How To Make Enzyme Cleaner: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » What Is An Enzymatic Cleaner » How To Make Enzyme Cleaner: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Best Way to Make Your Own Enzymatic Cleaner at Home PDF download Download Article Beat stubborn stains and pet odors with this DIY cleaning solution Co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 17, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Mixing the Cleaner
    • |
  • Fermenting the Cleaner
    • |
  • Using DIY Enzyme Cleaner
    • |
  • Ingredients
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 758,555 times.

Do you want the stain-fighting power of an enzyme cleaner without buying an expensive bottle from the store? Well making your own enzymatic cleaner at home is a breeze with a few simple ingredients from your kitchen. With your homemade spray, you can easily get rid of stains left by blood, grass, sweat, urine, and so much more. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about mixing and fermenting your own cleaner so you can start using it.

Things You Should Know

  • Put chopped citrus peels, lukewarm water, brown sugar, and yeast in a plastic bottle.
  • Let the enzyme cleaner ferment in a warm room for at least 1 month. Shake the bottle and open it daily to release gas buildup.
  • Strain out the citrus peels and transfer your enzyme cleaner into an airtight container.
  • ​​Use the cleaner diluted with water as an all-purpose cleaner or apply it undiluted to remove stains.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Mixing the Cleaner

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash and chop 2 cups (300 g) of fresh citrus peel. 1 Wash and chop 2 cups (300 g) of fresh citrus peel. Peels or rinds from lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges, and pineapples all work great for making an enzyme cleaner. Use a peeler to take the peel off the fruit, and rinse it under running water. Scrub the outside with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt, and pat the peels dry with a clean towel. Then, carefully chop the peels into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) cubes with a sharp knife.
    • Avoid using peels that look dried out or rotted. Dried peels won’t contain enough citrus oil for cleaning, and rotten ones will cause the mixture to mold.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Enzyme Cleaner 2 Put the peels, sugar, water, and yeast in a large bottle. Insert a wide-mouthed funnel into the mouth of a clean 2 L (0.53 US gal) plastic soda bottle. Add the chunks of citrus peel in one handful at a time. Then, add ½ cup (100 g) of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon (3 g) of yeast, and 4¼ cups (1 L) of lukewarm water. Screw the bottle cap on tightly, and shake the bottle until all the sugar dissolves.
    • Alternatively, use a blender to combine all of the ingredients until they have an even consistency.[1]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Label and date the bottle of cleaner. 3 Label and date the bottle of cleaner. Use a marker to write “enzyme cleaner” clearly on the bottle so no one mistakes it for a drink. Then, include the date you added everything to the container so it’s easier to track how long you’ve let it ferment.[2]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Fermenting the Cleaner

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Store the bottle in a warm spot. 1 Store the bottle in a warm spot. Keep the bottle on your countertop away from direct sunlight or on top of your refrigerator while the yeast and peels ferment. After about 1 month, your cleaner is strong enough to start using around your home.[3]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Enzyme Cleaner 2 Unscrew the cap to vent gas buildup 2–3 times a day. As the yeast eats the sugar, it produces alcohol and carbon dioxide that build up inside the bottle. Take the top off the bottle and gently squeeze the excess gas out before tightening the cap again. Screw the cap back on.[4]
    • Vent the bottle a few times daily for the first 2 weeks. After that, open the bottle every other day instead.
    • If you forget to vent the bottle, gas could build up and cause the bottle to break.
    • Make sure the cap is screwed on tight when you aren’t venting the bottle since yeast needs an oxygen-free environment to ferment properly. Oxygen will also allow bacteria and mold to grow in the mixture.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Enzyme Cleaner 3 Shake the bottle every day to mix the cleaner. Over time, the citrus peels will sink to the bottom. After you finish venting the gasses for the day, screw the lid back on and shake the mixture gently to stir up the contents.[5]
    • It’s normal for white build-up to form inside of the container. That just means your citrus peels are fermenting properly.
  4. Step 4 Strain the fruit peels out of the cleaner after 1 month of fermenting. 4 Strain the fruit peels out of the cleaner after 1 month of fermenting. Wait until the mixture is opaque, which means it’s ready to use and strain. Put a strainer over a large bowl. Then, pour the mixture through the strainer to separate the solid peels from the actual cleaning solution.[6]
    • Throw away the citrus peels once you’re finished straining them.
    • If you blended the fruit peels into the water, make sure you use a fine-mesh strainer so none of the peel pieces are left in the liquid.
    • Leave the enzyme cleaner in the bottle for up to 3 months for an even stronger solution.
  5. Step 5 Pour your cleaner back in the bottle to store it. 5 Pour your cleaner back in the bottle to store it. Rinse out the bottle you used to ferment the cleaner and put a funnel in the spout. Pour your homemade enzymatic cleaner back into the bottle. Seal the cap on the bottle so it’s completely airtight.
    • Exposing the mixture to oxygen causes it to lose its potency, and it won’t clean as effectively.
    • To have some cleaner easily on hand, put some in a spray bottle and keep the rest in a larger bottle near your other cleaners.
    • Your enzyme cleaner will keep indefinitely as long as you keep the bottle sealed in between uses. If you notice any black mold growth in the liquid, toss it out.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Using DIY Enzyme Cleaner

