You can reuse orange and grapefruit peels by soaking them in white vinegar to create a versatile household solution that helps you handle many common cleaning tasks.

White vinegar is a familiar kitchen staple found in almost every home. While it is often used as a cooking ingredient, it also has many other uses such as deodorizing, cleaning surfaces, and removing stubborn stains.

When you soak citrus peels—especially orange and grapefruit peels—in white vinegar, you create a powerful natural cleaner that not only works effectively but also helps you save a noticeable amount of money on cleaning supplies.

How to Soak Orange and Grapefruit Peels in White Vinegar

Orange and grapefruit peels are often discarded after eating the fruit. However, these peels contain a high amount of essential oils with a naturally pleasant fragrance. Instead of throwing them away, you can easily turn them into a useful multipurpose solution.

First, rinse the peels thoroughly to remove dirt, wax, or pesticide residue on the surface. Then cut the peels into small pieces and place them in a glass jar. Pour white vinegar into the jar until the peels are fully submerged.

Let the mixture sit for several days. During this time, the natural oils from the citrus peels will slowly infuse into the vinegar, creating a fragrant, highly effective cleaning solution. The longer you let the mixture sit, the stronger the scent will become.

Uses of Citrus Peels Soaked in Vinegar

1. Deodorizing the Refrigerator

Refrigerators store a wide range of foods—raw ingredients, cooked dishes, vegetables, and seafood—so unpleasant odors can easily develop. To eliminate these smells, simply place a small bowl of citrus-infused vinegar inside the refrigerator.

The combination of citrus oils and vinegar works extremely well at absorbing odors, leaving your fridge fresh and clean in a short period of time.

You can also use the infused vinegar as a cleaning spray. Dilute the mixture with clean water, then wipe the interior shelves and compartments. This helps remove food stains while keeping lingering odors under control. After cleaning, wipe everything again with clean water and dry thoroughly before placing food back inside.

2. Making a Natural Air Freshening Spray

Pour the citrus-infused vinegar into a spray bottle, close the lid, shake gently, and use it as a natural air freshener. Spray it in areas with persistent odors such as bathrooms, drains, or musty corners around the house.

This solution can also help neutralize cigarette smoke or lingering food smells in enclosed spaces. Thanks to the natural citrus scent, the room will feel cleaner and more refreshing without relying on chemical-based air fresheners.

3. Cleaning Dishes and Utensils

To make a natural dish-cleaning liquid, prepare an empty bottle and add chopped citrus peels. Pour in white vinegar and a small amount of baking soda, then top it off with clean water until the bottle is nearly full. Close the lid and shake gently. Leave the mixture to ferment for about two days.

After fermentation, pour the liquid directly onto dishes and wash as usual. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
This homemade dishwashing solution is completely natural, environmentally friendly, and safe for your health—yet still effective at cutting through grease, removing residue, and eliminating odors on dishes and utensils.

Additionally, this mixture can be used to clean kitchen countertops, stovetops, and stainless steel surfaces, making it a handy multipurpose cleaner for the entire home.