How to Make Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

Prior to making this cleaner I was using up some “green” cleaner made by Clorox, but I knew it wasn’t as green as something I would make myself. I’ve been moving toward using homemade products for cleaning and beauty as much as I can. This recipe is super simple and one bottle lasts a long while – coming from someone who cleans a lot.

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

• Rinds of several citrus fruit (I used navel oranges)

• White Vinegar

• Water

• Patience (about two weeks)

When you eat citrus fruit simply save the rinds. Slice them into thin, long strips. Place the strips in an air tight container and cover them with pure white vinegar. How much? It really depends on how much cleaner you want to make. If you are looking to fill an old bottle with your new homemade cleaner, measure out enough vinegar to fill half the bottle.

Let this rind and vinegar mixture sit in a cool dark place for up to two weeks. Check on your rinds periodically. If you see them turning brown at all remove them and consider the mixture done. If not, wait the whole two weeks and then strain them from the mixture.

Mix the vinegar/citrus liquid 50/50 with water. I used distilled simply as part of an effort to ensure my mixture won’t go bad sooner than I use it. Also, if you find the vinegar smell is too strong, you can use more water, too.

Add your mixture to a spray bottle and you are done. Please note: If you cut your rinds sloppy like me, you may need to strain the mixture through a small strainer or coffee filter to remove any rind debris you may see in the liquid.

Where do you use the homemade all purpose cleaner? Here are some ideas:

• Cleaning bathroom counter tops
• Cleaning the toilet seat and lid
• Spraying down shower doors
• Cleaning kitchen counter tops
• Please Note: DO NOT use vinegar on natural stone such as marble. The acid can corrode the stone.

*Looking for a homemade window cleaner recipe? Check it out here.