Back to Basics: Cleanin’ House

So, without further adieu, here’s what you need to make this lovely – and easy all-purpose cleaner;

– Peels of two large oranges (the thicker the rind, the better the results.)

– Large mason jar (the bigger the jar, the more cleaner you have on hand. Because it’s non-toxic – you don’t have to worry about little hands getting ahold of dangerous chemicals)

– Jug of vinegar

– Patience!

**Keep in mind that, the bigger the jar you use – the more oranges and vinegar you will need

Peel your oranges, and place the rinds in your mason jar. Fill the jar to the top with vinegar, and seal jar. Place the jar in a cupboard – and wait patiently for 4-6 weeks as the citrus oozes from the rinds, and transforms your boring vinegar to a lovely citrus infused cleaner. You can tell when the mixture is ready to use, because the colour will have a light orange hue, and smell orange-y when you open the jar.

I mix 1/2 cup of this cleaner with 6 cups of water in my sink -and I have enough to get my house nice and clean, and know that my loved ones are safe and toxin free!

Growing up, I swore I would never become my mother. By twelve, I knew for certain that I would never escort my kids to basketball practice in a white Ford Bronco, I wouldn’t insist my children wear linen short sets with Hawaiian floral patterns on them, and I was most insistent on never following in my mother’s footsteps when it came to cleaning. I had a stay-at-home-mom who, for the most part, ensured we had a spic-n-span house. It should be noted that the level of cleanliness wasn’t my issue; my issue was that my mother insisted on cleaning everything with…. vinegar. As a kid – this pungent aroma seemed completely absurd as a cleaning option. How could the liquid that created my beloved pickles – also clean the floor?

When I moved out years later, I was dead set on my house smelling like a field of wildflowers. I wanted the stench of lavender to show my guests that I knew what cleaner was – and I was using it. Of course, after several asthma episodes and once again the reading of labels came into play – I started to realize that my mother was onto something. Vinegar solution became my go-to cleaner, and soon after my mother’s face lit up when she got to remind me that she really is some kind of witch doctor, and knew better than me.

Now years later I still use my mom’s basic water and vinegar solution, but with an updated twist, to clean my home. I love that this is safe for all my family members, is safe for my pets, and is an effective cleaner. I use it for floors, walls, toilets and even toss a whole batch in my washing machine to give it a good bi-annual cleaning! It’s wonderful. The best part about this cleaner is the citrus infusion, which cuts down on the straight vinegar stank – and grease! It’s simple to make, and can easily be adjusted to satisfied your needs!