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Mix 1 part cleaner with 20 parts water for delicate jobs. 1 Mix 1 part cleaner with 20 parts water for delicate jobs. Mix your cleaner and water in a spray bottle, and shake it up until they’re combined. Try this mixture for washing cars, cleaning fruits and vegetables, mopping floors, or for other jobs around the house that don’t require a super-powered cleaner.[7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Enzyme Cleaner 2 Make an all-purpose cleaner with 1 part cleaner and 4 parts water. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle so it’s easier to apply.[8] Spray the surface that you’re cleaning with the homemade enzyme cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it up.[9] [10]
    • Use your all-purpose cleaner for your bathrooms, carpets, kitchens, minor stains, and anything else you need to clean around your home.
    • For an even stronger cleaner, try mixing the enzyme solution with vinegar instead.
  3. Step 3 Use the cleaner undiluted for the toughest jobs. 3 Use the cleaner undiluted for the toughest jobs. For cleaning pet urine, stubborn stains, caked-on grime, and built-up dirt, apply the homemade enzyme cleaner directly to the affected surface. Let the cleaner sit for a couple minutes, and then wipe the area with a damp sponge or cloth.[11] [12]
    • Enzyme cleaners are great for cutting grease around your kitchen and garage.
    • Try undiluted cleaner for removing scale and lime buildup on things like dishwashers, kettles, shower heads, and other appliances.
  4. Step 4 Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of cleaner to your laundry to fight set-in stains. 4 Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of cleaner to your laundry to fight set-in stains. Add the enzyme cleaner to your load of laundry along with your regular detergent. Set and run your washing machine to the normal cycle and let it run for added power at breaking apart dirt and stains.[13]
    • Homemade enzyme cleaner also works as a fabric softener.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can I put this in a spray bottle and use it to spray in a nursing home? Community Answer Community Answer You must use only FDA-approved products purchased only through the nursing home's suppliers (who are licensed and bonded). This is a legal issue. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 33
  • Question Can I shorten the time to make the cleaner by using a slow cooker? Community Answer Community Answer No, I would not recommend trying to alter the methods shown here. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 27
  • Question Do you need to add orange peels if you plan to just use it in your homemade laundry detergent? The goal is to be unscented. Alkemi Clean Greensboro Alkemi Clean Greensboro Community Answer Without the d-limonene found in the citrus, your mixture's cleaning ability is likely to be reduced. You can always try it and see if it works for you. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 22
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (100 g) of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) of yeast
  • 4¼ cups (1 L) of lukewarm water
  • 2 cups (300 g) of fresh citrus peel

Things You'll Need

  • Vegetable brush
  • Knife
  • Funnel
  • Pop bottle
  • Strainer
  • Airtight bottle or jar
  • Spray bottle

You Might Also Like

Remove Urine Odors and Stains PermanentlyHow to Remove Fresh & Set-in Urine Odors & Stains Using DIY Cleaners Make a Natural DegreaserHow toMake a Natural Degreaser Get Dog Urine Smell out of Carpets4 Ways to Remove Dog Pee Stains & Smells from Carpet Make Citrus SprayHow to Make Citrus Spray Clean Cat UrineHow toClean Cat Urine Get Rid of Urine SmellHow toGet Rid of Urine Smell Clean Human Urine from CarpetHow to Clean Urine Stains & Odors from Carpet Make a Carpet Cleaning SolutionHow toMake a Carpet Cleaning Solution Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Carpet4+ Home Remedies To Remove the Smell of Cat Pee From Your Carpet How toUse Citrus Peels Around the House Neutralize Dog Urine OdorsHow toNeutralize Dog Urine Odors Get Rid of Urine Smell OutsideEasy Ways to Get Rid of a Pee Smell in Your Yard + Prevention Tips Remove Cat Urine SmellHow toRemove Cat Urine Smell Clean Pet Vomit from CarpetHow to Clean Cat and Dog Puke Out of Your Carpet Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about making an enzyme cleaner, check out our in-depth interview with Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann.

