Do you hate throwing away citrus peels after juicing oranges, lemons, or grapefruits? What if you could turn them into powerful, all-natural cleaners that cut through grease, eliminate odors, and leave your home smelling fresh?
Citrus peels contain natural oils like limonene and citric acid, which have antibacterial, antifungal, and degreasing properties. Instead of buying chemical-laden cleaners, why not make your own at home?
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 easy DIY citrus peel cleaners that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and just as powerful as store-bought options.
Why Use Citrus Peels for Cleaning?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand why citrus peels are such fantastic cleaning agents:
✅ Antibacterial & Antifungal – The oils in citrus peels fight germs naturally.
✅ Grease-Cutting Power – The natural solvents break down tough grime.
✅ Fresh Scent – No artificial fragrances—just pure citrus freshness.
✅ Eco-Friendly – Reduces waste and avoids harmful chemicals.
✅ Cost-Effective – Uses scraps you’d normally throw away.
Now, let’s get into the 12 best citrus peel cleaner recipes!
1. Citrus Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner
(Great for countertops, floors, and bathrooms)
Ingredients:
- Peels from 2-3 citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
- 2 cups white vinegar
- Glass jar with lid
Instructions:
- Pack citrus peels into a jar.
- Pour vinegar over them until fully submerged.
- Seal and let sit for 2 weeks (shaking occasionally).
- Strain and dilute with equal parts water before use.
Why It Works: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and citrus oils boost its cleaning power while masking the strong smell.
2. Citrus Peel Scrubbing Paste
(Perfect for sinks, stovetops, and tough stains)
Ingredients:
- Dried citrus peels (ground into powder)
- Baking soda
- Castile soap or water
Instructions:
- Grind dried peels into a fine powder.
- Mix with baking soda (1:1 ratio).
- Add a few drops of soap or water to form a paste.
- Scrub onto surfaces, then rinse.
Why It Works: Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, while citrus oils help dissolve grease.
3. Lemon Peel Dish Soap
(A natural alternative to commercial dish soap)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup liquid Castile soap
- ½ cup citrus-infused vinegar (from Recipe #1)
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a soap dispenser.
- Shake well before each use.
Why It Works: Castile soap cuts grease, while citrus adds extra degreasing power.
4. Citrus Peel Air Freshener
(Eliminates odors naturally)
Ingredients:
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon, lime)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Simmer peels in water for 20-30 minutes.
- Add vanilla for extra fragrance.
- Let cool and pour into a spray bottle.
Why It Works: The natural oils release a fresh scent without synthetic chemicals.
5. Citrus Peel Garbage Disposal Cleaner
(Freshens and cleans your sink drain)
Ingredients:
- Frozen citrus peels
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
Instructions:
- Toss a few frozen peels into the disposal.
- Run with cold water while grinding.
- Follow with baking soda and vinegar for deep cleaning.
Why It Works: The peels sharpen disposal blades while deodorizing.
6. Citrus Peel Laundry Booster
(Brightens clothes and removes stains)
Ingredients:
- Dried citrus peels
- 1 cup washing soda
- 10 drops citrus essential oil
Instructions:
- Grind dried peels into powder.
- Mix with washing soda and essential oil.
- Add 1-2 tbsp per load.
Why It Works: Citric acid helps break down stains and brighten fabrics.
7. Citrus Peel Wood Polish
(Conditions and shines wood furniture)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup citrus-infused vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before spraying onto a cloth.
- Wipe onto wood surfaces.
Why It Works: Olive oil conditions wood, while citrus adds shine.
8. Citrus Peel Toilet Cleaner
(Disinfects and deodorizes toilets)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients into a paste.
- Apply inside the toilet bowl.
- Scrub with a brush and flush.
Why It Works: Baking soda scrubs, while citric acid dissolves stains.
9. Citrus Peel Microwave Cleaner
(Loosens stuck-on food easily)
Ingredients:
- Citrus peels
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Place peels in a microwave-safe bowl with water.
- Microwave for 3-5 minutes.
- Wipe away grime with a cloth.
Why It Works: Steam softens food residue, and citrus oils help lift it.
10. Citrus Peel Carpet Deodorizer
(Refreshes carpets naturally)
Ingredients:
- Dried citrus peel powder
- Baking soda
- 5 drops essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and citrus powder.
- Add essential oil.
- Sprinkle on carpets, wait 15 mins, then vacuum.
Why It Works: Baking soda absorbs odors, while citrus leaves a fresh scent.
11. Citrus Peel Glass Cleaner
(Streak-free windows and mirrors)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup citrus-infused vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before use.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Why It Works: Vinegar cuts grime, and cornstarch prevents streaks.
12. Citrus Peel Fire Starters
(Bonus: Great for campfires or fireplaces!)
Ingredients:
- Dried citrus peels
- Cardboard egg carton
- Melted candle wax
Instructions:
- Fill egg carton sections with dried peels.
- Pour melted wax over them.
- Once hardened, tear off a section to use as a fire starter.
Why It Works: Citrus oils are flammable and smell amazing when burned!
Final Thoughts
Instead of tossing citrus peels, give them a second life with these 12 brilliant DIY cleaners. Not only will you save money and reduce waste, but you’ll also avoid harsh chemicals in your home.
