SANTA PAULA, CA - The time is now to kick off your spring cleaning, folks! And as such, it’s time to start thinking about all of the innovative ways to apply fresh produce to this endeavor. How, you ask? By creating some DIY all-natural cleaners, of course! This unique application of fruits and veg not only gives back to the planet, but it presents an opportunity for cross merchandising in ways you may have never considered. To kick off the all-natural spring cleaning season, Limoneira has launched an array of recipes to spread awareness about the application of citrus in cleaning products.

Due to their high levels of citric acid, low pH, and antibacterial properties, lemons work as a natural cleaning alternative and provide a multitude of benefits for everyday tasks, according to a press release. In addition to their antibacterial properties, they give homes an uplifting, citrusy fresh scent reminiscent of the warmer months ahead.

This month, Limoneira Spokesperson Megan Roosevelt is focused on non-toxic living and has provided three simple recipes for clean and natural living. This month Limoneira is featuring DIY All-Purpose Cleaners, DIY Citrus Rosemary Disposal Cleaners, and DIY Lemon Lavender Dust Cloths. Continuing with the theme of cleansing, this month’s newsletter also features a recipe for a Green Lemon Detox Smoothie. Whether you try one of these recipes or all four, you are already on your way to living your best, and natural, life. For more details on the tips below, watch this video for the recipe on Limoneira’s YouTube Channel.

DIY All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner

Ingredients:

• Peels from two Limoneira Navel oranges
• 1 ½ cups of white vinegar
• ¼ tsp of unscented castile soap
• 4-5 drops of essential oil

Note: This can be done with grapefruit peels and chamomile essential oil or lemon peels and lavender essential oil.

Directions:

• Add peels to a glass jar, cover with vinegar, and let sit for two weeks
• Once that time has passed, strain the mixture
• Fill a jar with ⅓ of the citrus/vinegar mixture and ⅔ water
• Add soap and essential oils

DIY Citrus Rosemary Disposal Cleaners

Ingredients:

• Peels from one Limoneira Navel orange
• Peels from one Limoneira classic lemon
• White vinegar
• Fresh rosemary
• An ice cube tray

Directions:

• Finely chop the peels and add to each section of the ice cube tray
• Add rosemary
• Cover with vinegar
• Freeze for four or more hours
• Drop in garbage disposal to clean

DIY Lemon Lavender Dust Cloths

Ingredients:

• Peels from one Limoneira classic lemon
• One cup of water
• One cup of white vinegar
• ¼ tsp of olive oil
• 3-6 drops of lavender essential oil
• Washcloths
• Glass container

Directions:

• Add all liquid ingredients to a bowl and mix well
• Soak wash cloths in the mixture
• Place lemon peels on each washcloth and roll the washcloth tightly around the peels
• Place washcloths in an airtight container for storage

Green Lemon Detox Smoothie

Ingredients:

• Two tbs Limoneira classic lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups of spinach
• One inch of freshly peeled ginger
• One cup of water
• One cup of sliced cucumber
• ½ cup of frozen pineapple
• ½ cup frozen cauliflower

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a blender and combine well

Limoneira has also partnered with additional global chefs and mixologists, nutritionists, and beauty lifestyle and green cleaning experts to share its company knowledge with the customers of its grocery and foodservice partners around the world. Their biographies can be found on Limoneira’s website.

Keep checking in on us at ANUK as we continue to bring you the latest in fresh produce.

Limoneira