I am always looking for ways to get more mileage out of the things I buy. I really don’t like to
waste anything or buy too much stuff.
A
while ago I investigated ways to use citrus peels – beyond composting
them. In doing so I came across infused vinegar. I was intrigued. I have since made infused vinegar several
times with oranges, lemons and grapefruit.
I am addicted!
Why would I want
infused vinegar? Do I cook with it? Maybe you could, but I use mine for my
homemade cleaners. The vinegar extracts the essential oils from the citrus peels, mellowing the smell of the vinegar and adding a boost of cleaning power to the vinegar.
I love that I can get extra use out of
something before it gets composted. If
you are just getting started making your own cleaners, this is a great, cheap way
to start without investing in essential oils.
I substitute one of these infused vinegars for the vinegar
in any of the homemade cleaner recipes, then skip the essential oils.
What You Need
Citrus peels – orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, or a
combination
Glass jar with lid – reuse an old spaghetti sauce jar
White distilled vinegar
The Method
Save your citrus peels – I save mine in the
freezer until I have enough to fill the glass jar.
Fill
the jar with your peels, really stuff them in there, the more the better. (Can you tell my orange peels are frozen?)
Fill
the jar with distilled vinegar. Make sure all the peels are covered by the vinegar, otherwise mold could start growing. Get the kids to help!
Let
the jar sit for 1 – 2 weeks, gently shaking every once in a while. Give it a wiff every once in a while. When you can smell more fruit than vinegar, it's done.
Strain the vinegar and keep in another jar to use.
Have you ever infused vinegar?
This post was featured at Tiny Tip Tuesday.
Great idea! I'll have to try it sometime soon - when I get enough orange peels ; )
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Janelle. Definitely give it a try. If you happen to like grapefruit, one can fill a jar!
DeleteWhat a great idea. I too hate wasting things. I am going to combine my peels. It also looks good on the counter with other things in it, such as red peppers,and various vegetables.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Mish. I bet you could infuse vinegar with all sorts of things.
DeleteVery cool! I use vinegar to clean, but my family hates the smell. This will definately help. Thanks for posting this idea!
ReplyDeletehttp://theABCkidZ.blogspot.com/
I'm with you. I don't really mind the smell, but my husband doesn't. This is a great compromise. thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi! Stopping by from Green Mom Network and I am your newest follower! You can follow back at: tristascreations.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and following Trista . Am following you now too!
DeleteAren't orange peels the business! I love your images and no, I couldn't tell they were frozen:-)Take a look here for more ideas on what to do with orange peels.. http://naturalmothersnetwork.com/living-green/organic-gardening/orange-peels/
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking this up at Seasonal Celebration Sunday! Rebecca@Natural Mothers Network x
I love orange peels! And lemon, grapefruit and lime! Thanks for the additional tips for orange peels. I have tons in my freezer at the moment and plenty of scented vinegar for a while so I need something else to do with them.
DeleteMy husband eats a grapefruit every day. I'm so going to do this!
ReplyDeleteOne grapefruit is usually enough Chelsea. You will have great smelling vinegar in no time!
DeleteGREAT tip - thanks. I already clean with vinegar. Wish I had seen this post during the winter when we had more oranges.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that always the way! Now you'll be prepared for next time. Thanks for stopping by Julie.
DeleteVery cool idea - thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Lacey. I love being able to use the peels. It's especially nice when you are just starting out making your own cleaners and might not want to invest in essential oils yet.
DeleteGreat post and a great idea, I have added your link to the Apothecary on Eco-Crap: http://ecocrap.wordpress.com/apothecary/
ReplyDeleteAV
Thanks Argentum. I recently joined twitter and just started following you.
DeleteGreat, that way we can lead each other astray... LOL
DeleteAV
;)
DeleteI just wanted to stop by and say Thank you for linking up to "Home is Where the Heart is" Our link party is a great one because of you! We'd love to have you link up this week too! The party is open now! http://www.homesteadsimple.com/home-is-where-the-heart-is-link-it-up-wednesdays-4/
ReplyDeletePS.
You've been featured! :)
Thanks Erika! I just linked up again and grabbed the featured button.
DeleteI love this idea! Not as good as essential oils perhaps but cheaper, and perfect for what I need it for!
ReplyDeleteYes, possibly not as strong as using essential oils, but I love using the peels. Even though the vinegar smell doesn't bother me, I like using this better.
DeleteLove doing this! Like you, I'm addicted :) Thanks for sharing at Tiny Tip Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteHey Kristina,
ReplyDeleteThis post is being featured this week at Tiny Tip Tuesday!
http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2012/08/14/5-ways-to-use-whey-tinytiptues/
Have an awesome rest of the week :)
I saw that this morning! Thanks Sarah. I linked up again.
DeleteI'm doing this right now ... the jar itself almost looks decorative. And now that I think about it, I think it's been sitting for closer to 4 weeks. Hmmm ... maybe I should take the peels out already.
ReplyDeleteThat should be nice and scented by now! Actually, I have a couple of jars going at the moment too.... I think it's been 2 weeks.... Thanks for the reminder!
DeleteNaturally Amazing....I use the white vinegar already to absorb household odors daily and it really works. I'm going to try adding the peels which should leave a wonderful citrus smell in the air, who needs expensive store bought air fresheners? And....pour it into my drains to freshen them as well...ohhhhh the possibilities! LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...happy greening ;)
It is a great way to reuse those peels. I need to setup another batch soon.
DeleteI did the same thing and blogged about here. I used both orange and grapefruit peels. It smells so good. http://www.green-talk.com/2012/03/28/orange-peel-vinegar-cleaner-make-your-own-green-cleaner/
ReplyDeleteLove the grapefruit - great idea!
DeleteThis is great! citrus smell instead of vinegar smell. I know my hubby would appreciate that!
ReplyDeleteIT really does help with the smell. My husband doesn't care for the straight vinegar either- even though it dissipates pretty quickly.
DeleteLove your site and what you are doing!!!!