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.
