DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner

DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner

If your kitchen smells like oranges and clean countertops… you’re doing it right.

Instead of tossing citrus peels in the trash, we turn them into something useful.

This is one of those old-fashioned, make-do recipes that just makes sense. You get the degreasing power of vinegar, the bright scent of citrus, and a simple cleaner you can feel good about spraying around your home.

No synthetic fragrance.

No mystery ingredients.

Just peels + patience.

Watch the full DIY video here.

What You’ll Need:

• Peels from 2–4 citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
• White vinegar
• Glass jar with lid
• Fine mesh strainer
• Spray bottle

What To Do:

Step 1 – Fill the Jar. Add your citrus peels to a clean glass jar. Don’t pack them too tightly, you want room for the vinegar to move around them.

Step 2 – Add Vinegar. Pour white vinegar over the peels until they’re completely covered. Seal the jar tightly.

Step 3 – Let It Infuse. Store in a cool, dark place for 2–3 weeks. During this time, the vinegar extracts the natural oils from the peels, softening that sharp vinegar scent and boosting cleaning power. Give it a gentle shake every few days if you remember.

Step 4 – Strain & Dilute. Strain out the peels. Dilute the infused vinegar 1:1 with water (equal parts citrus vinegar and water).

Pour into a spray bottle.

How to Use It:

• Kitchen counters
• Highchairs after snack time
• Sticky cabinet handles
• Bathroom sinks
• Inside the fridge

It’s especially satisfying after juicing oranges for breakfast… knowing the peels are going to clean the mess later.

Why It Works:

Vinegar has long been used as a natural household cleaner because of its ability to cut grease and dissolve buildup. Citrus peels contain natural oils (like d-limonene) that support degreasing and add that fresh, clean scent without artificial fragrance. It’s simple chemistry, and simple living. Because sometimes “non-toxic living” isn’t about buying more. It’s about using what you already have. Peels from breakfast. A jar on the counter. A cleaner that smells like sunshine instead of chemicals. And it feels good knowing nothing is going to waste.

If DIY isn't your style, Earthley's Cleaning Spray Concentrate not only smells great, but also works great and one container lasts quite awhile.