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weck jar with orange rosemary and cloves

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!

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.