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Easy Citrus and Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner

  • Writer: Danica
    Danica
  • Jul 14, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 19, 2025

Hi there! Are you ready to switch to a non-toxic, budget-friendly all-purpose cleaner that's gentle on your home and wallet?


I've got the perfect solution for you!


I've started searching for a better all-purpose cleaner after noticing our dog, Lefty, avoids the areas where I've used the store-bought spray. The cleaner's scent while pleasant, is so overpowering that it irritates my nose, and I can only imagine how it affects Lefty. I want a gentler, pet-friendly option that keeps our home clean without the harsh smell.



I didn't want to overspend on a cleaning spray, so I discovered a way to create an effective, gentle scented, and budget-friendly cleaner that gets the job done without breaking the bank.


Vinegar is a handy substance with a wide range of uses, from cooking and cleaning to gardening and personal care. You can easily find it in your home and it's very cheap.

In the Philippines, where I was born and raised, we use cane vinegar which is made from fermented sugarcane juice, and we often use this for making dishes, it looks so much like white vinegar which is generally for cleaning.


Note that there are different types of vinegar, depending on their intended use.


Although vinegar has many uses, my favorite way of using vinegar is to clean various areas in our home, including molds in our bathroom! Due to its high acidity, it can break down stubborn buildup of soap, dirt, and scum.


While effective, I know many moms find the strong smell of plain vinegar off-putting for home cleaning. Its odor can be unpleasant when used alone.


Thankfully, by adding a pleasant scent, it can easily mask the vinegar's smell, making cleaning more enjoyable


To make this cleaner pleasant, we will add some citrus scent to enhance the smell.

I love the scent of sweet oranges or lemon peels. You may also add a few drops of essential oil for an absolute fresh scent!


The natural acidity of vinegar combined with the grease-cutting power of citrus peels forms a powerful, eco-friendly solution for cleaning surfaces throughout your home.


This all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean various areas such as:


  • Kitchen counters, appliances, drains.

  • Bathroom showers, toilets and fixtures

  • Living spaces, glass surfaces, wood furniture

  • Kid's toys


And many more!


I've noticed a huge difference while using this non-toxic cleaner, I no longer have to cover my nose while cleaning because it doesn't hurt my nose, our dog looks relax when I clean and more importantly, I feel at peace that I'm not spraying harsh chemical on surfaces that my kids can touch!

To create an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners we will need to prepare these simple yet effective ingredients:


  • Peels of 2 lemons, oranges, or lime

  • 1 cup white vinegar

  • 1 1/2 cup water

  • Few drops of essential oil(optional)


Tools:

  • Glass jar with lid

  • Strainer

  • Empty spray bottle


Storage & Shelf life:

  • Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months!


Instruction:

  1. Place citrus peels in a glass jar and pour the vinegar over them, ensuring the peels are fully submerged.

  2. Let it sit in a cool dark place for 7 days. I put mine in the cabinet underneath the sink.

  3. After 7 days, strain the vinegar and mix with water.

  4. Put it in a spray bottle and shake well before use.


Let me know in the comments how it turned out, I'd love to hear from you!

 
 
 

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