I was cleaning out our cupboard under the sink last week, and it really shocked me how many chemical cleaners we have. Last summer I started cleaning with vinegar and essential oils, and was amazed by how well it worked. When I was cleaning out the cupboard, I even found some old cleaning supplies from the previous tenants (bleach, old air freshener, ect). I threw those out immediately, along with several of the products we had. My goal is to have all chemical cleaning products out of the house by June. I say June because I still have a few that I want to use up, but they should be gone by then. Most people would wonder why I don't just throw them out now, but I hate wasting, and technically the ones I have are supposed to be "green" products so I don't feel as guilty using them.
I was browsing through some stories on Snapchat a couple days ago and saw this recipe from one of my favorite Instagrammers/Snapchatters, Oldjoy (Kristen Mittler). It seemed SO easy, so I bought the ingredients at our local grocery store for around $5 and decided to give it a try.
All of the ingredients I used are pictured above:
- Grapefruit peelings
- White vinegar
- Glass jar
- A couple drops of tea tree oil (Optional and I didn't use it)
- Essential oils (also optional and also not used this time)
For the glass jar I decided to use my measuring cup since it comes with a lid and I didn't have any jars with covers here.
So, this was the easiest thing I've ever made. I peeled the grapefruit (make sure to ONLY use the peel with no fruit attached), placed it in the measuring cup, and covered with vinegar. Then I put the cover on, and set it aside (leave it for 1-2 weeks).
According to Kristen she leaves it in a sunny spot for 2 weeks, but when I researched it online it said a cool dark place for 1-2 weeks, so I improvised and left it on our dining room table. After 1 week you can check it and see if its ready to use. It should smell like grapefruit, and I assume the longer you leave it the stronger the smell gets. Once its ready, just strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. I buy mine at the dollar store and they work great.
If you want, you can add grapefruit essential oil to make the smell stronger. The tea tree oil is optional, but can add extra antibacterial properties to your cleaner.
I've read online that other citrus peels work as well, such as oranges or lemons, but I haven't tried those personally.
I'll post an update in a week once my cleaner is ready and let you all know how I like it :)
If any of you decide to try making this, post in the comments below and tell me if you like it, or tell me all about it on my Facebook page.
Dedreanna
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