As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
A homemade enzymatic cleaner is usually a fermented mix of citrus peels, sugar, and water. It is often called an “enzyme cleaner,” but the name can be misleading. Homemade fermented cleaners do not have the measured, targeted enzymes found in store-bought enzyme products.
They may still work as a mild general cleaner after proper fermentation and dilution. However, they are not the best choice for every stain, surface, or laundry problem. For pet accidents, blood, milk, eggs, and other protein-based messes, a labeled commercial enzyme cleaner is usually more predictable.
What Is an Enzymatic Cleaner?
An enzymatic cleaner uses enzymes to break large stain and odor molecules into smaller pieces that are easier to wash or wipe away.
Enzymes are proteins that help speed up certain chemical reactions. Different enzymes work on different types of messes:
- Protease works on protein stains such as blood, eggs, milk, and some body fluids.
- Amylase works on starches from foods such as rice, potatoes, sauces, and baby food.
- Lipase works on fats and oils.
- Cellulase can help loosen some plant-based soils and fabric fuzz.
Commercial enzyme cleaners may contain one or more of these enzymes in controlled amounts. The product label should explain where and how the cleaner can be used.
A homemade fermented citrus cleaner is different. Fermentation may create acids, alcohols, and other compounds that help with light cleaning. However, the exact contents and strength are not easy to measure at home. Two batches can turn out very differently.
The Common Homemade Fermented Cleaner Recipe
The best-known homemade “enzyme cleaner” uses three basic ingredients:
- Citrus peels
- Brown sugar or another sugar
- Water
A common starting ratio is:
- 1 part sugar
- 3 parts citrus scraps
- 10 parts water
For example, you might use one cup of sugar, three cups of chopped citrus peels, and ten cups of water. Exact container sizes vary, so it is easier to follow the ratio than one fixed recipe.
This mixture is left to ferment in a container for several weeks or months. During that time, microorganisms feed on the sugar and plant material.
Because home fermentation is not standardized, this cleaner should be treated as a mild DIY household cleaner rather than a guaranteed enzyme formula.
How to Make a Homemade Fermented Citrus Cleaner
1. Choose a Suitable Container
Use a clean plastic container with extra empty space at the top. Fermentation can create gas, so do not fill the container to the brim.
A plastic bottle is often easier for beginners than a glass jar because pressure can build inside a sealed container. Never use a container that is cracked, weak, or difficult to open safely.
Wash the container with dish soap, rinse it well, and let it dry before use.
2. Prepare the Citrus Peels
Use fresh scraps from lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit, or similar citrus fruit.
Cut the peels into smaller pieces so they fit easily inside the container. Remove stickers, plastic ties, and other packaging.
Avoid using peels that are moldy or rotten. A little soft fruit attached to the peel is usually expected, but the scraps should not already be spoiled.
Citrus peels are commonly used because they have a fresh smell and contain natural oils. Those oils can help cut through some light grease, but they may also leave residue on certain surfaces if the cleaner is too strong.
3. Add Sugar and Water
Place the sugar, citrus scraps, and water into the container using the 1:3:10 ratio.
Leave a noticeable air gap at the top. This gives the mixture room to foam and release gas.
Use room-temperature water. Very hot water may damage the container or change the fermentation process.
4. Close and Label the Container
Close the lid, but remember that fermentation may create pressure.
Label the container with:
- The ingredients
- The date mixed
- A note that it is not for drinking
Keep it away from children, pets, food-preparation ingredients, and beverage bottles. A reused juice or soda bottle can be mistaken for a drink, so clear labeling matters.
5. Release Built-Up Gas Carefully
During the early fermentation stage, pressure may build inside the container. Open the lid slowly and carefully as needed to release gas.
Do this away from your face, clothing, and nearby objects. Do not shake the bottle before opening it.
If the container becomes badly swollen, damaged, or difficult to control, do not keep handling it indoors. Home fermentation always involves some variation, so use good judgment.
