DIY Natural Lemon & Salt Cleaning Concentrate

Yields: Approx. 3-4 bottles | Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15 mins

Ingredients & Supplies

Peels from 5–8 lemons (you can also use lime, orange, or grapefruit)
2 tbsp Salt
1 liter Water
1 cup White vinegar (added after boiling)
Optional: 1 tbsp Baking soda (add slowly to avoid overflowing)
Tools: Large pot, strainer, funnel, and empty spray bottles or squeeze bottles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peels

Collect your leftover lemon peels. If they have a lot of fruit pulp left, that’s fine, as the citric acid in the juice helps the cleaning power. Chop them into smaller pieces to allow more surface area to touch the water.

2. The Boiling Process

Place the lemon peels in a large pot and add 1 liter of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The water should turn a cloudy yellow color.

3. Add the Salt

While the mixture is simmering, stir in the 2 tablespoons of salt. The salt acts as a natural preservative for the cleaner and helps break down organic stains when you eventually use it.

4. Cool and Strain

Turn off the heat and let the liquid cool completely. Once cool, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lemon peels, pouring the infused liquid into a clean bowl or jug.

5. The “Booster” Ingredients

Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the lemon water. Vinegar is excellent for cutting through limescale and streaks.

Note: If you choose to add baking soda for extra scrubbing power, add it very slowly, as it will fizz significantly when it hits the vinegar.

6. Bottle and Store

Using a funnel, pour your concentrate into spray bottles or recycled dish soap bottles.

How to Use It

For Countertops: Spray directly and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
For Greasy Pans: Squirt a small amount into the pan with hot water and let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
For Glass: Dilute the mixture with an equal part of water for a streak-free shine.