When I was first married, my grandma told me how to clean with vinegar. I thought it must be an old-wives tale. I didn’t trust her until recently. I once heard, “using harsh chemicals for everyday cleaning is like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly”. I do believe there are certain uses for the “sledgehammer” chemicals, but for everyday I like some good old vinegar. I decided to try clementine and vinegar all purpose cleaner.
What you need:
About 4 clementines
Distilled White Vinegar
Jar with lid
Directions:
Peel the clementines.
Put the peels in a jar.
Cover the peels with white vinegar.
Put lid on jar.
Store for at least 10 days, or up to 30.
Make sure to shake it every few days.
When it is done, mix with 2 parts water and 1 part clementine vinegar all purpose cleaner.
Put in a spray bottle and clean your whole house.
Also another citrusy cleaning tip for you is instead of using goo-gone products for sticky messes, try using Orange essential oil.
A word of caution: Although this is clementine solution is a natural cleaner and non-toxic, keep away from eyes. I’m sure that wouldn’t feel very good! And always do a test in a discrete area with the oils to make sure that it is safe for the surface you are cleaning.
I use this on most things except wood…This is my favorite wood cleaner.  Click picture to get more info 🙂
Quick question… After cleaning does it smell like vinegar or oranges or a combo of both? It’s been so long since I’ve cleaned with vinegar that I can’t remember if the vinegar smell is strong… My doctor has convinced me to cut back on harsh cleansers (your sledgehammer analogy is oddly similar to his pitch!) and hand sanitizer. I’m going to go more natural after I use up what I have, but I like the storebought cleansers because of the nice smells 🙂
Oh, and I’d love if you’d consider linking up to my link party! http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/link-party-3.html
Hi Allison! When it dries, it smells a little bit like the clementine. The vinegar smell disappears…thankfully 🙂 It is definitely not an overwhelming smell. I really love this cleaner! Hopefully you will too!
Thanks so much! I’m definitely going to do this. FYI – I talked to my doc about this today who thinks that the citrus and the vinegar together would “make it better than most commercial cleaners and 99% safer”. So thanks again!
Is it safe to use on granet counter tops ?
Great question! I have heard that granite doesn’t mix will with citrus. Here is another DIY cleaner that is safe for granite http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/06/diy-homemade-granite-cleaner.html
I tried this…and it sort of smells vinegary until it dries a bit…but works great!
I love cleaning with vinegar. Your recipe is interesting, I will give it a try. Vinegar smell is not to everyone’s liking, so clementine can be a good addition, especially when trying to persuade my girlfriends to give up harsh chemicals. Using vinegar is cheaper, as well!
does it works well with orange or grapefruit peels or is it just with clementines? I am from Mexico and I am not sure if we have those
Yes. It works well with other citrus peels too!
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again! addekfecge
Would this be safe to use on wood?
I would probably use a different cleaner for wood. It might be a little too acidic to be used as a wood cleaner. I added my favorite wood cleaner to the bottom of the post 🙂