Who knew? How to...Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Oohhh doggy! Have we got the spring thing going on over here. Big, fat fuzzy buds on the trees are teasing us. The birds are chirping in pleasant chorus. April showers are pattering down. 

And I am hell bent on getting this house of mine crisp and clean. And organized. And thinned out of unnecessary crap stuff.

Do you feel the same way?

Knowing that this need for clean overwhelms me often and would especially hit me once the weather warmed, I started some jars of homemade All-Purpose cleaner before we skipped out of town for spring break. 

It's inexpensive, works great and smells....clean with a slight vinegar finish.

To make this cleaner I use distilled white vinegar, citrus fruit peels and herbs and/or spices and mason jars. For this batch I used some clementine peels and rosemary, clementine peels and cinnamon sticks, and finally just clementine peels alone. You could use lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange peels, if you like, and whatever herb or spice tickles your nose. Or, no additions at all.

Simply place peels and additions into a glass jar about half way up. Cover with vinegar and seal with a tight fitting lid. Shake it up, just a bit, and set in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks.

When you're ready to get cleaning, simply strain your cleaner with a fine mesh sieve into a spray bottle and get to it! (Discard your used peels and additions) 

I have safely used this cleaner on kitchen (granite) counter tops, kitchen cabinets, spot cleaning on the hardwood floor, bathroom counter tops, tubs, sinks, toilets and showers. If you are unsure about any particular surface you might want to clean with this homemade cleaner, try a small spot test to be sure it's right for you.

Hope your spring cleaning is....uhmm....fun and awesome. And quick!

Cares