Homemade Citrus Peel All-Purpose Cleaner (Zero Waste, 10 Cents Per Bottle)

Kitchen scraps like orange peels often rot in landfills, releasing methane; infuse them into a powerhouse cleaner that degreases counters for 100+ sprays without VOCs or plastic bottles. This 10-minute recipe yields 32 oz of golden elixir from vinegar and peels, costing 10 cents per bottle and saving six plastics yearly. Non-toxic, septic-safe, and scented like fresh citrus, it cuts grime on sinks, glass, or floors; dilute for mopping or concentrate for ovens. Collect peels weekly, steep for two weeks, strain into reused glass, and shake for shine. Customizable with lemon oil boosts or herbal twists, it's kid- and pet-friendly, outperforming $8 store sprays. Refill endlessly, travel in mini bottles, or gift kitchen kits. Every spray banishes synthetic fumes, lightens shipping weight (no water hauled), and turns waste into wizardry. Inhale bliss, wipe effortlessly, and join the peel-to-power movement for homes that sparkle inside and out.

One spray. Zero plastic. 100+ uses. One batch = 32 oz = 6 months of clean = 0 landfill waste Why DIY Beats Store-Bought Sprays Store-Bought Spray:

• Plastic bottle (landfill)

• Synthetic “citrus” + VOCs

• $4–$8 per bottle

• Harsh on lungs

DIY Cleaner:

• Reused glass bottle

• Real citrus peels + vinegar

• $0.10 per oz

• Non-toxic

Eco win: One batch = 6 plastic bottles saved. Ingredients (Makes 32 oz)

• Peels from 4 oranges or 6 lemons – Natural degreaser + scent

• 2 cups white vinegar – Cuts grime + disinfects

• 2 cups filtered water – Dilutes for safe use

• 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional) – Extra clean boost

Pro tip: Save peels in freezer — collect over a week. Tools (All Reusable)

• Large glass jar (32 oz)

• Funnel

• Spray bottle (glass, reused)

• Strainer or cheesecloth

• Label (chalk pen or paper)

Step-by-Step: 10 Minutes to Citrus Clean

Step 1: Pack the Peels (2 min) Stuff citrus peels into glass jar until full.

Step 2: Add Vinegar (1 min) Pour white vinegar over peels until covered. Seal jar.

Step 3: Infuse (1–2 weeks) Store in cool, dark place. Shake daily. Vinegar turns golden + smells like citrus.

Step 4: Strain & Dilute (3 min) Strain liquid into spray bottle using funnel + cheesecloth. Add 2 cups water + lemon oil. Shake well.

Step 5: Label & Use (1 min) Label: “Citrus All-Purpose – Spray & Wipe.” Test on small spot first.

How to Use (30-Second Shine)

1. Shake bottle

2. Spray on surface (counter, sink, glass)

3. Wipe with microfiber cloth

4. Admire shine

Pro tip: Skip water for concentrated degreaser.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Store in cool cabinet — lasts 6+ months

• Refill with new peels

• Glass only — no plastic leaching

Bonus: Floor Cleaner Version Add 1 cup cleaner to 1 gallon hot water. Mop wood or tile. Streak-free shine. Troubleshooting Problem: Too weak → Fix: Infuse longer (3 weeks) Problem: Cloudy → Fix: Strain twice through cheesecloth Problem: Smells vinegary → Fix: Add 10 more drops oil Gift It: Kitchen Glow Kit

1. Fill 8-oz glass bottle

2. Tie with jute twine + dried orange slice

3. Add tag: “100 Sprays. 0 Plastic.”

Your Zero-Waste Clean Routine Every wipe:

1. Spray (5 sec)

2. Wipe (20 sec)

3. Inhale citrus bliss

4. Smile at zero bottles in trash

Final Word: Clean Home, Clear Conscience You turned kitchen scraps into powerful cleaner. Every spray = no VOCs in air, no plastic in oceans, no waste in landfills. Peel. Infuse. Spray. Forever.