Clean Just About Anything with This All-Natural Citrus Spray

When we think of cleaning, we often think of chemicals. Yet, there are natural alternatives that are just as efficient and far more cost-effective. Combining the properties of potent ingredients, like citrus and vinegar, can make an excellent all-purpose, green cleaner.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have only one product to rely on when cleaning the house? It’d be easier to keep track of, you wouldn’t spend a lot of money, and, when it’s natural, you also get the peace of mind of knowing you’re not inhaling potentially harmful chemicals.

That’s exactly what you’ll get with this simple recipe! This powerful, all-purpose, and all-natural cleaner is sure to become your new go-to cleaning product.

How Citrus and Vinegar Work as Cleaners

Citrus fruits are the OG of natural cleaning agents. Lemons and limes, in particular, are highly acidic, which makes them very effective against bacteria and awards them the nickname “nature’s bleach.”

Furthermore, the essential oils in their rinds hold antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, meaning they can do more than just add flavor to your salads. Another bonus is they smell nothing like traditional disinfectants!

Vinegar’s acidity is also worthy of note as it’s the driving force behind its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are vital in the fight against all kinds of mold around the house.

Thanks to its unique chemical composition, vinegar also evaporates faster than water, which is why the idea of spraying smelly vinegar around the house shouldn’t discourage you from endorsing it as your cleaning product of choice—that’s why you add citrus into the mix!

Benefits of a Citrus/Vinegar Cleaner

Aside from the fact that it’s inexpensive, practical, and eco-friendly, a citrus and vinegar cleaning mix will also give you all of the following benefits:

• A streak-free shine on windows and mirrors.
• Kills different kinds of mold, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Removes unpleasant food odors, stains, and bacteria.
• Helps loosen mineral deposits, such as lime and calcium, on water handles, restoring their shiny looks.
• Breaks down soap buildup, as well as grease on stoves or microwaves.
• Helps remove stubborn stains on different surfaces, such as sinks or cutting boards.

Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Now, let’s look at how to make this impressive concoction!

An All-Purpose Citrus/Vinegar Cleaner Recipe

Here’s what you’re going to need to make your own citrus and vinegar cleaner:

• Juice of 1 medium-sized lemon, strained
• Juice of 1 citrus fruit of choice (like lime or grapefruit), strained
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
• 1 empty spray bottle

Once you gather all your materials and ingredients, all you have to do is pour them into the spray bottle, shake it up, and that’s it! Whether you decide to keep your cleaner in one container or split it into different bottles to keep in different rooms, it’s sure to be your new go-to!

Final Tips and Warnings

While this citrus and vinegar combo makes a potent cleaning agent, there are ways to maximize its effectiveness. However, it should always be used with caution. Keep the following in mind when using this spray around the house:

• For stubborn stains, mineral buildup, and other tough jobs, try sprinkling some baking soda on the affected surface, and then spray your citrus and vinegar cleaner on it to create a paste before scrubbing it away.
• Do not use your citrus/vinegar cleaner with bleach or bleach-based products, as it will create a toxic gas that can harm your eyes and airways.
• Do not use your citrus/vinegar cleaner on marble surfaces, as it could cause corrosion and, ultimately, ruin the material.

So, now that you know how to make and use your citrus and vinegar cleaner, it’s time to finish that spring cleaning!