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Natural Citrus Solvent Products
Citrus Solvent - Natural Orange Oil - Image 2

Citrus Solvent – Natural Orange Oil

From: $41.99

An all-natural way to thin tung oil. Will evaporate as it dries. Can also be used as a concentrated cleaner.

SKU: CS Category: Tags: ,

Product Description

What Is Citrus Solvent – A Safer Paint & Oil Thinner Alternative

Our Orange Oil Citrus Solvent is a non-toxic, biodegradable solution made from 98% pure citrus peel oil and 2% water. It’s a safer, natural replacement for mineral spirits and other petroleum-based solvents, making it perfect for thinning oils, cleaning surfaces, and degreasing without the harsh fumes.

Unlike other “citrus” cleaners on the market, this food-safe citrus solvent is undiluted, high-grade orange oil, not a synthetic blend. It evaporates cleanly, won’t raise wood grain, and leaves behind a fresh citrus scent. Use it anywhere you’d normally use paint thinner or mineral spirits.

  • Recognized as Safe: Rated GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use in food-related applications. This means it meets high safety standards even for incidental exposure.
  • All-Natural Formula: Made from 98% citrus peel oil and 2% water — no synthetic additives, surfactants, or emulsifiers.
  • Safe to Breathe: Unlike mineral spirits, this citrus solvent does not harm internal organs when inhaled; it’s the same compound found naturally in orange juice.
  • Eco-Friendly Evaporation: Releases only naturally occurring citrus compounds into the air — the same as those from orange groves, with no contribution to smog or ozone depletion.
  • No Added Coloration: As clear as water, so it won’t amber or tint finishes when mixed with Pure Tung Oil.
  • Pleasant Aroma: Leaves behind a fresh, natural citrus scent; not the harsh chemical odor of conventional solvents.
  • Safe Disposal: Easily evaporates when poured on absorbent material like cardboard or cat litter, then can be disposed of with household waste (check local guidelines).
  • Recyclable Packaging: Packaged in BPA- and phthalate-free HDPE bottles that are fully recyclable.

Orange Oil Citrus Solvent is a powerful, all-natural alternative to harsh chemical solvents. It’s ideal for thinning Pure Tung Oil, degreasing, and general-purpose cleaning. All without the toxicity of mineral spirits, MEK, acetone, or xylene.

Top Everyday Uses

  • Paint Thinner Alternative: Safely thin tung oil and other finishes without introducing petroleum-based toxins.
  • Surface Prep: Gently removes wax, oil, and residue from wood, metal, and other materials before painting or finishing.
  • General Cleaning: Use around the home or workshop to clean tools, work surfaces, hardware, and more.
  • Degreaser: Cuts through grease on kitchen cabinets, engines, tools, or workbenches with a pleasant citrus scent.

Professional & Industrial Applications

  • Woodworking & Furniture Making: Ideal for prepping reclaimed wood, cleaning brushes, and thinning natural oils.
  • Automotive & Aerospace: Used as a non-toxic degreaser for engines, parts, and equipment in place of CFC-laden cleaners.
  • Tile, Tar & Asphalt Removal: Lifts adhesives, tar, and grime without the need for toxic removers.
  • Graffiti & Stain Removal: Effective on hard surfaces without damaging finishes.
  • Printing, Metalwork, and Manufacturing: Used as a cleaner, fragrance additive, or solvent carrier in specialized industrial settings.

Orange Oil Citrus Natural Solvent vs. Mineral Spirits

Odorless mineral spirits are a sub-category of mineral spirits, a widely used paint thinning substitute for turpentine. First developed for the dry cleaning industry and known as Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits have been around since the 1920s.

Mineral spirits are mild petroleum distillates with low volatility. They are typically used today for lubrication, cleaning, and degreasing. The variety of mineral spirits most commonly used in painting is type II odorless mineral spirits. With certain precautionary measures, the use of both mineral spirits and odorless mineral spirits is considered safe for cleaning applications.

