This homemade lemon peel vinegar cleaner recipe is so easy to make! It’s a natural cleaning spray that uses the cleaning power of vinegar and lemon rinds. You can use it as an all purpose cleaning spray, without all the harmful chemicals in store bought versions. If you’re like me, and prefer natural ingredients, then you are going to love this!

The best part about about this homemade cleaner is the citrus smell, it will leave your whole home smelling amazing and refreshing! It’s also a great natural cleaner, I use it on kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, glass doors, to clean windows, etc. It brings a whole new level of clean to your home, at least in my opinion.

Will my house smell like vinegar?

Although vinegar is a key ingredient, it might surprise you that the vinegar smell really goes away. As long as you’re using enough citrus peels, and letting it infuse for the suggested timeframe, you won’t have any problems with the smell of the vinegar!

What You’ll Need

Lemon Peels – from organic lemons
White Vinegar
Glass Jar
Fine Mesh Strainer (or cheesecloth)
Funnel
Spray Bottle (glass or plastic)

How do you make lemon peel vinegar?

So the best way to make this lemon peel vinegar cleaning spray – is to first make some lemonade! Or anything that will result in leftover lemon peels will get the job done. Next, you’re going to use a glass jar or glass container (whatever you have on hand – doesn’t need to be fancy). You’re going to fill the glass jar up with all of your leftover peels. Then, you will grab some white vinegar, and pour vinegar over the orange peels until they are covered entirely. You will need close the glass jar up, give it a little shake, and store in a dark place. I always just throw mine in the pantry.

How long does it take to infuse?

Now you will wait for a couple of weeks. Give the lemon peels and the vinegar time to infuse. I will give the jar a gentle shake when I think of it, just to help with the infusion process. This process will take max 3 weeks, after the 3 weeks the infusion process is complete and the lemon peel cleaner will be ready to use. The smell of vinegar really shouldn’t linger anymore, and you should really only have that great lemon scent I talked about earlier!

The lemon peel vinegar is ready, now what?

Now that your vinegar cleaning spray is ready, you will need a fine mesh strainer to strain off the vinegar from the leftover lemon peels. You can store the infused vinegar in a mason jar, but really any glass jar will work. Whenever, I’m ready to use the lemon peel vinegar, grab a plastic or glass spray bottle of your choice, and a funnel. Now you will pour in equal parts of orange vinegar and part water. This is really one of the easiest ways to make a citrus-infused vinegar, just like that you now have an all purpose cleaner.

If you would like to give your lemon peel vinegar some extra cleaning power, feel free to drop some essential oils in your lemon vinegar. Oil of lemon will give it an even stronger lemon scent to your vinegar spray.

Safe to use on:

Stainless steel appliances: It removes fingerprints and light grease. (some appliance manuals, will say to not use vinegar, so check that before using)
Glass and windows: The vinegar cuts through grime and leaves a streak-free shine.
Laminate and ceramic countertops: It disinfects and cuts through light grease.
Plastic surfaces: Like cutting boards and children’s toys.
Floors: Diluted orange vinegar can be used for cleaning linoleum, vinyl, and sealed tile floors. (I will spray directly on the floor and mop in up after)

Ways you can use your lemon peel vinegar cleaning spray:

All-purpose cleaner: Dilute with water and use on countertops, sinks, appliances, and floors.
Degreaser: For light grease on stovetops and ovens (avoid cast iron).
Bathroom cleaner: Cuts through soap scum and grime on showers, tubs, and toilets (avoid natural stone surfaces).
Garbage can disinfectant: Spray diluted vinegar to freshen and disinfect your trash can.

Not Recommended For:

Granite, marble, and natural stone: The acidity of vinegar can dull the finish.
Unsealed wood: Vinegar can damage unsealed surfaces.
Cast iron cookware: Vinegar can react with the seasoning on cast iron.

Tips for your convenience:

You can experiment with different citrus fruit(s) like oranges, limes, or grapefruits for a variety of scents.
For a decorative touch, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the jar while infusing.
Label your jar with the date (either the date it will be finished, or the date you made it).
Store your finished vinegar in a cool, dark place for up to several months – general rule is that if it looks good and smells good, then it’s still good to use.

Try more of my natural cleaners:

Homemade Pine Sol

Orange Peel Vinegar Cleaner