If you’re looking for a safe, simple way to clean your home without harsh chemicals, this homemade orange peel cleaner is a must-try. It’s a natural, effective cleaner that smells amazing, costs almost nothing to make, and actually works. I started using it a while ago, and now it’s the only all-purpose cleaner I reach for—especially on kitchen counters and stovetops. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse orange peels instead of tossing them out.
Why I Love This Homemade Orange Peel Cleaner
I’ve tried a lot of natural cleaners over the years, but this homemade orange peel cleaner has quickly become my favorite. It’s safe, smells fresh, and works better than most store-bought products I used to rely on.
What really won me over was how easy it is to make—and how powerful it is without using any toxic ingredients. Even my dad, who rarely gets excited about cleaning, started using it. That’s when I knew this stuff actually works.
I also love that it helps me cut down on waste. Instead of throwing out orange peels, I use them to make something useful. It’s a simple, satisfying swap that’s good for both my home and the planet.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
You only need a few basic items to make this homemade orange peel cleaner, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
Ingredients and supplies:
Orange peels (from 3–5 oranges, depending on jar size)
White distilled vinegar
A clean glass jar with a lid (like a mason jar)
A strainer
A spray bottle for storing and using your cleaner
That’s it! No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple things that come together to create a powerful, natural cleaning solution.
How to Make This Natural Citrus Cleaner
Making your own homemade orange peel cleaner is easy and kind of fun. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Fill your jar with orange peels.
Use fresh peels from 3 to 5 oranges, depending on the size of your jar. Pack them in, but don’t worry if it’s not exact.
2. Pour in white vinegar.
Fill the jar with white vinegar until the peels are completely covered. Make sure they stay submerged.
3. Seal and let it sit.
Then, close the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks. The longer it soaks, the stronger it gets. So, I usually wait a full 3 weeks for the best results.
4. Strain the mixture.
After it’s done soaking, strain out the peels and pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle. That’s your finished cleaner—ready to use!
You now have a natural, effective, and great-smelling cleaner you can use every day around the house.
How I Use My Homemade Orange Peel Cleaner Daily
This homemade orange peel cleaner has become part of my everyday cleaning routine. I use it all around the house, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
It works great on countertops, sinks, and the stovetop—just a quick spray and wipe. When I need something stronger, I sprinkle a little baking soda first, then spray the cleaner over it. The fizz helps lift grease and grime without any scrubbing.
I also use it to wipe down the dining table, clean the inside of the microwave, and freshen up the fridge shelves. It leaves everything smelling citrusy and clean, without that harsh chemical scent.
Best of all, I feel good knowing I’m not using anything toxic where I cook or where my dog Shadow might walk or lick. It’s simple, safe, and surprisingly effective.
Why Homemade Orange Peel Cleaner Is So Effective
I wasn’t sure how well a homemade orange peel cleaner would perform at first—but it’s been surprisingly effective.
The vinegar acts as a natural degreaser and helps break down dirt and buildup on surfaces. What makes this cleaner even better are the orange peels. They release natural oils that enhance the cleaning power and leave behind a light, refreshing scent—without using artificial fragrance.
This simple combination works on everyday messes and gives me peace of mind knowing I’m not using harsh chemicals. It’s proof that a gentle, homemade solution can still get the job done.
Tips for Making and Storing Your Cleaner
Once you make this natural cleaner, there are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of it.
Use a glass jar for soaking.
Vinegar can interact with certain plastics over time, especially lower-quality ones. A glass jar is a safer, non-reactive option that holds up well for repeated use. If you use plastic, make sure it’s food-safe and don’t let it sit for too long.
Let it sit longer for stronger results.
Two weeks is enough, but waiting three weeks gives the vinegar more time to pull oils from the orange peels. The scent will be stronger, and the cleaner slightly more powerful.
Strain well before bottling.
Make sure you remove all pulp and peel pieces to keep your spray bottle from clogging.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Once it’s in your spray bottle, this homemade orange peel cleaner can last up to 2 to 3 months. Keep it out of direct sunlight and shake it before each use. If it ever smells off or cloudy, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Try lemon peels too.
Want to switch things up? Lemon or grapefruit peels also work well and bring a slightly different scent to your cleaner.
A Cleaner Home, Naturally
This homemade orange peel cleaner has simplified the way I clean and made my home feel fresher without using anything harsh or toxic. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your space clean while cutting down on waste and avoiding unnecessary chemicals.
Sometimes the simplest solutions turn out to be the most powerful. This natural cleaner proves that you don’t need a cabinet full of store-bought products to keep your home sparkling.
If you haven’t tried making your own cleaner yet, this one is a great place to start. Once you see how well it works, you may never go back.
