DIY Natural Orange Peel & Vinegar Cleaner
Making your own orange peels and vinegar cleaner is a great way to save more and waste less! Plus, it's eco-friendly & gentle.
Yield: 2 16 oz bottles
Materials
- 4 cups citrus peels
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 3 sprigs sage
- 3 sprigs mint
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 16 oz distilled white vinegar
- 16 oz distilled water
Instructions
- Layer citrus peels into a large glass jar, along with fresh herbs and sea salt.
- Add distilled white vinegar and distilled water, making sure contents are fully submerged. Seal with lid and store in a cupboard or other cool, dark place for 2 weeks.
- Strain liquid, then pour into glass spray bottles using a funnel.
- Add 5-10 drops of essential oils per bottle. You can also add more fresh herbs, botanicals, or spices at this time. (optional)
Notes
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- The orange peels I used this time still had a lot of flesh on them because I had been juicing the oranges for a recipe. You can do what I did or just peel the oranges like normal. Either way, we'll be straining it later.
- You can add some gentle dish soap (or Castile soap if you prefer to stick with natural ingredients) to give your orange peel and vinegar cleanser more cleaning power. Avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, as this can create potentially harmful compounds.
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- If you're not planning to make this orange peel and vinegar cleaner the same day you eat the oranges, you can put the peels in a ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to work with them.
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- Once you're done with your citrus peels, use them one final time to clean the garbage disposal! Just toss 'em in and flip the switch.
- Give it a good shake before each use.
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- Store your cleaner in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
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- Because this spray is not made with preservatives, it will eventually expire. Discard and make a new batch if you notice changes to the color, consistency, or odor.