DIY Vinegar and Orange Peel Cleaner Recipe for a Fresh Aromatic Spray

Cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Making your own cleaner at home is a simple way to avoid these chemicals while keeping your space fresh and spotless. This guide shows you how to create a natural vinegar and orange peel cleaner that you can use in a spray bottle for everyday cleaning tasks. It’s effective, eco-friendly, and leaves a pleasant citrus scent behind.

Orange peels soaking in vinegar in a glass jar

Why Choose Vinegar and Orange Peel for Cleaning?

Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner thanks to its acetic acid content. It cuts through grease, dissolves mineral deposits, and disinfects surfaces. However, vinegar alone can leave a strong, sharp smell that some find unpleasant.

Adding orange peels changes that. Orange peels contain natural oils that have antibacterial properties and a fresh, uplifting aroma. When soaked in vinegar, these oils infuse the liquid, softening the vinegar’s scent and adding cleaning power. This combination creates a cleaner that is safe for most surfaces, including countertops, glass, and tiles.

What You Need to Make the DIY Orange and Vinegar Cleaner

Gather these simple ingredients and tools:

• White distilled vinegar (about 2 cups)

• Orange peels from 2-3 oranges (avoid the white pith as much as possible)

• A glass jar with a lid (at least 1-liter capacity)

• A spray bottle for the finished cleaner

• A strainer or cheesecloth for filtering

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the orange peels

   Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any pesticides or wax. Peel the oranges, trying to get mostly the outer orange skin and minimal white pith. The pith can add bitterness and reduce the pleasant scent.

   
   

2. Fill the jar with peels and vinegar

   Place the orange peels into the glass jar. Pour the white vinegar over the peels until they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.

   
   

3. Let it infuse

   Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help release the oils from the peels into the vinegar.

   
   

4. Strain the mixture

   After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the peels.

   
   

5. Transfer to spray bottle

   Pour the infused vinegar into a spray bottle for easy use. Label the bottle clearly.

   
   

How to Use Your Homemade Cleaner

This vinegar and orange peel cleaner works well on many surfaces:

• Kitchen counters and sinks

• Bathroom tiles and fixtures

• Glass windows and mirrors

• Hardwood floors (diluted with water, about 1 part cleaner to 4 parts water)

• Stainless steel appliances

  
  

Spray the cleaner on the surface and wipe with a clean cloth. For tough spots, let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Tips for Best Results

• Use organic oranges if possible to avoid pesticide residues on the peels.

• Avoid using this cleaner on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as vinegar can etch the stone.

• Keep the spray bottle out of direct sunlight to preserve the cleaner’s effectiveness.

• If the scent fades over time, you can add a few drops of orange essential oil to refresh it.

• Test the cleaner on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage the surface.

  
  

Spray bottle with homemade orange peel vinegar cleaner on kitchen counter

Benefits of Making Your Own Cleaner

• Cost-effective: Vinegar and orange peels are inexpensive and often already available at home.

• Eco-friendly: Reduces plastic waste and avoids harmful chemicals found in commercial cleaners.

• Customizable scent: You control the fragrance by choosing different citrus peels or adding essential oils.

• Safe for family and pets: No toxic fumes or residues.

~DIY With Chelsea

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