At the center of any naturally cleaned home is someone who is very enthusiastic about the use of cleaning vinegars and baking soda. Is there anything that duo can’t do?
It may be shortly after the new year as I’m writing this, but my mind and my heart are already looking ahead to spring cleaning. In fact, I want to start that process early this year so that when the nice weather arrives I can enjoy it. Who’s idea was it to spend springtime cleaning anyway?
I finally remembered ahead of time and during citrus season that “oh yea, I want to make my own cleaning vinegars.” Typically, by the time I remember, I’m standing with an empty store-bought cleaner bottle in hand. This is not ideal, as making your own citrus and herb cleaning vinegars take a little bit of time to infuse. We’re talking for a couple of weeks.
DIY vinegars are a safe way to clean
If you’re looking to green up the products in your life, look no further than using the cleaning powerhouse that is vinegar. You likely have some on hand already.
Look, I’m not one to judge you for your choice of cleaning products. There’s a lot of brands out there these days that care about the safety of their cleaning products. Here’s a list of some natural cleaning products from thegoodtrade.com.
I tend to look for natural products myself at the store. But I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get any more natural than taking fruit peels and herbs soaked in vinegar. It’s highly cost-effective and eco-friendly!
For instance, I just used some repurposed spaghetti sauce jars to infuse the cleaning vinegars. The glass amber bottle it ultimately wound up in is also repurposed and I saved the spray bottle from another cleaning spray.
Rosemary and lemon 
Washed out some spaghetti sauce jars for this. Their wider mouths make it easier to fit the ingredients into. 
The citrus peels are where are the essential oil goodness is.
How to make citrus and herb cleaning vinegars
Here’s what you need:
- Citrus peels
- Herbs
- Distilled white vinegar
- Jars with lids
- Bottle and spray nozzle
- Strainer
To infuse the citrus with the vinegar, peel your citrus and combine peels and herbs in jar. Fill the jar with white distilled vinegar and seal with lid. Keep in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.
When you’re ready to use your cleaner, strain the peels and herbs out of the vinegar. Put in your spray bottle and get to cleanin!
I chose to go with two combos for my first batch: mint and grapefruit and lemon and rosemary.
Have you tried making your own cleaning vinegar before? If so, what scent combination did you try?
