A DIY citrus cleaner can transform the kitchen in just a few minutes, giving it a natural scent and freshness. Simple ingredients and a few daily gestures are enough to obtain an effective and surprising mix.
You don’t need much to get a natural citrus cleanser, in fact, often you just need to look at what’s left after squeezing it. The smell of citrus fruits is one of those scents that remain imprinted, a bit like freshly baked bread or morning coffee. Using the peels instead of throwing them away almost seems like a small domestic ritual, yet it hides an effectiveness that is often underestimated.
Preparing a do-it-yourself detergent does not require any particular skills: you only need orange or lemon peel (perhaps organic, better if in season), white vinegar and water. An empty bottle, perhaps one of those that remain in the pantry after the holidays, can become the ideal container. There is no need for sophisticated tools, rather a little patience is needed: the scent that releases after a few days is difficult to forget. And then, let’s face it, the satisfaction of cleaning the hob with something you created yourself has a completely different flavour.
Ingredients and materials needed for citrus cleaner
Making a citrus cleaner is surprisingly simple, you just need to recover a few ingredients, usually already present at home. There are those who keep the peels in a paper bag on the balcony, to let them dry naturally, or those who prefer to use them immediately, still moist with juice. Sometimes an orange peel, forgotten on the kitchen counter, almost seems like a natural perfumer that makes itself noticed effortlessly. It is not necessary to calculate the doses per gram: often you go by eye, following your habit or simply what you have on hand:
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon or grapefruit, preferably untreated)
- White vinegar (about 500 ml)
- Water (300ml)
- A large glass jar or empty bottle
- A strainer and a recycled spray bottle
If the peels are fresh, the aroma will be more intense. It is not uncommon to find some lemons left over from afternoon tea or the last freshly squeezed winter oranges in the kitchen. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to change the atmosphere of the house.
How to prepare citrus cleaner in just a few steps
The process takes a few minutes, plus resting time. Start by placing the well-washed peels in the jar, covering them with vinegar and adding water. Leave everything to macerate for about two weeks, shaking the jar every now and then. It may happen that you forget for a day or two, no problem: just resume the routine when you remember.
After the resting time, the liquid is filtered with a strainer, eliminating peels and residues, then the mix is transferred into a spray bottle. Ready. This cleaner works well for surfaces such as the kitchen counter, sink and even the refrigerator. The scent that remains is light, not at all intrusive. At certain moments, it recalls the clean air after a summer storm.
Tips for use and little daily tricks
The DIY citrus cleaner finds its place among the simple gestures, those that make the difference in the long run. It can be used on almost all washable surfaces, avoiding only marble and natural stone, because vinegar could ruin them. A quick splash on the table after lunch, a wipe over the sink before going out: habits that are learned over time.
After all, the beauty is right there, in the details. Every now and then, you can add a few leaves of rosemary or mint to the mix for an extra aromatic touch. Or, just an extra zest is enough to strengthen the scent. It is not an exact science, but rather a practice that is refined day by day. As happens with certain handed down recipes, the important thing is to listen to what the house really needs, and perhaps us too.
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