A simple, natural way to refresh your home.
There’s something so satisfying about cleaning your home with products you’ve made yourself. Not only do you know exactly what’s in them, but there’s a little added joy in using something that smells fresh, clean, and naturally uplifting.
This DIY citrus & herb all-purpose cleaner is one of my favorite homemade recipes. It’s simple, effective, and smells like a sunlit kitchen on a spring morning. Plus, it’s a lovely way to use up citrus peels and fresh herbs from your garden.
🍊 Why Make Your Own Cleaner?
- Natural ingredients
- Non-toxic and safe for most surfaces
- Budget-friendly and sustainable
- Customizable scents to match the seasons
🌿 What You’ll Need:
- A clean glass spray bottle (16 oz is perfect)
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon, or grapefruit)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or mint)
- White distilled vinegar
- Water
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils (lemon, orange, or eucalyptus)
🧽 How to Make It:
- Fill a Jar with Citrus & Herbs
Add your citrus peels and fresh herbs to a large mason jar or container. Fill it about halfway with peels and sprigs. - Pour in the Vinegar
Cover the peels and herbs with white vinegar. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks to infuse. - Strain & Bottle
After infusing, strain out the solids and pour the vinegar into your spray bottle, filling it halfway. - Dilute & Scent
Top off the rest of the bottle with water to dilute. Add a few drops of essential oils if desired for extra freshness. - Shake & Clean
Gently shake before each use. Spray on counters, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and more.
✨ Where to Use It:
- Kitchen counters (avoid granite or marble)
- Sinks & faucets
- Bathroom surfaces
- Inside the fridge
- Light touch-ups on floors & walls
Always spot-test on delicate surfaces first.
Final Thought
This simple recipe turns everyday kitchen scraps into something purposeful and refreshing. A little reminder that even in cleaning, there’s beauty in slowing down and choosing what we invite into our homes.
And if you want to take your homemade cleaner one step further, a beautiful label adds that perfect finishing touch—both practical and pretty. You can find my collection of waterproof, oil-resistant labels in my Etsy shop here.
If you make this citrus cleaner, tag me @dwelingco—I’d love to see your small, intentional swaps toward a more natural home.
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