How to Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Spray

A Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Citrus Cleaner

Looking for a powerful yet natural way to clean your home? This homemade citrus vinegar cleaner is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly. It smells amazing, cuts through grease, and leaves surfaces sparkling clean—all without the harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Spray?

Reduce Waste

Minimize packaging waste and carbon footprint by making your own cleaner. Plus, this recipe repurposes citrus peels instead of throwing them away.

Quick & Easy

Requires only two ingredients and no cooking—just mix and wait!

Natural & Safe

Free from artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals, making it safe for homes with children and pets.

Cost-Effective

White vinegar is incredibly affordable, and citrus peels are a free byproduct of your kitchen!

What You’ll Need:

White Vinegar
Citrus peels (lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit…)
Strainer
Glass Jar
Funnel

How to Make Citrus Vinegar Cleaner

1️⃣ Collect citrus peels in a glass jar.
2️⃣ Pour white vinegar over the peels until fully submerged.
3️⃣ Seal the jar and let it sit for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place.
4️⃣ Strain out the peels and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle.
5️⃣ Dilute with water (optional, see dilution guide below).

How to Use Your DIY Citrus Cleaner

This natural cleaner is versatile and can be used throughout your home.

Best Uses:

Kitchen: Counters, sinks, cutting boards (as a deodorizer)
Bathroom: Toilets, tubs, showers, tiles
Kitchen: Counters, sinks, cutting boards (as a deodorizer)
Kitchen: Counters, sinks, cutting boards (as a deodorizer)
Kitchen: Counters, sinks, cutting boards (as a deodorizer)

Dilution Guide:

General cleaning: 50% citrus vinegar + 50% water
Floor cleaning: 5% citrus vinegar + 95% water

What NOT to Use It On:

Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on granite, marble, and other sensitive stone surfaces as the acidity can cause damage.

Why Citrus & Vinegar Work Together

White vinegar has natural antibacterial properties, making it an effective disinfectant. However, its strong scent can be off-putting. That’s where citrus peels come in! They not only mask the vinegar smell with a fresh, uplifting fragrance but also enhance the cleaner’s effectiveness with their anti-fungal, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties.

Bonus Tips for the Best Citrus Cleaner

Store citrus peels in the freezer until you have enough for a batch.
Use any combination of citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) for a custom scent.

Keep peels fully submerged to prevent mold growth.
Let it soak for at least 1 week—but the longer it sits, the better it gets! Even after months, the mixture remains potent and doesn’t expire.

This DIY cleaning spray is a fantastic way to keep your home fresh, clean, and chemical-free—all while reducing waste. Try it out and enjoy a greener, healthier way to clean!

Looking for More Sustainable Living Tips?

Check out our guide for other easy ways to live more sustainably.