DIY A Homemade Natural Citrus Spray To Clean And Deodorize Your Fridge
Ever open your fridge and get hit by a smell that makes you question all your life's choices? Try not to dwell on this; we have a solution that doesn't smell like harsh chemical cleaners that'll almost make you wish you had skipped cleaning day — make your own version of a deodorizing cleaner by creating a homemade natural citrus spray.
We already know that vinegar can be a versatile cleaning tool; however, when you combine it with water and citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, or grapefruits, you create a concoction that cleans your fridge while leaving behind a sweet, citrusy smell. How? These fruits have natural cleaning properties due to their acidity. 'Limonene,' a chemical found in the rind, gives citric fruits their unique scent, and citric acid helps break down smellier compounds, such as amines (the thing that makes fish smell so bad).
Lemons and oranges are a bit more popular when it comes to that fresh cleaning smell, but feel free to mix in some lime or grapefruit peels for an added zing. The combo of acidity and limonene is what neutralizes and covers up smells. This leaves your fridge smelling fresh and clean, while vinegar adds an extra punch, killing certain bad bacteria.
How to make your own citrus peel cleaner
Creating your own citrus spray is easier than convincing yourself you don't need that midnight snack — unless you like late-night orange slices, in which case you may make a citrus spray and a snack. To start, you'll need your citrus peels, white vinegar, and water. Simply fill a jar with your citrus peels, cover them with white vinegar, and seal the jar tightly. Allow this mixture to sit for about two weeks (it doesn't hurt if it goes a little bit longer) so the vinegar can fully absorb the citrus oils. After those weeks have passed, strain the liquid and mix it with an equal part of water in a spray bottle.
And there you have it. You now have a citrus-scented, homemade, eco-friendly cleaning substitute that will still get the job done. Spray it liberally inside your fridge, wipe down the surfaces, and prepare to be amazed at how clean and fresh everything smells.
When you shouldn't use natural citrus fruit sprays
Before you go all spray-happy, there are situations where a homemade citrus spray might not be your best friend. For one, if you're dealing with stuck-on grease or some hard refrigerator stains, citrus might not be the best option compared to something that offers a deeper clean. While citrus sprays are fantastic for everyday cleaning and deodorizing, they aren't likely to be potent enough for those heavy-duty tasks. Also, if you or anyone in your household has a citrus allergy, it's best to steer clear of cleaners with citrus in them — leave out the oranges, lemons, and grapefruits entirely and choose another scent for your DIY cleaning product.
It is not terribly hard to make an all-natural homemade cleaner that smells as good as it cleans. While there are exceptions to its use, citrus cleaning sprays are a fantastic go-to for ordinary grime and odors. So, gather those citrus fruits and transform your fridge into a fresh, not fishy or funky, smelling space.