All Natural Citrus Cleaner

All natural citrus cleaner - Can be used on most surfaces and is made with ingredients you already have on hand!

I wish I could say that I was the one who created this amazing citrus cleaner but that would be a lie if I did. If you search “citrus cleaner” or “DIY citrus peel cleaner” on Google then you will get this recipe. The reason why I am showing you this is because the recipe actually works and it aligns with my core values -- clean ingredients for food and home!

I also do not like wasting food so this is a perfect solution. While there are many uses in repurposing citrus peels, the number one thing I do is to create another batch of citrus cleaner. For every orange eaten for breakfast or for every lime used for tacos (or margaritas!), I add the peels to a large mason jar and fill to the top with white distilled vinegar.

Most pantries are stocked with white distilled vinegar but if you don’t have any, that’s fine - a large jug will cost you about $2 at most grocery stores and will last you a long time! It is best for the peels and vinegar to sit for a minimum of two weeks. You can also mix things up by adding fancy herbs or essential oils.

My favorite part about this citrus cleaner? It’s a genie in the oven!

Our oven has never been the best but when we moved into our home, the bottom of the inside was absolutely awful. Every time you turned the oven on, a burning smell would emit. I tried all kinds of cleaners with no success... until I tried this! You will need to use baking soda in addition to the cleaner. Just cover the area with baking soda, spray the citrus cleaner over the soda, and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Soon enough, you, my friend, will have a clean surface again! (after picture - the center are scrape marks from previous owner :/ )

With that said, if you’re not sure whether the mixture is ready to use, spray the mixture over fresh baking soda. If the baking soda doesn’t activate then you know the citrus cleaner needs to sit for a little longer.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 large mason jar

• Citrus peels from 4-5 assorted citrus

• White distilled vinegar

DIRECTIONS

1. Put orange peels into mason jar

2. Fill jar with white distilled vinegar until peels are fully submersed.

3. Place tight fitting lid on.

4. Store in a dark place for at least 2 weeks.

5. Strain the liquid and pour mixture into a spray bottle; about halfway full.

6. Add water to fill up the rest of the half until full.

NOTES

1. All natural citrus cleaner is great as an all purpose cleaner that you can use on most countertops, glass windows, and ovens. Please note that this cleaner contains a high acid content that may not be suitable for marble, stone surfaces, and granite countertops.