Although Vinegar has been said to be one of the best natural cleaners out there we have learned through our personal experience as well as some research that it isn't so much best at cleaning but disinfecting.
It is best used as a disinfectant after a surface has already been cleaned with soap and water. Vinegar is an acid and is most efficient when not diluted and used in areas to cut grease like range hoods, bathroom mold, and mildew, descaling coffee pots and as a replacement for jet dry as a rinse aid in the dishwasher.
These recipes are ways to enhance your experience cleaning with vinegar while keeping the full concentration to better cut through grease and grime but it should be noted that according to the CDC although vinegar has disinfecting properties they likely are not strong enough to kill Covid 19.
But with grocery stores being stripped and chemical cleaners and bleach still so hard to come by something is certainly better than nothing.
Vinegar is a great natural product that is inexpensive and can be used in several different ways, but let's be honest it smells less than wonderful.
It is simple to take plain white distilled vinegar and turn it into scented cleaning vinegars that make this cleaner more powerful as well as more aromatic. This tutorial will show you how to make scented cleaning vinegars with easy step by step instructions as well as show you the added benefits of adding fruit and herbs can do!
Adding fruit peels and herbs to distilled white vinegar lend to a much more pleasant scent, and it can turn the vinegar into a natural degreaser, disinfectant, antibacterial cleaner with the natural oils from Mother Nature's backyard.
We have included three variations all with their own incentives. In consideration of the current situation, we have provided a very simple step by step guide using things you may already have on hand. There are optional ingredients that you can add but these are not necessary.
What You Will Need
- White distilled Vinegar
- Fresh Rosemary 4-8 large sprigs
- Peels from 2 oranges
- peels from 2 lemons
- Vodka - optional
- Essential oils (20 - 35 drops per quart) - optional peppermint, rosemary, lemon, or orange
* If you don't have any of the fresh ingredients on hand you can substitute 20 -35 drops of essential oils for each of the scents.
Instructions
Step 1 - Add fruit peels or herb sprigs to a quart-sized Mason Jar or large sealable glass container. You can use a muddle or back of a wooden spoon to crush the herbs and release the oils.
Step 2 - Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled white vinegar. Making sure that herbs and citrus are fully immersed. If choosing to do the option with Vodka pour one part Vodka to one part Vinegar.
Step 3 - Allow the sealed jar to rest for at least 14 days at room temperature for the best results.
Step 4 - Strain the cleaner to remove the herbs and citrus bits. Use a funnel to pour the scented vinegar into a clean spray bottle (I prefer a glass bottle).
Step 5 - Use or cleaner throughout your home. This cleaner is concentrated so the solution can be diluted with one part water to one part cleaner to stretch it further. we recommend using full strength.
It can be used on your dirty surfaces, glass or stainless steel or after cleaning with soap and water to disinfect.
* Store cleaner in the fridge for long term use.
Lemon Scented Vinegar is a fabulous disinfectant that is great for bathrooms. To make lemon-scented vinegar, you will need one cup of lemon peels (approximately 2 lemons).
Orange-Scented Vinegar is great for cutting through grease and removing tough stains from surfaces. To make your orange scented vinegar, you will need a cup of orange peels (approximately 2 oranges).
Rosemary Scented Vinegar is an amazing antibacterial cleaner that works great in many areas of your home. To make rosemary-scented vinegar, you will need 4-8 sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Note: We do not recommend using vinegar-based cleaners on granite, marble or stone full strength on wood.
