DIY cleanerReader submitted

Hey Green Ideas! Loving your latest issue!

I was just reading your review on Which Green Cleaners work best? and I thought it was worth sharing my little DIY cleaner. It is super-effective, and easy and cheap to make.

Whenever I have leftover lemon rinds (which we know cannot be put in the compost – so it's saving something that would otherwise go to waste) I put them in a glass jar (reused too) and cover with white vinegar until all lemon rinds are submerged (don't leave any exposed as they will grow mould). Then simply leave for a couple of weeks (or more, don't worry if you forget about it for a bit). After a couple of weeks simply strain the liquid into a spray bottle and use!

This is my go to/use for every surface/suitable for bathroom and kitchen/life saver! I use this as basically a 'spray & wipe' alternative and it does the job beautifully. Not only does it cut through grease and fat (I would know – working with oils and butters for the Santé products does leave a bit of a mess), it leaves a lovely light citrus scent, but nothing fake/toxic smelling. I cannot recommend this little DIY cleaner enough and I hope you try it at home. All you lemon tree owners are going to be rejoicing!

What I love about this tip is that, although it does take a wee while from start to finish, it requires very little effort, is super-cheap, and reuses something I would otherwise have to throw away. I have recently found out that citrus makes plastic leach, so try to avoid using a bottle with BPA in it (glass would be best – but it’s not that practical to use or find a glass spray bottle).

If you do try out this tip I would love to hear how you get on!

I am the owner/product maker of Santé products and every Thursday I post a wee Thrifty Thursday Tip on the Facebook page (and hopefully the website soon – when it's up and running). This DIY cleaner was the first Thrifty Thursday Tip in my Natural Cleaner Series (up to number 3 now), so if you want to check it out please go to the Santé FB page.

Thanks! I hope you like this tip!

 

05/05/2013  9:49 am  by gidget1

Giving this a go today! I found that after trying to remove a stain from an item of clothing recently (used Napisan, Frend, even Sunlight soap!) nothing would touch it. In desperation I tried squirting lemon juice on it. The next day the stain was gone. Our mothers knew a thing or two!

 

05/05/2013  12:02 pm  by Nellie

That’s awesome! They really did, didn't they? I found Lemon Essential Oil worked great at removing an oil stain on some clothing (provided I didn't wash the clothing first).

Would love to hear how you get on with the DIY cleaner!

 

06/05/2013  9:33 am by george

Love this tip – am going to try it next time I have lemon rind left over from cooking. Love the idea that it will smell natural too. And thanks gidget1 for your tip about squirting lemon juice on stains – will try that one too.

 

08/05/2013  12:31 pm  by FIREBIRD

Just a query, why do you not put lemon rinds in compost?

 

08/05/2013  12:40 pm  by Nellie

Well, it really depends on the type of composting you do, but generally lemon (and other citrus for that matter) are too acidic. Worms are okay with citrus if you add them after the rinds have already started decomposing (e.g. don't add citrus to your worms until it is starting to grow mould). Hope this helps!