Vinegar is useful for so many things. I have recipes for everything from floor cleaner, to side dishes and facial toner that call for vinegar. And while vinegar is a useful little bugger, it doesn’t quite smell the best. The smell dissipates mostly when it dries, but it can sting your nose.

Citrus infused vinegar

So, what’s the solution? Make your own infused vinegars! These not only improve the smell, but help boost the cleaning power. Oddly enough, this is great for vinegar you plan to use in a salad dressing too.  Loading a vinegar with medicinal herbs is also a great way to make remedies for colds, flu and the like, but I’ll save that idea for later.

Recently I’ve been saving my citrus peels to put in vinegar. Lemon, grapefruit and orange peels all work well. It’s really easy to make a citrus infused vinegar, and it’s a cheap way to make your own cleaner.

Tips from a (former) pro housekeeper

This can be used on sinks and toilets in the bathroom. Combine it with some natural soap and you have the perfect tub and shower cleaner! Deodorize and disinfect your kitchen countertops with it, or put a generous splash in the mop water for tile floors. My husband is a pro tile setter, and he always uses vinegar to safely and quickly remove gunk and residue on tile.

I used to clean private and public buildings as a professional housekeeper/janitor. With over 12 years in the business, I’ve cleaned everything from 120 year old church pews, to college bathrooms, to sticky gym floors and antique vases. I like to keep things simple though, which is why vinegar was my number one go to for many cases.

Citrus infused vinegar

• a quart size glass mason jar and lid
• citrus peels (fresh or get dried here)
• vinegar- white or apple cider

1. Fill the jar full of the fresh citrus peels. Fill half full if using dried peels.
2. Pour vinegar over the peels until the jar is full. Be sure the vinegar completely covers the peels or they may start to grow mold!
3. Place the jar in a cool cupboard/shelf for 2-4 weeks. The longer it sits the stronger it will smell of citrus. Give it a good shake every day or so to move things along.
4. Strain the vinegar and store in a jar or bottle and discard the peels. 

Cleaning with your citrus vinegar

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