A clean, de-cluttered home free of chemicals and toxins creates a much-needed sanctuary for the mind, body and soul. One way to have a toxin-free environment is to make a homemade cleaner using 100% natural ingredients. It’s safe and effective and wipes away dirt and grim leaving nothing behind nothing except a clean surface and fresh fragrance.
Orange Rosemary Natural Spray Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
• Orange or lemon peels
• A few rosemary sprigs OR ½ cup of dried lavender
• Distilled white vinegar
* Pure water
• Quart size mason jar
• Spray bottle
HOW TO
1. Fill a quart-size mason jar ¾ full with orange or lemon peels (use as little white pith as possible as it will cause the solution to become sticky)
2. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary OR ½ cup of dried lavender
3. Cover the peels, herbs or flowers with distilled white vinegar
4. Seal the jar with an airtight lid (if it is metal, cover the opening with a piece of parchment paper first as vinegar is corrosive)
5. Put the jar aside in a cool, dark place for 2 + weeks, shaking the contents every few days
6. Strain: Pour the infused vinegar through a strainer. Do not press on the peels or the liquid will become cloudy. Let it drain naturally. Compost the peels and herbs
7. To make an all-purpose cleaner mix equal parts of the infused vinegar solution with water and put in a spray bottle. It will last for several weeks. (For longer shelf-life store in the fridge)
TIPS
* For a stronger fragrance add a few drops of orange, lemon, rosemary, or lavender essential oil to the infused solution
* Best used on glass, tile, ceramic or stainless steel surfaces. Avoid using on granite countertops or wood surfaces due to the acidity
