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DIY All-Purpose Orange Cleaner

January 19, 2015 by Missy Rakes 15 Comments

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Get the natural cleaning power of vinegar with the smell of fresh oranges!

This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more information.

 

  I’ve been using vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner for many years now because it’s safe, healthy and frugal, but the smell really bothers my husband. I think a lot of people shy away from using vinegar as a cleaner because they just can’t stand the smell. Well, today I’m excited to share an alternative that works great and smells way better. It’s 100% natural and easy to make. I used orange peels, but you could substitute any other citrus such as grapefruit, lemon, lime. etc. Citrus is in season right now so it’s the perfect time to stock up and recycle all those peels!

 

DIY All-Purpose Orange Cleaner

You will need:

The peels from 4 oranges (or any citrus)

1 quart mason jar

white vinegar

10-15 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

spray bottle

 

Step 1: Place peels in mason jar and fill with vinegar making sure the peels are completely submerged to prevent mold.

Step 2: Let sit in a cool, dry place for 2 weeks.

Step 3: Strain and use 50/50 with water as an all-purpose cleaner.

Step 4: Add essential oil if desired and you are ready to clean!

 

You may reuse the peels by covering them with vinegar again and repeating the process.

 

Note: Using vinegar on granite may cause etching or streaking.

 

Do you use natural cleaners in your home? If so, what do you use? I’d love to know!

 

Other posts you might enjoy:

30 Items You Can Make at Home to Save Money on gracefullittlehoneybee.comHomemade Elderberry Syrup on gracefullittlehoneybee.com

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Filed Under: natural living, Natural Remedies & Recipes

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  1. Laura Sue Shaw says

    January 19, 2015 at 9:50 am

    Great idea! I clean with vinegar quite a bit and usually add lemon or orange essential oil to help offset the smell. I'm definitely going to try this too!
    Reply
  2. Marla @ Organic Life on a Budget says

    January 22, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    I am starting to use all natural household cleaners and really appreciate this tip for a DIY all-natural cleaner that smells nice too! So nice to know what's in the items that you use to keep your house clean!
    Reply
  3. Rach D says

    January 23, 2015 at 11:02 am

    wow! Love your blog :) Already pinned a couple posts that you linked up with us. Book marking this as well :) Thanks so much for sharing this on this week's Mom 2 Mom Encouragement Party! Hope you come back & join us again next week :) Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough
    Reply
    • Missy Rakes says

      January 24, 2015 at 11:03 am

      Thanks for pinning and I'm glad that you are enjoying it! :)
      Reply
  4. Sarah @ SarahTitus.com says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    This is great. During orange season, I'll have to try this! Thank you for linking up to Frugal Friday.
    Reply
  5. Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says

    January 27, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I've been wanting to switch over to some more natural cleaners for a while now, and love the smell of citrus. Can't wait to try this recipe!
    Reply
  6. Jenn says

    January 27, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    I should really do this. I love cleaning with vinegar but the smell just make me sneeze :) Thanks for linking up at Hit Me with Your Best Shot!
    Reply
  7. Amy @ HandbagMafia says

    January 28, 2015 at 1:11 am

    Wow, must try this!
    Reply
  8. Leah says

    February 4, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    I love this cleaner! I make it a gallon at the time since we go through vinegar like water at my house. My favorite use is to take a 1/2 cup or so of baking soda and use the vinegar to make a stiff paste and use that on dirty sinks, etc. Works great! Think I'm gonna experiment in using the finished vinegar to splash into my laundry instead of just the plain distilled. Visiting you from A Noble Calling's blog. Leah
    Reply
  9. Vickie says

    August 28, 2019 at 10:24 am

    I use young living thieves cleaner for all my cleaning it works very well not expensive or messy just cleans great and a great bacteria killer it even get rid of mole wouldn't be with out it
    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    April 8, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    I need to do this again!! My last batch is all gone. Thanks for the reminder
    Reply
  11. Perry Roy Surita says

    April 18, 2022 at 2:53 pm

    How do you get rid of the vinegar smell??
    Reply
    • DEBBIE THOMPSON says

      December 8, 2022 at 10:31 am

      Actually the smell goes away when dry and can get rid of some smells, we use it to get rid of animal smells when tenants leave
      Reply
  12. DEBBIE THOMPSON says

    December 8, 2022 at 10:30 am

    I add a little Borax... really gives the cleaning a boost
    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 {practical} Uses for your Oranges - Propagate Happiness says:
    March 2, 2020 at 11:50 am
    […] I looked through many recipes and this one from Graceful Little Honey Bee was my favorite: DIY All-Purpose Orange Cleaner. […]
    Reply

Welcome, I'm Missy and I'd love to help you cook from scratch, save money and live a more simple and abundant life. Click the buttons below to follow along on social media and get to know me better. Have a lovely day!

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