DIY Non-Toxic Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

Making your own DIY Non-Toxic Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner is super easy and it can be made with ingredients you already have at home! One of the first steps people take to creating a toxin-free home is to make their own cleaning products. It is a cheap and simple way to rid your home of harsh chemicals. A natural all-purpose cleaner is the perfect place to start as it is versatile and safe to use on many surfaces!

Why Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner?

• Cost savings: Ingredients are inexpensive and often on hand.
• Health benefits: Avoid irritating chemicals and strong artificial scents.
• Environmental impact: Reduce plastic packaging and rely on natural ingredients.

This All Purpose cleaner is the perfect solution to clean 90% off your home’s surfaces. I decided to make a warm and cozy scent by using rosemary and clove, but you can use any scent you’d like! The point of this recipe is to keep things budget-friendly and easy!

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DIY Non-Toxic Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

Ingredients & Supplies

(Pro Tip: If you’re using a metal lid, place parchment paper between the lid and the jar to avoid corrosion/rust.)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Peels & Vinegar. Place the orange peels (or other citrus) into your jar. Add rosemary or cloves for extra scent. Cover completely with vinegar.
2. Infuse for 1–2 Weeks. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place. Let the natural oils from the citrus infuse into the vinegar.
3. Strain. After 1–2 weeks (or longer if you forget!), strain the liquid to remove peels and any debris.
4. Optional Essential Oils. Add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lemon, clove, cinnamon). Shake gently to mix.
5. Dilute. Use roughly a 1-1 ratio of water to your vinegar infusion. Transfer the vinegar solution into clean spray bottle halfway, then top off with water.
6. Store. Store any extra infused vinegar in a cool, dark space. To maintain potency and avoid mold, do not dilute before long-term storage.

How to Use Your DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

• Spray directly onto most non-porous surfaces (countertops, stainless steel, bathroom tiles, etc.). Avoid using on natural stone (granite, marble) or unfinished wood—vinegar can etch or damage these surfaces.
• Wipe clean with a cotton cloth or reusable rag. I usually avoid microfiber as it can leach microplastics into your laundry and wastewater. If you love your microfiber, consider a special laundry filter (like a Guppyfriend bag or microfiber filter) to catch those microplastics.

FAQs + Troubleshooting

Does it smell like vinegar?

Why not reuse a plastic bottle?

Is it okay if I leave it infusing for longer than two weeks?

Yes! I always forget about mine (#momlife). As long as you don’t see any signs of mold and the vinegar is still covering the ingredients, you are good to go clean!

Can I use this cleaner on any surface?

This vinegar-based cleaner works great on most non-porous surfaces like countertops (laminate, stainless steel), bathroom fixtures, and sealed tiles. However, avoid natural stone (granite, marble) and unfinished wood, since vinegar’s acidity can etch or damage those surfaces over time.

Can I make a big batch and store it long-term?

Absolutely. The infused vinegar concentrate can last indefinitely if strained well (removing fruit peels and herbs). However, once it’s diluted with water, it’s safest to use it up within 2–3 months. Store in a cool, dark place to maintain potency—especially if you added essential oils.

Citrus is a Cleaning Powerhouse!

Lemons and oranges are powerhouses when it comes to natural cleaning.

Citrus is amazing for cleaning because:

• Its high acidity helps break down tough stains, cut through grease, and dissolve mineral deposits.
• Citrus also contains natural antibacterial properties, making it effective for everyday disinfecting.
• Plus, the fresh, uplifting scent of citrus helps neutralize odors without the need for synthetic fragrances.

When you infuse citrus peels in vinegar, you’re harnessing the fruit’s essential oils in a gentler, more sustainable way than using commercial essential oils (especially if you are using food scraps!). The result is a versatile, effective, and pleasantly scented cleaner for your home.

By creating this easy, citrus-infused all-purpose cleaner, you’re taking a significant step toward a non-toxic, eco-friendly home. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, save money, or simply bring a fresh, invigorating scent into your kitchen and bathroom, this DIY cleaning solution has you covered.

Non-Toxic Cleaning 101: Ditching Harsh Chemicals Step-by-Step

A guide to begin your toxic-free journey with my best tips and all of the best DIY cleaning solutions for your whole house!

Read More

Give this homemade all-purpose cleaner a try and experience the power of simple, natural ingredients. With a few basic pantry staples, you can make your green cleaning routine more affordable, sustainable, and safe for the whole family.

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About the Author

Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.

Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.

Contact Brittany

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Non-Toxic Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

Brittany Gibson

A natural all-purpose cleaner is the perfect place to start your all natural cleaning journey as it is versatile and safe to use on many surfaces!

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Equipment

• Glass jar (large enough to hold the mixture)
• Glass spray bottle

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups orange peels or any citrus peel. Lemons work great, too!
• 3 cups white vinegar
• Handful of cloves About 10 or so
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

 

• Combine Peels & Vinegar. Place the orange peels (or other citrus) into your jar. Add rosemary or cloves for extra scent. Cover completely with vinegar.
• Infuse for 1–2 Weeks. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place. Let the natural oils from the citrus infuse into the vinegar.
• Strain. After 1–2 weeks (or longer if you forget!), strain the liquid to remove peels and any debris.
• Optional Essential Oils. Add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lemon, clove, cinnamon). Shake gently to mix.
• Dilute. Use roughly a 1-1 ratio of water to your vinegar infusion. Transfer the vinegar solution into clean spray bottle halfway, then top off with water.
• Store. Store any extra infused vinegar in a cool, dark space. To maintain potency and avoid mold, do not dilute before long-term storage.

How to Use Your DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

• Spray directly onto most non-porous surfaces (countertops, stainless steel, bathroom tiles, etc.). Avoid using on natural stone (granite, marble) or unfinished wood—vinegar can etch or damage these surfaces.
• Wipe clean with a cotton cloth or reusable rag. I usually avoid microfiber as it can leach microplastics into your laundry and wastewater. If you love your microfiber, consider a special laundry filter (like a Guppyfriend bag or microfiber filter) to catch those microplastics.

Notes

This vinegar-based cleaner works great on most non-porous surfaces like countertops (laminate, stainless steel), bathroom fixtures, and sealed tiles. However, avoid natural stone (granite, marble) and unfinished wood, since vinegar’s acidity can etch or damage those surfaces over time.