Feature Citrus Natural Solvent Odorless Mineral Spirits
Origin 98% citrus peel oil, 2% water Petroleum distillate
Aroma Fresh, natural citrus scent Mild to chemical odor
Toxicity FDA-GRAS rated, safe to breathe Can cause irritation or organ damage
Environmental Impact Biodegradable, does not contribute to smog Releases VOCs and toxic pollutants
Disposal Easy, household-safe with local waste Requires regulated disposal methods
Ingredients No additives, surfactants, or emulsions May contain harmful additives
Performance Strong cleaner and oil thinner Strong cleaner and oil thinner

Food-safe citrus solvent is the cleaner choice — for your home, your health, and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Citrus Solvent is made from orange peel oil, a natural by-product of the orange juice industry. Mineral spirits are petroleum-based and chemically processed. It’s biodegradable, safer to use, and doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion like many traditional solvents do.

Yes, Citrus Solvent functions similarly to paint thinner. It evaporates a little more slowly but performs just as effectively. Unlike traditional thinners, it has a pleasant citrus scent and is significantly less harmful when inhaled.

Citrus Solvent is plant-based, has a natural orange aroma, and contains no harmful additives. It’s safer for prolonged use and has lower toxicity compared to some low-grade odorless mineral spirits. However, long-term exposure to any solvent should still be avoided.

Absolutely. Citrus Solvent is an excellent degreaser and often performs better than mineral spirits for cutting through grease, wax, and grime. It’s suitable for both household and industrial cleaning tasks.

Yes, it’s generally safe for use on antique finishes and is especially good for de-waxing. However, we recommend testing first, as some delicate water-based finishes may react differently.

Gloves are a good idea if you have sensitive skin, as Citrus Solvent can cause dryness. For large projects, use in a well-ventilated area. Masks are typically not needed unless you’re sensitive to scents or using other stronger solvents.

Yes, you can substitute Citrus Solvent in the same ratio as paint thinner or mineral spirits. It works just as effectively with oils and finishes in equivalent amounts.

Citrus Solvent evaporates slightly slower than paint thinner or mineral spirits. However, it still dries completely and leaves no residue behind, making it an effective alternative for most applications.

We recommend good ventilation whenever using any solvent. While Citrus Solvent is safer and more pleasant-smelling than mineral spirits, proper airflow ensures a more comfortable working environment.

Citrus Solvent should be stored with the same care as mineral spirits — in a cool, dry place away from open flames. Although safer to use, it’s still a combustible liquid and should be handled responsibly.

While Citrus Solvent is natural and low in toxicity, we recommend that individuals with sensitivities or compromised immune systems test it first. Everyone reacts differently, and personal responsibility in evaluating product safety is important.

Ingredients & SDS

Technical Specifications

 

Property Details
Product Name Orange Oil Citrus Natural Solvent
Main Ingredient 98% Citrus Peel Oil
Secondary Ingredient 2% Water (emulsified, does not raise wood grain)
Aroma Fresh, natural citrus scent
Appearance Clear liquid (not dyed orange)
Solubility Not water-soluble
KB Value 67 (similar solubility properties to CFCs)
Boiling Point ~171°C / 340°F
Evaporation Rate Moderate (evaporates fully, leaves no oily residue)
Flash Point ~47°C / 116°F (combustible — ships via ground only)
Biodegradable Yes
VOC Compliance Low-VOC; does not contribute to smog or ozone depletion
Toxicity Rated FDA-GRAS
Packaging BPA- and Phthalate-Free HDPE bottles (fully recyclable)
Available Sizes 16 oz, 32 oz, 1 Gallon (128 oz)
Recommended Uses Paint thinning, tung oil blending, degreasing, surface prep, general cleaning
Industries Used In Woodworking, furniture making, automotive, aerospace, printing, and manufacturing
Disposal Guidance Pour onto absorbent material (e.g., cardboard or cat litter); dispose of with household waste per local regulations
Shelf Life Minimum 2 years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Citrus Solvent’s interesting chemical properties, pleasant citrus aroma, and FDA-GRAS rating (Generally Recognized As Safe) have earned the product phenomenal acceptance in many diverse chemical applications.

Citrus Solvent Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Download the Citrus Solvent Safety Data Sheet

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