6. Store It in a Suitable Place
Keep the container in a shaded, ventilated area away from direct sun and heat.
Do not place it beside a stove, heater, washing machine motor, or other heat source. Also avoid freezing temperatures.
Some homemade recipes recommend fermenting for about three months. Others use shorter or longer periods. Because the result is not standardized, more time does not automatically mean a stronger or safer cleaner.
7. Strain the Liquid
When the fermentation period is complete, strain the liquid through a fine strainer or clean cloth.
Compost or discard the solid scraps according to your local waste rules. Do not push large peel pieces into a sink drain, since they may cause a clog.
Transfer the strained liquid to a clean, clearly labeled container.
How to Tell When a Batch Should Be Discarded
Home-fermented cleaners can vary in color and smell. A sour or citrus-like fermented smell may develop. Cloudiness may also occur.
Discard the batch when you notice warning signs such as:
- Thick fuzzy mold
- Black, green, pink, or unusual spreading growth
- A rotten or sewage-like odor
- Insects inside the mixture
- A cracked or leaking container
- Heavy pressure that cannot be handled safely
- Uncertainty about what was added to the batch
Do not try to rescue a badly contaminated batch by adding more sugar, citrus peel, vinegar, bleach, or fragrance.
When in doubt, throw it out. A homemade cleaner is not worth risking a damaged surface, stained fabric, or unpleasant mess.
How to Dilute a Homemade Fermented Cleaner
Homemade batches do not have a fixed strength. Start with a weak dilution and increase only when needed.
For light wiping, try mixing a small amount of fermented liquid into a larger amount of water. A beginner-friendly starting point is about one tablespoon of cleaner per cup of water.
For greasy areas, you may use a somewhat stronger mix, but test it first.
Put only a small amount into a spray bottle at one time. Label the bottle clearly and make fresh diluted cleaner as needed. Watered-down mixtures may not store as well as the original strained liquid.
Do not assume that a stronger mix will clean better. Too much citrus oil or fermented residue may leave streaks, dull a finish, or create a sticky surface.
Where a Homemade Fermented Cleaner May Be Useful
Light Kitchen Grease
A diluted citrus cleaner may help loosen light grease on sealed, washable surfaces.
Spray it onto a cloth instead of directly onto appliances, cabinets, or wall seams. Wipe the area, then follow with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.
Do not use it as a replacement for proper food-safety cleaning. For cutting boards, counters used with raw meat, or other areas that need sanitizing, follow the surface manufacturer’s guidance and current food-safety recommendations.
Trash Bins
A diluted mixture may help freshen an empty trash bin after visible dirt has been removed.
Wash the bin first with soap and water. The homemade cleaner can be used as an extra wiping step, not as a guaranteed disinfectant.
Let the bin dry fully before adding a new liner.
A homemade enzymatic cleaner is usually a fermented mix of citrus peels, sugar, and water; review materials, fit, care, safety, cleaning, drying, and performance before deciding what suits your needs.
Bathroom Surfaces
It may help with light soap residue on some sealed bathroom surfaces.
Avoid using it on natural stone, unsealed grout, damaged finishes, or metal that reacts easily with acidic products. Test a hidden spot before cleaning a large area.
Ventilate the room and rinse the surface when needed.
General Household Wiping
The cleaner may be suitable for plastic bins, some sealed shelves, outdoor tools, and other washable items.
It is less suitable for electronics, unfinished wood, delicate coatings, or surfaces with unknown care rules.
Can You Use It on Laundry?
Use caution with homemade fermented cleaner in laundry.
A homemade citrus ferment is not the same as an enzyme laundry detergent. It may contain acids, plant oils, sugar residue, pigments, or other compounds that could leave marks or odors on fabric.
Do not pour it directly onto clothing without testing it first.
For a washable cleaning cloth or old towel, you can test a very diluted amount in an inconspicuous area. Rinse the fabric well afterward. Check the garment care label before using any homemade treatment.
For important clothing, bedding, uniforms, baby items, or delicate fabric, a labeled laundry product is the safer and more predictable choice.
