How to Make Your Own Cleaning Spray

Save those citrus peels & save money by making your own cleaning solution

Make your own natural cleaning spray and find a second use for your citrus peels. 

On its own, white vinegar provides a natural and effective cleaner — and it’s also very inexpensive! However, many people find the smell of white vinegar to be far too pungent and sharp to use as a cleaner on its own. Solution: Use your lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, pomelo peels to infuse the white vinegar and make a citrusy cleaning spray. And even better, lemon oils will help cut through any built-up grease and lemon juice has natural anti-fungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, and deodorizing properties.

Materials to make a natural cleaning spray:

  • Large empty glass jar (dill pickle-sized is perfect)
  • Discarded peels from 2-6 lemons, limes, oranges or any citrus fruit
  • 1 L of white vinegar
  • Clean, chemical-free spray bottle
  • Funnel
  • Collander or strainer
  • Tap water

Instructions:

  1. To make, add the peels of lemon, lime, orange and/or grapefruit to a jar with vinegar and let it sit for 2-3 weeks. (The longer it sits the more it will smell like sunshine, not vinegar.)

2. Strain the vinegar solution into a spray bottle made of glass (or rinse and reuse a plastic bottle) and mix with water at a 1:1 ratio.

3. Now you’re ready to clean with your eco-friendly, low-cost, homemade super cleaner that will work to dissolve grease and mildew. 

The Harrowsmith Team

Harrowsmith is the farm-to-condo go-to for living sustainably and simply. Our mission is to offer a down-to-earth Canadian perspective on topics of gardening, home and design, travel and culture, food, health, wellness and the environment.

Posted on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022

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