DIY Sparkling Citrus Bathroom Cleaner

DIY Citrus Bathroom Cleaner

So, my last ‘All Purpose Cleaner’ post I used Orange Peels and Vinegar. That one, I use all round the kitchen and dining room. This time around I’m changing things up a bit, let’s move to the bathroom. Scrubbing the bathroom isn’t exactly the most glamorous part of home cleaning. But it’s one chore we can’t skip.

Bathrooms may look clean, but they’re a hot spot for germs due to moisture, warmth and frequent use. Here’s a quick rundown of the common germs that can be lurking in your bathroom.

Common bathroom germs that your DIY Citrus Bathroom Cleaner can prevent

1. E. coli (Escherichia coli) – Found in and around the toilet, sink and even on toothbrushes! Can cause stomach upset or infections if transferred to your mouth, eyes, or food.
2. Salmonella – Often associated with raw food, but can spread in bathrooms via contaminated surfaces or dirty hands. May cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal issues.
3. Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) – Common on skin but dangerous when it enters cuts or wounds. Can live on counters, door handles and towels.
4. Norovirus – Highly contagious and responsible for stomach flu. Can survive on surfaces like toilet seats and faucets for days!
5. Mold and Mildew – Thrive in damp corners (showers, around tiles, under sinks). Not technically bacteria, but they can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
6. Fungi (like Candida) – Can cause athlete’s foot, yeast infections or skin irritations. Common in wet areas like bathtubs, shower floors and loofahs.
7. Pseudomonas aeruginosa – Likes wet environments (sink drains, soap dishes). Can lead to skin infections, especially in people with weak immune systems.

Okay sorry about all that gross stuff, let’s get down to getting rid of those germs!

So, we’re talking about a homemade citrus cleaner that smells fresh, kills germs and makes your bathroom sparkle—all without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products.

This DIY project is fun, sustainable and seriously effective. So, let’s roll up those sleeves, save those fruit peels and turn your kitchen scraps into powerful, non-toxic cleaning ingredients!

Citrus peels (like orange and lemon) they’re antibacterial, antifungal and are packed with natural oils, especially limonene, which:

• Cuts through grease
• Breaks down soap scum
• Neutralizes odors
• Leaves surfaces smelling amazing

We’re creating a DIY Citrus Bathroom Cleaner Spray that’s perfect for:

• Wiping down counters & sinks
• Spritzing tiles and tubs
• Cleaning toilet rims & bathroom chrome
• Deodorizing drains and bins

DIY Citrus Bathroom Cleaner Ingredients:

• Peels from 2–3 lemons
• Peels from 2 oranges
• White vinegar ( to fill half a jar )
• Clean water ( to fill the other half of the jar )
• A large glass jar with a lid ( 1-2 litres would be good )
• A spray bottle
• Baking soda ( aka bicarbonate of soda )
• Essential oils ( like lemon, tea tree, or eucalyptus )

How to Make your Citrus Cleaner

1: Save Your Peels – Toss them into a large clean glass jar.

2: Add the Vinegar and Clean Water into the jar, make sure the citrus are submerged.

3: Infuse for 2–3 Weeks. Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark cupboard. Let it infuse for 2–3 weeks, shaking gently every few days.

4: Strain & Bottle. After it’s fully infused, strain out the peels and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

5: Add 10 drops of essential oil if you like (lemon or orange keep the scent; tea tree adds antimicrobial benefits).

How to Use Your Citrus Cleaner in the Bathroom

Toilets:

• Spray under the rim and around the seat.
• Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub and flush.

Showers & Tubs:

• Spray directly onto tiles or soap scum.
• Leave for 5–10 minutes, then wipe down or scrub with a sponge.

Mirrors & Glass:

• Spritz onto the mirror.
• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Sinks & Faucets:

• Spray, then sprinkle baking soda over the area.
• Let it fizz!
• Scrub with a brush or cloth and rinse with warm water.

Add the bicarbonate of soda for Extra Power – Combine this vinegar spray with baking soda for a natural effervescent scrub!

How To Use:

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly on your sink, shower, tub or tiles.
2. Spray over with your citrus vinegar cleaner.
3. Watch it fizz and bubble like a science experiment!
4. Scrub and rinse.

This combo is so satisfying and it works wonders on grout, stains and soap scum.

Creating your own DIY products are so beneficial.

✅ Zero toxins: No bleach, ammonia or mystery chemicals
✅ Eco-friendly: Reuse kitchen scraps and cut down on plastic bottles
✅ Budget-friendly:  You can’t eat the peels so, let’s utilize them ( well I suppose you could but do you want to? )
✅ Customizable: Add your favorite essential oils for scent or benefits
✅ Kid- and pet-safe: Safer for tiny hands and paws (though avoid direct use around cats and citrus oils)

Who knew lemon and orange peels could become such powerful allies in our cleaning routine? This DIY citrus vinegar cleaner is fruity fresh, effective and totally Pinterest-worthy. It brings a little joy to a chore we usually dread and it’s better for your body, your home and the planet.

Bonus Tips

• Use citrus vinegar in your kitchen too! ( here is my all purpose cleaner )
• Avoid using vinegar on marble or granite—it can etch the stone.

Thank you for visiting my page! I hope you loved this post as much as I do!

As I am just starting this blog, I would be very appreciative if you look through my other recipes and share any ideas of what else you would like to see. My Focus is on Healthy Recipes, DIY Essential Oil Infused Self-Care and Natural Based Cleaning Products.

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