Bedding and Linens
Homemade fermented cleaner is not usually the easiest option for sheets, duvet covers, mattress pads, pillowcases, or washable protectors.
Bedding holds close contact with the skin, so leftover residue is not ideal. Citrus oils may also affect some finishes or leave a scent that becomes stronger in a warm dryer.
Use regular detergent according to the label. For stains, choose a treatment made for the stain type and fabric.
Always check the bedding care tag before washing, bleaching, soaking, or using heat.
Is It Good for Pet Accidents?
A homemade fermented citrus cleaner is not the most reliable option for pet urine, vomit, or other pet accidents.
These messes can soak below the surface into carpet backing, upholstery padding, grout, wood seams, or mattress layers. Masking the smell on top does not mean the residue underneath has been removed.
A commercial enzyme cleaner labeled for the specific surface is usually a better choice. Follow its directions for soaking time, drying time, ventilation, and testing.
Do not heavily wet mattresses, rugs, foam cushions, or upholstered furniture. Deep moisture can be difficult to remove.
Also check whether the product is suitable for a home with pets. Keep animals away from the area until cleaning is complete and the surface is dry.
What Homemade Enzyme Cleaner Should Not Be Used For
Avoid using a homemade fermented cleaner on:
- Marble, limestone, travertine, and other acid-sensitive stone
- Unsealed wood
- Waxed furniture
- Delicate metals
- Electronics
- Silk, wool, leather, and dry-clean-only fabric
- Mattress foam
- Memory foam toppers
- Surfaces that require sanitizing
- Food, dishes, or produce
- Skin, hair, pets, or personal-care use
It should also not be used inside a steam cleaner, carpet machine, washing machine, dishwasher, humidifier, diffuser, or other appliance unless the appliance manufacturer specifically allows it.
Homemade liquids may foam, clog small parts, damage seals, or leave residue.
Never Mix It With Other Cleaners
Do not mix a homemade fermented cleaner with bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaner, drain cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, or other cleaning products.
Cleaning mixtures can create dangerous fumes or unexpected reactions. Even two products that seem mild may not be safe together.
Use one cleaner at a time. Rinse the surface and allow it to dry before switching products.
Adding vinegar is also unnecessary. A fermented citrus cleaner may already be acidic, and extra acid does not make it a true enzyme cleaner.
Homemade Fermented Cleaner Versus Commercial Enzyme Cleaner
| Feature | Homemade fermented cleaner | Commercial enzyme cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Citrus scraps, sugar, and water | Measured enzymes and other cleaning ingredients |
| Strength | Varies by batch | Designed for a stated use |
| Best for | Light general cleaning | Specific organic stains and odors |
| Instructions | Often informal | Listed on the product label |
| Surface guidance | Limited | Usually includes approved surfaces |
| Storage life | Uncertain | Check the current product label |
| Laundry use | Risk of residue or staining | Some formulas are made for laundry |
| Pet messes | Unpredictable | Some formulas are labeled for pet accidents |
| Disinfection | Not reliable | Only products labeled for disinfection should be used for that purpose |
The homemade version may be useful for people who enjoy low-waste household projects and want a mild cleaner for non-delicate surfaces.
The commercial version is usually better when the mess is stubborn, the surface is valuable, or the result needs to be predictable.
Easier Homemade Alternatives
Fermenting citrus peels takes time and careful storage. For many routine jobs, a simple cleaner is easier.
Dish Soap and Water
A few drops of dish soap in warm water can handle many greasy or dusty surfaces.
It is easy to mix, easy to rinse, and does not require weeks of fermentation. Use only a small amount of soap to avoid streaks.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda mixed with a little water can help lift stuck-on dirt from some durable surfaces.
It is mildly abrasive, so do not use it on glossy finishes, delicate coatings, or materials that scratch easily.
Plain Water and a Microfiber Cloth
For dust, fingerprints, and light marks, plain water may be enough.
