If you have a citrus bowl around the house, you won’t need to stock up on expensive all-natural cleaners. The peel of lemon and other citrus fruits is very effective for cleaning surfaces. Next you will know several options.
Lemons and oranges are great for cleaning, especially when combined with household staples like vinegar and baking soda. But above all, the peels of these citrus fruits can work as excellent cleaners, since they act as a natural solvent that cuts through grease and dirt, and will leave your home smelling fresher than ever.
Making lemon peel cleaners
Citrus fruits are powerful degreasing agents in a natural way, when these are combined with other elements such as salt, baking soda and other ingredients, good results are achieved to degrease surfaces and leave the home cleaner.
1. All-purpose cleaner with vinegar and lemon
Fill a clean glass jar with chopped citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit peel). Pour the vinegar over the peels until they are completely submerged and close the jar.
Let the mixture settle and occasionally shake the bottle to mix the liquid. After four weeks, pour the mixture through a mesh strainer into a spray bottle or sprayer. Use this solution to clean countertops, burners, appliances, floors, and glass.
2. Lemon powder cleaner
Combine 1 cup of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1/8 cup of borax, and 1/4 cup of grated citrus peel in a bowl. Mix the ingredients well and pour the mixture into a glass jar. Sprinkle the mixture on the grease and dirt. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the mixture.
3. Refreshing Carpet Cleaner
Combine 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of borax, and 3 teaspoons of citrus zest in a bowl. Let the mixture sit until all the moisture has evaporated. Mix well and store in a glass jar. Sprinkle on dirty rugs and allow it to settle, absorb odors, and loosen dirt. Vacuum the carpets well after at least five to ten minutes.
4. Lemon disinfectant cleaner
Chop the rind of a lemon or any other large citrus fruit, combine it with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil in a saucepan. Add 6 teaspoons of vinegar and 3 of borax. Mix well and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake before using to mix the ingredients well. Spray greasy or heavily soiled surfaces with the mop and leave them looking new.
5. Citrus furniture cleaner
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of lemon juice, 2 cups of olive oil and 1/2 cup of finely chopped citrus peel. Dampen a rag in the mixture and use it to clean wooden surfaces. When not in use, the bottle should be capped and stored in a cool, dry place.
6. Citrus degreaser for the food waste container in the sink
Leave the shells in the container with three or more ice cubes. The ice cubes chill the fat, solidifying, and the acid in the rinds cuts it off. Light the container until the shells, ice cubes, and fat are gone. Citrus peels release a clean scent as they break.
7. Microwave citrus degreaser
Combine 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a microwave-safe container. Turn it on and leave the liquid in for about 3 minutes, or until it is hot and steaming. Remove the container from the oven. Dip a clean cloth in the liquid and use it to wipe the inside of the microwave oven until clean.
8. Citrus degreaser carver
For a powerful degreaser you can sprinkle salt heavily through the fat, then cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the salt. Use as many lemon peels as necessary to cover the salt, let it sit for about five minutes. Then rub the salt and lemon juice into the fat with a sponge or cloth to loosen it; later it is advisable to clean with paper towels or a damp cloth.
9. Citrus degreaser spray
The acids found in vinegar and lemon juice work together to quickly cut through clinging fat. To get this cleaner you will have to mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Keep it handy in the kitchen and quickly spray grease splatters with the solution, then wipe away dirt with paper towels, and the cleaned surface will look completely clean.
