. This chemical free homemade all purpose cleaner makes an amazing citrus and vinegar cleaning solution.

Living a toxin free life means leaving behind cleaning supplies filled with chemicals. Chemicals which are not safe for your family, pets, and even septic tanks. It’s a healthy choice for your household.

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Leave Behind the Toxin Chemicals

The move to using natural items for cleaning is difficult. In truth, natural cleaners work, there’s no denying that. So, what’s the problem?

The problem is, we are conditioned to believe that a product must smell nice to work. Scented glass cleaners, wood polish, hardwood floor cleaner, bathroom cleaners are a prime example of this.

But that is not the case. Many of the items mentioned above contain chemicals which are extremely harmful to the body. Use caution when selecting cleaning products. Many unhealthy chemicals are hidden withing the label.

Better yet, leave behind the chemical cleaners and make your own.

Harmful Chemicals found Cleaning Products.

• Phthalates – Avoid anything which contains a fragrance. Dish soap, laundry soap, glass cleaner, wood cleaner, scented soaps, etc. Phathalates are endocrine disruptors; produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.
• Perchloroethylene aka PERC – Found in deep cleaning solutions. Dry cleaning, spot cleaners, carpet cleaning solutions. PERC is a neurotoxin and has also been classified as a “possible carcinogen”.
• Triclosan – Found in liquid dish washing soap and everything labeled antibacterial. Triclosan is an aggressive antibacterial agent that can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.
• Quarternary Ammonium Compounds aka QUATS – Found in liquid and sheet farbric softner, and in anything labeled antibacterial, breeding anti-biotic resistant bacteria. QUATS is an antimicrobial, leading cause of skin irritation and asthma. QUATS

• 2-Butoxyethanol – Found in window and multiple all purpose cleaners. 2-Buoxyethanol falls into the category of “glycol ethers”. A minor reaction can occur when inhaled, coughing and sore throat. However, high exposure to can lead to narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage.
• Ammonia – Found in many polishing agent for bathroom fixtures, sinks, glass and jewelry cleaner. When used regularly individuals develop chronic bronchitis and asthma.
• Chlorine – Found in scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners, household tap water (mainly city water). New reports suggest that chlorine may be a thyroid disrupter.
• Sodium Hydroxide – Found in many oven and drain cleaners. This chemical is extremely corrosive, burning the skin and eyes upon contact.

Natual Cleaning Items

In addition to this DIY citrus cleaner, other natural homemade all purpose cleaners are readily available. Distilled vinegar and baking soda make excellent cleaners. These items are safe for you, your pets, and septic tanks.

Citrus peels contains d-limonene, a natural solvent that cuts through grease and dirt. Make a homemade citrus cleaner using the peels of any type of citrus fruit. However, the peels of oranges contain a higher level of d-limonene.

A cleaning bucket in our homestead consists of this citrus cleaner recipe, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, colloidal silver, and a few unadulterated essential oils.

Colloidal silver is antimicrobial, eliminating bacteria and viruses within the home. This makes cleaning with colloidal silver ideal.

In addition to using citrus peels as a cleaner, use the peels as nature fire starting material.

Citrus Vinegar Cleaning Solution – A Zero Waste Product

Between November through April citrus fruit is in season. During this time of the year the fruit is quite inexpensive. Making canning and preserving citrus ideal.

It is during this time of the year which makes canning citrus, well, fruitful. It is the reserved peels which make this all purpose cleaning recipe, hence, creating a zero waste product.

Adding citrus peels to a vinegar cleaning solution creates a stronger homemade all purpose cleaner. A cleaner which will not disappoint.

Canning Grapefruit with these Easy Steps

DIY Citrus Cleaner for the Home – Ingredients

The process for making a citrus base cleaner is extremely simply. Taking only minutes of your time. Since the peels are being recycled, this is a cost efficient cleaning recipe.

• citrus peels, oranges, grapefruit, lime, lemon, etc.
• distilled white vinegar

DIY Citrus Cleaner for the Home – Equipment

The jar size for this project will vary based on the amount of citrus peels being used. Ranging from pint-size mason jars to gallon glass jars. Because vinegar causes the lids to corrode over time, plastic lids work best.

• glass jar, determine size based on how many peels are available
• air bubble remover
• plastic reusable jar lids
• fine mesh strainer
• jar funnel
• swing top bottle or mason jar, used to store the citrus cleaner

DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner – Instructions

The citrus and vinegar infusion will take between 2 to 6 weeks. The longer the solution is allowed to sit 2 things are bound to happen. First, the solution will become stronger. Next, the peel will slowly begin to break down after the 6 week mark.

It is important to make sure the citrus peels are not exposed to air. Any exposed peels run the risk of molding. Use a fermenting weight to keep the peels below the distilled vinegar at all times.

Store the strained citrus vinegar solution in a mason jar or swing top bottle.

1. Using a knife, remove any remaining fruit from the peels.
2. Place peels to the jar, filling jars 3/4 full.
3. Add white distilled vinegar, leaving a 1-inch headspace. Add a fermenting weight to keep the citrus peels submerged.
4. With the air bubble remover, remove any air bubbles within the jar. Top jar with additional vinegar making sure to leave a 1-inch headspace.
5. Place reusable plastic cap onto jar, store in a cool dark location up to 2 weeks.

Strain the Citrus Vinegar Solution

1. Begin by placing the jar funnel and fine mesh sieve on top of the jar. Next, strain the citrus vinegar solution into a clean mason jar or swing top bottle.
2. Finally, store the DIY citrus vinegar cleaner in a cool dark location until ready to use.

Note

Do not discard the vinegar infused citrus peels. Use the peels to freshen the garbage disposal.

Herbs and spices add scent, as well as, additional bacterial fighting qualities. The following herbs and spice contain antibacterial qualities. Use these items in their fresh or dried form.

• thyme
• mint
• rosemary
• cinnamon sticks
• whole cloves (cloves are antimicrobial, eliminating both bacteria and viruses within the home)

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

Homemade citrus cleaner work to clean bathrooms, the kitchen including the stove top, vent fan, and inside refrigerator. Basically, anywhere grease, grime, or dirt is present.

This citrus base cleaner is also ideal to clean pet waterers and kennels, and works great as a coop cleaner and freshener.

Cleaning Solution

In a spray bottle mix a 1:1 ratio of citrus cleaner and water. Shake gently before spraying.

To make a streak free window cleaner mix to following:

1. 3 cups water
2. 1/4-cup rubbing alcohol
3. 1/4-cup citrus vinegar cleaner

Printable Recipe Card – Homemade Citrus Cleaner

Avoid fruit flies in the summer months by adding a drop of dish soap to the citrus cleaner.

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