This Citrus Cleaning Spray now my go-to for all cleaning. Not only is it a fab way to use up citrus peels, it is also particularly awesome at cleaning greasy splash-backs and getting grubby marks off my walls (why do my kids insist on touching them, climbing them, rubbing their feet all over them?!).
I’ve made a little video to show you just how easy it is to make. Yes, you need to be a little organised but, if you’re mindful to put all of your citrus peels into jars and covering them with vinegar, you’ll always have some brewing.
Citrus Cleaning Spray
Makes: 250 ml Prep time: < 5 min. (allow 2-3 weeks to infuse)
Ingredients
- peels from 3-4 citrus fruits (orange, lemon, mandarin etc.)
- 1 cup | 250 ml white vinegar
Extra Equipment Required
Muslin cloth or nut milk bag
Method
1. Fill a small jar with citrus peels and top with vinegar.
2. Leave the mixture to sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2-3 weeks.
3. Strain liquid through a muslin cloth or nut milk bag over a clean bowl, discarding peels.
4. Transfer into a bottle (with trigger spray atomiser).
To Use
Recipe Notes
Don’t be caught out without fresh citrus brew; keep adding citrus peels to new jars and get them infusing at different times.
42 Comments
This is the best, simplest recipe that is in daily use. I love it!
Oooo these are the best. Didn’t know about growing the scoby, I’ve tried most things in your book, this one is a favourite
My orange peel and vinegar has formed a Scooby. Can I use the Scooby for anything?
That happens sometimes! Given that you intended for this to be a cleaning spray and probably didn’t sterilise and sanitise like you may do if it was a food item, I would just compost it (or bury in the garden somewhere). 🙂
Let’s say I left the peels in with the vinegar for 2 months… is it safe to still use?
Haha, happens to me all the time! So long as it looks and smells ok and has no mould (a scoby is ok), then I would decant it and use it 🙂
Hi Krissy are you using the the vinegar that you put on salads or the cleaning vinegar or doesn’t it matter
Any white vinegar will work, whatever fits your budget.
CAn you use this on granite bench tops or laminate?
Thanks
Vinegar can be quite harsh on some surfaces, although I have never encountered any problems with average, considered use. If you’re worried, do some more research or perhaps try a cleaning solution of water and castile soap.
This recipe is so good cause you get to eat yummy citrus and then make the citrus cleaning spray so nothing is wasted. So many uses for this spray so easy to make it is my favourite.
Love this! Easy, cheap/readily available and smells nice!
I have spay bottles made up ready to go in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen. It’s my go to for everything. It would also go well in a “Green cleaning” gift hamper along with the cleaning paste and lots of other DIY goodies.
This is one of my favourites, always have some more peels to add to to the jar, jars! never run out! The smell is delightful ?
We’ve been using this cleaning spray fo 6 months and I now always have a batch brewing. I recommend it to all my friends who are thinking of making the swap from store bought cleaners. It’s so easy and cost effective also reduces waste! A no brainer in my opinion.
Amazing multi use spray!! Smells amazing! ✨
I love this spray : easy and effective
I love citrus cleaning spray, so easy to make and cleans so well, best way to clean my stove top.
Krissy I just love this cleaning spray, so easy to make as well. I always have a batch brewing so to speak haha. Thank you for the easy recipe. Regards Kay
I love this cleaner for all parts of my home and the citrus scent it leaves behind is wonderful – it makes me want to clean more! And so easy to make with having the ingredients in the pantry.
Love this cleaner. Its so simple to make up and love that Im using natural products. A really effective cleaner that I use everywhere in my house.
I just had a lot of lemons so I froze the peel as well as juice. Hoping frozen peel will still be suitable for this spray, didn’t want to waste.
I think it’ll be fine 🙂
this spray is a staple in our household! It has the most beautiful natural smell. I have made some for family members to encourage them to make their own natural cleaning products!
I’m Just loving this spray. It’s ticks all my boxes: uses ingredients I’d either be putting in the compost or to landfill, economical ingredients – vinegar, it’s easy to make, and it works!
I’m actually going to buy one of those water containers with the tap at the bottom to use to make this. Reckon it’ll look good on the bench and make draining off the citrus vinegar so easy.
Hallo, I am just wondering whether you can put in the whole fruit? ie if I have a grapefruit that isn’t quite ripe and a bit tart for eating, can I put in the whole lot, flesh and all? Or do I need to peel it and throw the flesh away and just use the peel? Thanks!!
I’ll be honest and say I haven’t tried that. One way to find out 🙂
Hi.
Does this turn rancid? What’s it’s shelf life?
I have never had this turn rancid. It is simply vinegar and peels… But read this link for preservative info > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/
Hi Krissy
Could I use a citrus essential oil instead of fresh peel. Especially if you get caught short-handed?
It’s not quite the same, but feel free to flex your creative DIY muscles!
Hi Krissy
Can I use mandarin peels? We eat lots of mandarins.
thanks. Zan
Absolutely, any citrus peels are good!
What are the quantities and how long do you leave it before it is ready to use?
Hi Janet, did you watch the video? Fill a jar, top with vinegar (exact quantities don’t matter much) and leave 2-3 weeks. Happy making (and cleaning)!
Hi Krissy, I’ve just made a batch citrus cleaner and I am wondering if it suitable for use in the shower.
Thanks for your gene.
Heather
Bendigo
Good work 🙂 I see no reason why not!
This citrus spray is so easy to make and so effective. I use it mainly in the bathroom for cleaning the shower. The mould and dirt just lifts away with a light scrub. I have a solution on the go all the time and have some citrus peel in the freezer for the next batch
Krissy, how easily accessible are the ingredients? I live on the northern Gold Coast. Thanks
Hi Gillian, I have a blog on my favourite suppliers here ?
https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/my-favourite-suppliers-of-natural-ingredients-packaging-accessories/
Hi Krissy, I would love to get your book and try all your recipes. But I personally have a issue with vinegar, I wish I didn’t hate it so, but I can’t get past the smell! And I would like to be able to enjoy these recipes. So I was hoping that in some I could use something else? I don’t mind rubbing alcohol, I don’t mind anything really except for vinegar.?
You don’t like vinegar? Not even on your hot chips?? What a shame!! You can clean with a mixture of water and castile soap or washing soda. Not many recipes in my book use vinegar 🙂