Natural and homemade cleaning products offer a non-toxic and earth-friendly solution to your cleaning dilemmas. One of the best things to have in your green cleaning tote comes from an easily available citrus fruit. Lemons and lemon juice have a number of natural and effective cleaning applications and will leave your home clean and fresh.
Types
Citrus-based commercial cleaners use orange oil as a powerful degreasing agent, according to EcoMall. Lemon juice is the most common type of citrus used for homemade cleaning solutions. Lime or grapefruit juice is typically an acceptable substitute. Citrus-based essential oils can be used to make your homemade cleaners more fragrant, but are a scent and not a cleaning agent.
Function
Depending upon the type of citrus product you choose, you can disinfect, deodorize, whiten or cut through grease and grime with the power of natural citrus fruit. Lemon juice is a strong, natural fruit acid and can cut through lime scale, remove stains or keep your wood furniture clean and polished. Orange-oil based solvents can be used in a pure form for more difficult cleaning tasks, according to Eartheasy.
Recipes
Lemon juice is an essential ingredient in many homemade cleaning solutions, or you can use it directly on surfaces by itself. Combine one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil for a natural wood polish. Clean tubs and tile by slicing a lemon or grapefruit and combining it with sea salt for an effective abrasive cleanser that can cut through soap scum, reports Shelteriffic. Treat lime deposits with straight lemon juice. Deodorize your cutting board by rubbing a cut lemon on it, and then place the lemon wedges in the garbage disposal to keep your sink smelling fresh, according to Eartheasy.
Warning
Pure citrus degreasers and solvents containing only waterless orange oil are used for oil and grease, some stains, and cleaning paintbrushes, according to Eartheasy. This natural product is fully biodegradable and environmentally safe; however, it may be irritating if you have respiratory or chemical sensitivities, according to Eartheasy, and is unnecessary for most home uses, reports EcoMall. You may wish to wear gloves when handling pure citrus solvents to avoid skin irritation. These cannot be diluted with water, according to EcoMall. Choose more diluted citrus based all-purpose commercial cleaners for home use.
Identification
If you're looking for a commercial cleaning product that relies upon the natural power of citrus, the first place to look is the label. Keep in mind that a product can be labeled orange oil if it includes as little as 2 percent pure orange oil. Check manufacturer labels for pure orange oil or D-limolene, the industry name for orange oil, reports EcoMall. Standard citrus-based household cleaners use both citrus oil and other surfactants and diluting agents.
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