A cleaning enthusiast has shared a simple homemade solution for tackling grease and grime in the kitchen using a common food scrap that many people throw away.
How to Make the Homemade Degreaser
TikTok creator Lily, known as Clean with Lily, demonstrated how to use orange peels to create an effective cleaning spray. Instead of discarding orange peels, she recommends saving them and placing them in a glass jar, covering them with white vinegar, and letting the mixture sit for about two weeks.
In her video, Lily explained: "Most people don't realise you can do this. If you add the orange peel into a glass jar, cover it with white vinegar and leave it for around two weeks, you'll have yourself a natural cleaner."
After two weeks, remove the peels from the jar. Boil a kettle of water and add it to the vinegar mixture before transferring it into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to greasy worktops and surfaces, then wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
Why Orange Peels Work
Orange peels contain citric acid, which breaks down grease and disperses it into smaller particles. The citric acid efficiently dissolves mineral deposits and dirt, including grease. Additionally, citric acid has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so lemon oil from the peels can eliminate bacteria and remove mould and mildew.
Consumer publication CNET noted that orange peels contain d-limonene, a natural oil used in many cleaning products. "D-limonene helps by washing away dirt and filth, keeping your surfaces nice and clean and smelling great. It isn't just about smell, however: orange peels also have antibacterial properties, great for killing household germs," CNET explained.
Where to Use the Cleaner
The cleaning solution can be used on stovetops, fridge doors, microwaves, and stone, marble, and laminate worktops. However, experts caution against using it on wooden surfaces or furniture, as the acidity may discolour the wood.
The Role of White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective natural remedy for grime due to its acetic acid content, which prevents fungi and other organic matter from developing. Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it excellent for deodorising and disinfecting surfaces.
For those who prefer not to make a spray, Purdy and Figg suggest applying lemon essential oil on a cloth or rubbing an orange peel directly onto the surface. Using leftover orange peels also gives the cleaning spray a pleasant fragrance, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh rather than clinical.
