Do you love the cleaning power of vinegar but not the strong smell? You’re not alone! Luckily, there’s an easy (and waste-free) way to make your own scented cleaning vinegar using citrus peels and other natural ingredients.
Since it’s citrus season, I went with oranges, but you can experiment with lemons, limes, or even a mix of citrus peels. This method is simple, effective, and a great way to repurpose food scraps before composting them.
How to Make DIY Scented Cleaning Vinegar
What You’ll Need:
- Citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc.)
- A glass jar with a lid
- Cleaning vinegar
- A strainer
- A spray bottle
Instructions:
- Save Your Peels: Eat your oranges, tangerines, or other citrus fruits, and keep the peels. Store them in a jar until you have enough to fill it.
- Add Vinegar: Bring your jar to the shop and fill it with cleaning vinegar, covering the peels completely.
- Let It Sit: Mark the jar with the date and let it sit for a couple of weeks. Don't worry if the peels turn a funny color. I had some blood oranges in mine so it made the vinegar a nice red color!
- Strain & Store: When it's ready (I sniffed it until the scent was more orange than vinegar), strain out the peels over another container. Compost the peels afterward!
- Transfer to a Spray Bottle: For a smoother pour, use a tea strainer or fine mesh sieve when transferring the vinegar into a spray bottle. Dilute with water as needed, and enjoy cleaning with vinegar again!
Scent Variations to Try
- Lemon + Lavender – A fresh, calming scent perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Grapefruit + Rosemary – A bright and herbal combination that smells amazing.
- Orange + Clove – A warm, cozy scent great for winter months.
Pro tip – avoid things like turmeric that can stain what you are spraying. Save that for delicious food instead!
Once you’ve infused and used the vinegar, compost the peels to get the most out of your food scraps before they return to the earth.
Happy cleaning!
