Every Diwali, the house gets a big clean, and the kitchen bin quietly fills with orange peels at the same time. Those peels don’t have to go to waste. Steeped in white vinegar, they make a fresh-smelling, grease-cutting cleaner that you can use around the kitchen and the rest of the house, with no special ingredients. The citrus oil in the peel helps lift grease, and the vinegar does the heavy lifting on grime and water marks. It takes five minutes to set up and a couple of weeks to infuse, so starting early helps. Here’s how to make and use it, in five steps.
Store the jar in a cool, dark spot, such as inside a kitchen cupboard, and leave it for about two weeks, shaking it gently every few days. The vinegar gradually draws out the oils from the peels, which is where the cleaning power and the pleasant smell come from. If you’re short on time, even a week gives a milder version. If you see any mould on top, discard the whole batch and start again with freshly dried peels. This article is intended for general informational and household purposes only. Always test any homemade cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first, as results can vary depending on the surface and finish. Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone, unsealed wood or electronic screens, and never mix vinegar with bleach. Keep the bottle labelled and out of reach of children and pets.