14. March 2014

Green Cleaning - Citrus Infused Cleaner

Cleaning sprays contain loads of chemicals and toxins that contaminate the air of your home for you and your family. Detoxify your home by switching to natural cleaners like citrus infused vinegar.

Vinegar is effective in eliminating bacteria, mold, and germs because of it’s acidity. It works GREAT, is super cheap, AND is non toxic which is a win for the environment PLUS it’s safe to use around kids & pets.

A lot of people like the idea of using vinegar as a natural cleaner but can't tolerate the "coloring Easter eggs" smell. I love to infused vinegar so that I get the cleansing properties but not the strong smell. This is my favorite cleaning solution - Citrus Infused Vinegar. You won't find this "specialty" Citrus vinegar at your local Walmart store.

To make your own Citrus Infused cleaner:

Save citrus rinds from lemons, grapefruit, limes, etc. (No "fruit" or white stringy (pith) parts are helpful, just the peel is needed) and store them in a quart sized mason jar in the freezer. When the jar is full of citrus rinds, fill the jar to the top with white vinegar. Cover with the lid (if using a metal lid, please place a pieces of plastic wrap between the jar & the lid or the lid with rust and corrode from the prolonged contact with the vinegar.)

Place jar in a sunny place like your kitchen windowsill for about 4 weeks or until the citrus peels lose their color. The vinegar will resemble the color of strong lemonade (or…well, other things) and will smell citrusy when opened.

Remove and compost the citrus peels and pour citrus infused vinegar into a clearly labeled jar. (Or this "suspect concoction" might be discarded by your husband who might think it's something besides Citrus Vinegar...just sayin').

Add to your bucket/refillable mop as you would traditional floor cleaner and dilute with warm water. Add 2-3 drops of doTERRA's lemon essential oil or Citrus Bliss essential oil blend for an added bonus of a cleaning booster plus a refreshing, natural scent that will cleanse your home.

A few years ago, I purchased the Rubbermaid Reveal Mop from Sam's Club. Mainly, I purchased it because I loved my Swiffer Wet Jet but DID NOT love the refill price! The cleaning solution + the Swiffer refills adds up quickly! The 2nd reason came much later when we started using organic/natural stuff to clean with. The Rubbermaid Reveal mop was a perfect fit because you can fill the cleaner reservoir with your choice of cleaner AND the mop cloth is washable and reusable. I purchased an extra mop cloth too so one can be in the laundry without leaving me mop-less.

To learn more about detoxifying your home and "green cleaning", join us for Clean Green and Medicine Cabinet Makeover!