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I'm in spring cleaning mode already, and I'm assuming many of you are, as well. I've received lots of messages and questions about "cleaning" lately, so I thought I better start sharing some more ideas with you all before you go on strike and abandon my little 'ole blog. It seems as if today, everyone is trying to make better choices - eating healthier, exercising more often and using "natural" cleaning products. Now while it is still only January and some of you may "fall off the wagon," I'm here to tell you, "It's okay."
I say, start small. There's so much all of us want to accomplish in the new year. If natural cleaning is on your list, I'm going to try and help out a bit. I will be VERY open and honest with you all. About 20% of the cleaning solutions I use here in our house are natural. There are just some rooms and some messes I don't rely on natural cleaning products for. I may eventually bring that ratio up to a 50/50 mix of natural and manufactured, but I'm still experimenting. When I find something that works, I go with it and don't worry. . .I'll share it with you, too.
So many of the natural cleaning product "recipes" you find use vinegar. Am I right? And so many households out there have at least one family member who CAN'T STAND the smell of vinegar? Am I right? That's why today I'm going to show you how to make Lemon Lime Vinegar. I'm basically "infusing" the vinegar with citrus to give it a nicer scent so you don't have a bunch of frowny faces around the house every time you clean. Better yet, you can turn this vinegar into a wonderful cleaner best suited for the kitchen where you need to clean up greasy, grimy messes.
Here's what you're going to need to get started:
Ingredients and Materials
- Glass mason jar
- Peels from 5-6 lemons
- Peels from 3-4 limes
- 10-15 drops lemon essential oil
- Vinegar
So, first things first. Peel your lemons and limes. and throw the peels into your mason jar. Don't worry if there's some pulp left behind on the peels. It's okay. Really. It's okay. 🙂
Fill the mason jar with vinegar, add the drops of essential oil and screw the lid on tight.
This is the hardest part. You have to wait. How long? Two weeks. Yep, I know. It seems like a long time, but it's worth it. If you can cucumbers in the summer, you know what I'm talking about. Great pickles don't just happen overnight. No, they don't.
After the two weeks is up, you're ready to make a cleaning solution out of your vinegar. I always like to strain the vinegar into another mason jar. That gets rid of any little pulp pieces or little seeds that may have ended up in the jar. After straining, mix ½ of the lemon lime vinegar and ½ water in a spray bottle. . .and go to town on those dirty kitchen messes you make while preparing dinner.
You can also use this vinegar to make your own Lemon Lime Dusting Spray. I LOVE this stuff - and you will too. Happy cleaning!!
Lemon Lime Vinegar
Materials
- Glass mason jar
- 5 - 6 Lemons
- 3 - 4 Limes
- 10 - 15 drops Lemon essential oil
- Vinegar
Instructions
- Peel your lemons and limes. and throw the peels into your mason jar.
- Fill the mason jar with vinegar, add the drops of essential oil and screw the lid on tight.
- This is the hardest part. You have to wait. How long? Two weeks. Yep, I know. It seems like a long time, but it's worth it.
- After the two weeks is up, you're ready to make a cleaning solution out of your vinegar. I always like to strain the vinegar into another mason jar.
- After straining, mix ½ of the lemon lime vinegar and ½ water in a spray bottle.
Notes
- Patience is Key: The longer you let the lemon and lime peels infuse with the vinegar, the more flavorful and potent your lemon lime vinegar will be. Wait for a full two weeks for optimal results, even though it might seem like a long time.
- Strain for Clarity: To ensure a clear and smooth cleaning solution, strain the infused vinegar before using it. This step removes any solid particles and gives you a pristine liquid for your homemade cleaner.
- Perfect Proportions: Achieve the ideal balance of potency and effectiveness by diluting your lemon lime vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a versatile and efficient cleaning solution. Adjust the ratio to suit your preferences if needed, but starting with equal parts is a good rule of thumb.
JayJay
Hi Sara,
Can I use this mixture for my greasy stove top after frying chicken...please help!
Thanks
Sara
Yes you can! Make sure to let it sit 5-10 minutes before wiping up!
Ana
Hi! Great diy! What do you think about using this Lemon-Lime Vinegar to clean butcher block countertops?
Sara
YES! Absolutely! Vinegar is great for butcher block countertops. In fact, if you have any stains, this vinegar and a bit of salt could rub those right on out!
Ana
Thank you so much for such a quick reply!
Alicia Dixon
That recipe is awesome! I have made a similar recipe but I used only the citrus peels. This recipe is better I think! By the way, my experience shows that the smell of vinegar doesn't rest for long time. So you can always mix it with essential oils and other ingredients. I use vinegar for cleaning my kitchen appliances and almost every part of my house. Thank you for sharing! Greets!