A Simple Solution to Tackle Stinky Vinegar Smells: Make Scented Cleaning Vinegar at Home!
Avoiding the sharp, pungent smell of vinegar while maintaining a natural home cleaning routine, I opted for this one 'brilliant' kitchen item instead.
Nobody can deny the powerful cleaning capabilities of vinegar, but its overpowering stench is a problem for many. Luckily, the internet, particularly Reddit, has come to the rescue, offering a clever solution to this predicament. Say goodbye to the harsh vinegar odor by making your own pleasantly scented cleaning vinegar using citrus fruits and peels! Here's the lowdown on how to create your own homemade scented cleaning vinegar.
Crafting Your Own Refreshing Scented Vinegar for Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're tired of the pungent aroma that vinegar emits, don't fret—with a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can transform your vinegar into a fragrant, mood-lifting cleaner. Check out the instructions below to prepare your own scented cleaning vinegar:
Ingredients and Tools:
- Fresh citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits, limes, or tangerines)
- White vinegar
- A clean, dry glass jar with a lid
- Optional: essential oils for additional fragrance
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Peel Your Citrus:
- Wash your fruits thoroughly to eliminate dirt and wax residue.
- Peel your citrus, making sure to include the colorful outer layer, but avoid including too much of the white pith.
- Cut the peel into smaller pieces to allow the oils to permeate better.
- Combine Citrus Peels and Vinegar:
- Place the citrus peel pieces in a glass jar.
- Pour white vinegar over the peels, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Cover the jar with a lid.
- Allow the Mixture to Steep:
- Tuck the jar away in a dark cupboard or pantry.
- Let the mixture steep for at least a week; some recipes recommend waiting up to three weeks for the strongest scent[2][5].
- Strain and Use:
- Once the steeping period is over, strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a separate container.
- Toss out the used citrus peels.
- For a cleaning solution, combine the scented vinegar with water (a 1:4 ratio is common[5]).
- Enhance the Scent (Optional):
- If you prefer a stronger fragrance, add a few drops of your favorite citrus essential oils to your cleaning solution.
Tips and Tricks:
- Keep your homemade scented vinegar in a sealed container to maintain the aroma.
- Use this scent-infused solution for cleaning various surfaces, such as countertops, mirrors, and floors.
- The citrus oil in the vinegar will also aid in cutting through grease during the cleaning process[3].
Transform your home-and-garden routine by making scented cleaning vinegar at home to combat the bitter vinegar odor. With a lifestyle-friendly approach that utilizes citrus fruits, this pleasant-smelling cleaner can be used to freshen up various surfaces around your home.
