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This is such a simple thing, but I’m so excited by it!
Off and on, we’ve been using vinegar as part of our home cleaning. If you’re not familiar with the idea, vinegar can be used for dozens of household needs.
All while keeping away harmful toxins of commercial cleaners from your home environment!
In our efforts to reverse asthma symptoms in our son (which we did accomplish), I had changed up all of our cleaning products. Vinegar was one of several items I found ways to use.
But, the smell isn’t that great, even if it doesn’t linger long. I’m so glad to try another option that cuts back on the scent.
This recipe makes a concentrate which can then be diluted to use for cleaning countertops, windows, sinks, etc. Just about wherever you’d use a general cleaner. Simple & frugal!
DIY All-Purpose Citrus Vinegar Cleaner
- distilled white vinegar
- citrus peels of 4-5 fruits – lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges
- lemon or grapefruit essential oil (optional, but great addition!)
1. Using a 1 quart glass jar, place the peels of the citrus fruits into the jar.
2. Pour white vinegar over the peels until jar is full, but not overflowing.
3. Cover tightly and let sit for at least 2 weeks (or up to one month), shaking every few days just to mix it all up.
4. Strain the liquid and store the concentrate in a tightly covered jar for up to 1 year.
TO USE THE CONCENTRATE:
Mix 1 part liquid concentrate with 2 parts plain water. Mix in 2-4 drops of essential oil (or a little more if you’d like). Use for general cleaning; avoid use on special surfaces such as granite (source).
:
** I made my 1 quart jar of concentrate using 2 oranges and 1 grapefruit peel; I will use more fruit next time! I also added in 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil as well as grapefruit. Tea tree is antibacterial and antifungal.**
I like to use wide-mouth mason jars along with storage caps to fit, but I think this handy-dandy strainer lid would make the whole job simple!
:
Others Ways to Use Vinegar in Cleaning
- make your own furniture polish
- save money on fabric softener
- homemade oven cleaner
- all-purpose lemon lavender cleaner
- homemade glass cleaner
Sometimes, it’s all about the simple things…
Great post! I found it on Pinterest. 🙂 I plan to do this soon…. Citrus also shouldn’t be used on unsealed tile as it will create pits in it. I found this out the hard way in our military housing in Italy. 🙁
Thanks for the link love, sistah! 🙂
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found this on Pinterest too, but love the idea of adding tea tree essential oil, and I think I’ll add some lavendar as well. I’ve got a jar ready to go and think my sinks need cleaned up today!
I made some of this several months ago, and stored it in a pasta sauce jar. I wanted to use it one day, and the lid had rusted completely through! I am making a new batch right now, but this time I will store it in a plastic bottle.
[…] cleaning products – we make some of our own cleaners, but anything else, I make sure to buy […]
Thanks! I’ve made mine a month ago. I just filtered the peels and have poured my citrus vinegar to a new glass bottle. Smells great and makes a great cleaner for toilet as well as kitchen top – I dilute with 2 parts water 🙂
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[…] DIY Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner – Are you looking for a non-toxic solution to cleaning up household messes? You can make this effective and great smelling cleaning fluid at home from two really simple kitchen cupboard ingredients…citrus and vinegar. […]
[…] DIY Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner – Are you looking for a non-toxic solution to cleaning up household messes? You can make this effective and great smelling cleaning fluid at home from two really simple kitchen cupboard ingredients…citrus and vinegar. […]
[…] Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner by Domestic Serenity […]
Thank you for noting that it shouldn’t be used on granite. I appreciate your thorough research!!
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[…] DIY Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner – Are you looking for a non-toxic solution to cleaning up household messes? You can make this effective and great smelling cleaning fluid at home from two really simple kitchen cupboard ingredients…citrus and vinegar. […]
[…] DIY Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner – Are you looking for a non-toxic solution to cleaning up household messes? You can make this effective and great smelling cleaning fluid at home from two really simple kitchen cupboard ingredients…citrus and vinegar. […]