References

  1. ↑ https://knoxcommunitygardens.org.au/how-to-make-your-own-eco-enzyme/
  2. ↑ https://knoxcommunitygardens.org.au/how-to-make-your-own-eco-enzyme/
  3. ↑ https://www.givemetrees.org/blogs/how-to-make-bio-enzyme-at-home.php
  4. ↑ https://www.givemetrees.org/blogs/how-to-make-bio-enzyme-at-home.php
  5. ↑ https://www.givemetrees.org/blogs/how-to-make-bio-enzyme-at-home.php
  6. ↑ https://www.eco-steamclean.co.uk/how-to-make-your-own-citrus-enzyme-cleaner-with-leftover-fruit/
  7. ↑ https://www.eco-steamclean.co.uk/how-to-make-your-own-citrus-enzyme-cleaner-with-leftover-fruit/
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/_e2psaOWzD4?t=197
  9. ↑ https://www.eco-steamclean.co.uk/how-to-make-your-own-citrus-enzyme-cleaner-with-leftover-fruit/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. House Cleaning Professionals. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://hssaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Removing-Pet-Stains-and-Odors.pdf
  3. ↑ Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. House Cleaning Professionals. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://hssaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Removing-Pet-Stains-and-Odors.pdf

About This Article

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann Co-authored by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals This article was co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 758,555 times. 31 votes - 91% Co-authors: 13 Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 758,555 Categories: Stain Removal Article SummaryX

To easily make enzyme cleaner, cut the peel of a citrus fruit into half-inch cubes. Insert a funnel into a large bottle, like a soda bottle, and pour ½ of a cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of yeast, 4.5 cups of lukewarm water, and the cubed citrus peel into the bottle. Then, screw the cap onto the bottle and shake it vigorously until the sugar is dissolved. Place the bottle somewhere warm to ferment, and unscrew the cap daily to release built up gases. After two weeks, strain the mixture and use it as needed! For tips on properly diluting enzyme cleaner, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Spanish Italian Russian French Indonesian Dutch Arabic Vietnamese Chinese Hindi Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 758,555 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Regina Gamsby

    Regina Gamsby

    Apr 30, 2017

    "I didn't realize that you could use this in the washing machine! It took out a mildew odor from my front..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann Co-authored by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals Co-authors: 13 Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 758,555 91% of readers found this article helpful. 31 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote Regina Gamsby

Regina Gamsby

Apr 30, 2017

"I didn't realize that you could use this in the washing machine! It took out a mildew odor from my front..." more Rated this article: Ramona Pierce

Ramona Pierce

Jun 9, 2019

"My indoor cat Topaz suddenly started going outside her litter box, onto our laundry room floor. I tried several..." more Vanessa Galea

Vanessa Galea

Mar 30, 2017

"Have a pet puppy Shih Tzu who is quite obedient but still urinates inside the house, spotting on walls and certain..." more Rated this article: Shelley S.

Shelley S.

Jan 16, 2025

"I absolutely love enzymes! Most of the world doesn't know about enzymatic cleaners; they're safe and more..." more Rated this article: Kate Peterson

Kate Peterson

May 20, 2017

"It's great that the ingredients are found in any home, that it is natural so the environment will not be..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Dirty Soda Am I QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlayDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove Urine Odors and Stains PermanentlyHow to Remove Fresh & Set-in Urine Odors & Stains Using DIY CleanersMake a Natural DegreaserHow toMake a Natural DegreaserGet Dog Urine Smell out of Carpets4 Ways to Remove Dog Pee Stains & Smells from CarpetMake Citrus SprayHow to Make Citrus Spray

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereHow Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Best Personality TestBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizCompatibility TestCompatibility Test10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

What Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksKiss PassionatelyHow toKiss PassionatelyWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Which Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family TestToxic Family TestDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Daily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧

Quizzes & Games

What Perfume Note Am I QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizTemperament Test: What Is My True Personality?Temperament Test: What Is My True Personality?Take QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizRandom Recipe GeneratorRandom Recipe GeneratorGenerateWhat Is My Color Aura QuizWhat Is My Color Aura QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Housekeeping
  • Stain Removal
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --718

Tag » What Is An Enzymatic Cleaner