I love a good DIY all-purpose cleaner. A few years ago when my kids were small, I started swapping out my all-purpose counter cleaners for natural ones. Then I turned into the gal hauling gallons of distilled white vinegar home from the grocery store every week. Because it’s super inexpensive and works on almost anything! Chances are you already have everything you need to make this homemade grapefruit-infused all purpose cleaner.
DIY Naturally Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner
The beauty of white vinegar is that it does it all—cleans windows, counter tops, sinks and toilets—without leaving so much as a streak! White vinegar is the result of the grain alcohol fermentation process whereby tons of little microorganisms eat and process alcohol (ethanol), and release the tart, pungent liquid we know as vinegar as a byproduct. Comprised of 10% acetic acid and 90% water, vinegar makes a great cleaner for almost any type of surface.
But if you’re new to cleaning with vinegar, it may be a little tough getting over the smell. That’s why I love to infuse citrus rinds in mine to give it a clean, fresh scent.
It does take about a week for the citrus to infuse, but after that you’ll be set to clean. Add grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil for naturally antibacterial germ-fighting power.
How to make a natural counter cleaner
—Peel of 1 extra large grapefruit
—Glass canning jar
—About 2 cups white vinegar
—Grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil
I have read before that soaking citrus peels in vinegar helps to extract a natural, powerful solvent found in citrus peels called limonene. However, I couldn’t find any scientific evidence to back this up. In order to extract the limonene, you might need a chem lab in your kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy the benefits of cleaning with citrus!
Step 1 | Cut away the peel
Peel the fruit and cut away what you can so you have only the pith and colored part of the peel. This is to prevent mold from forming or the fruit from spoiling in the vinegar.
I noticed when I skipped this step, the peels ended up looking kind of funky. So now I cut away any fruit.
Step 2 | Add vinegar
Place the peels in a glass canning jar and cover with vinegar. Put a lid on the jar and let it sit for about a week somewhere dark and cool. In a cupboard works great. You’ll notice the vinegar start to change color and smell like grapefruit.
Step 3 | Strain
Strain the vinegar and transfer it to the spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and add about 20 drops of tea tree oil per cup of vinegar.
The oil doesn’t mix up very well with the vinegar (the old oil/vinegar thing) so shake gently before using to mix things up. Grapefruit seed extract dissolves a little better.
Step 4 | Spritz and wipe
Use safely on kitchen counters, sinks, tubs and other surfaces. It’s also safe for floors and some furniture. Check a small are first to be sure, but vinegar is generally safe on most surfaces. Just don’t use on marble!
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Hi,
You mentioned this isn’t strong enough for when you cur raw chicken. Does anyone have a chemical free option for this?
Thank you:)
Sprinkle baking soda in your sink. Use a little bit of water, and a brush or sponge, to make a paste. Coat sink. Wait a few minute, the rinse. If extra dirty, or you just want to, spray this citrus vinegar (or plain vinegar) on baking soda covered sink, and wait a few minutes before rinsing.
I recently started making a lot of my household cleaning products so I’m excited to try this recipe! Wanted to ask if there was a specific reason for the grapefruit or if any citrus fruit would work?
Hi, I’ve made this recipe and have noticed that after a few weeks my spray bottle stops working. I have tried different brands of spray bottles and each time the same thing happens. I am wondering if anyone has had this issue and how they fixed it? Thanks :)
Make sure to use a spraying bottle without any metal in it, as the acid will cause it to rust.
I am definitely going to try this. It looks like a great alternative to store-bought, chemical cleaners. Thanks so much for sharing!
I get a little confused about this..say if you cut up chicken and get some on the counter… If you clean it with a vinegar base cleaner if that gets away all the germs? I’ve read such different things. Is the tee tree oil what makes it a disinfectant or is it the vinegar?
I love all purpose natural cleaners. The fresh aroma that goes with it is a lovely bonus to all the joy they bring to cleaning. Thank you for sharing this one I will definitely use it and I’m sure I’ll love it. xo
This looks amazing! Better than using harsh chemicals and cheaper than buying Method! Can you use any citrus fruit? And also, what did you use to strain it? Thanks!
Where do you buy/find grapefruit bseed extract or tea tree oil? A grocery store? A specialty store? Thanks for your wonderful ideas!
I buy mine at Whole Foods, but most any natural or health food store should have it. Online too!
Could this be made with lemon extract instead of grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil?
Yes, but it won’t have the same anti-bacterial power without the tea tree oil.
Can you leave in the glass jar and use in the kitchen sink, mixed with warm water to clean the entire kitchen? We used to get Mr. Clean, pour some in the sink, add warm water and clean. Wondering if I can do the same with this. Also, why do you need tea tree oil??
Thanks!!
Hi Mary, I don’t see why not. Diluting with warm water will dilute the cleaning power a bit though. Mr. Clean is pretty concentrated and is meant to be mixed with water. This can be used on its own. The tea tree oil is added for antiseptic and antimicrobial benefits. If you don’t have it, it will still be a great cleaner. :)
Do you know if this ever goes bad or how quickly I need to use it?
I haven’t had it around long enough for it to go bad. One batch usually lasts me a few weeks because I use it all around the house. My guess is probably 2-3 weeks, maybe 4?
I think vinegar has already gone ‘bad’, hasn’t it? I don’t know that it can go badder.
You make the process of making a counter cleaner actually pretty! I’ll have to give this a try real soon! Thanks for sharing a non-toxic and eco-friendly alternative!
I happen to have a surplus of grapefruit laying about right now! I will definitely be making this. So smart! And, bonus, grapefruit smell absolutely delicious, so it’s perfect!
This=divine. Making this very soon. Thanks!
Great idea! I love using vinegar for cleaning, I’ve been using it recently with soda crystals to keep my sinks clear. I’ll have to give this a try.