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1st Lake Blog

DIY Projects On A Budget Homemade Citrus Cleaner

You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to create homemade materials and craft projects to spruce up your apartment. Often times, you can use items you already have, which makes D.I.Y. projects fun and affordable! Here is one cost effective and handmade product you can make right at home on your very own.

Citrus Cleaner – Instead of buying overpriced cleaning spray full of chemicals, you can make your very own, environmentally friendly batch that will last a long time using items you probably already have at your house. This recipe from Apartment Therapy will make a powerful natural cleaner in no time! In addition to keeping your apartment clean, this D.I.Y. project will have your house smelling of fresh citrus as a bonus!

Materials
Citrus Peels
Distilled White Vinegar
Water (optional)
Airtight Glass Container
Spray Bottle

Tools
Measuring Cup
Strainer

Instructions

1. Collect citrus peels and store them in an airtight glass container.
Note: citrus fruits contain d-limonene, a natural solvent that chemically reacts with oil to break it down.

2. Once your container is full, cover the peels with white vinegar.

3. Date your jar, and let it sit for about 2 weeks.
Note: when ready, the vinegar should have a strong citrus odor and be yellowish in color.

4. Strain the peels.

5. Dilute with water if you so desire. 
The concentration depends on your intended use and preference. I used a 1:1 ratio.

6. Pour into a spray bottle and use.
While I have been using it mostly in my kitchen to clean up stove top grease, this makes for a great, all purpose cleaner.

After your citrus solution is ready, pat yourself on the back for completing this craft project and enjoy your homemade cleaner at one of 1st Lake’s New Orleans apartment rentals in Metairie, Kenner or River Ridge or on the Northshore at 1st Lake’s apartments in Mandeville and Covington!

If you’d like to make your cleaner even more fragrant, try adding rosemary, like Steve Parente does in the instructional video below! He walks you through every step of the instructions above. Enjoy your new craft project