This is often the safest first step for painted furniture, bedroom surfaces, and areas near bedding. Wring the cloth out well so the surface does not become soaked.
Laundry Detergent Solution
For washable fabric stains, a small amount of regular liquid laundry detergent diluted with water is often more suitable than a fermented cleaner.
Test it first, rinse well, and follow the fabric care label.
How to Choose the Right Cleaner
Start by identifying the mess, the surface, and the care instructions.
Ask these questions:
- Is the stain made from protein, starch, oil, or ordinary dirt?
- Is the surface washable?
- Can the material handle acids or citrus oils?
- Does the area need cleaning, sanitizing, or both?
- Could moisture soak into padding, foam, or wood?
- Does the manufacturer recommend a specific cleaner?
For a light film on a plastic bin, a homemade fermented cleaner may be reasonable.
For blood on sheets, pet urine in carpet, milk in upholstery, or food stains on a child’s mattress protector, use a product made for that job and follow the care label.
Practical Tips for Better Results
Test First
Apply a small amount to a hidden area. Let it sit for the same amount of time you plan to use during cleaning.
Check for:
- Color change
- Stickiness
- Dullness
- Swelling
- Softening
- Strong lingering odor
A quick wipe does not always reveal damage right away, so allow the test area to dry fully.
Use Less Liquid
More liquid is not always better.
This matters most on carpet, upholstery, mattresses, padded headboards, and wood. Excess moisture can move stains deeper or make drying difficult.
Apply cleaner to a cloth when possible instead of spraying the surface heavily.
Rinse Away Residue
Citrus oils, fermented material, and leftover sugar can attract dust or leave streaks.
After cleaning, wipe the surface with a separate cloth dampened with plain water. Then dry it with a clean towel.
Keep Good Labels
Write the name, mixing date, and dilution on every bottle.
Never store homemade cleaner in an unlabeled drinking bottle. Keep it separate from pantry items, cooking oils, beverages, and children’s craft supplies.
Make Small Batches
Large batches take more storage space and create more waste when something goes wrong.
A small batch is easier to watch, strain, label, and use before its quality changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a homemade citrus cleaner really enzymatic?
Not in the same reliable way as a commercial enzyme cleaner. Fermentation may create useful cleaning compounds, but the type and amount of enzymes are not controlled or measured at home.
How long does homemade fermented cleaner take to make?
Many recipes allow the mixture to ferment for several weeks to about three months. The exact result varies with the ingredients, temperature, container, and handling. Longer fermentation does not guarantee a stronger cleaner.
Can I use homemade enzyme cleaner on a mattress?
It is better to avoid heavily wetting a mattress with homemade cleaner. Mattresses dry slowly, and liquid may soak into foam or inner layers. Follow the mattress manufacturer’s cleaning guidance and use as little moisture as possible.
Does homemade enzyme cleaner disinfect surfaces?
It should not be treated as a disinfectant. Cleaning removes visible soil, while disinfection requires a product labeled for that purpose and used according to its directions.
Can I use it for dog or cat urine?
A commercial enzyme cleaner labeled for pet accidents is usually more dependable. Pet urine can soak below the surface, and a homemade citrus ferment may not break down all the remaining material.
Can I add vinegar or baking soda to it?
Do not add other cleaners to the fermented mixture. Vinegar may make it more acidic, while baking soda may cause foaming and reduce acidity. Neither addition turns it into a standardized enzyme product.
Is homemade enzyme cleaner safe for colored fabric?
It may cause fading, spots, or oily residue on some fabrics. Test a highly diluted amount on a hidden area and check the care label. For important bedding or clothing, use a stain product made for washable fabric.
Why does my homemade cleaner smell bad?
A sour fermented smell can occur, but a rotten, sewage-like, or strongly unpleasant odor may mean the batch has spoiled or become contaminated. Discard it if the smell seems wrong or if you see unusual mold growth.
what do professional mattress cleaners use. what is the best way to clean a mattress. what is the best way to clean a mattress at home.
