Wash the lemons well before peeling them.
Place the fresh lemon peels into a clean glass jar. Try to use mostly the yellow outer peel and avoid adding too much of the white pith.
Step 2: Add the Vinegar
Pour white vinegar into the jar until the lemon peels are completely covered.
Close the jar and leave it in a cool, dark place for 7–14 days. Gently swirl the jar every few days.
The vinegar will become infused with the lemon’s citrus aroma.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
After the infusion period, strain out all of the lemon peels.
Discard the peels and keep the infused vinegar.
Step 4: Dilute It
Mix 1 cup of the lemon-infused vinegar with 1 cup of water.
Pour the diluted solution into a clean spray bottle and label it clearly.
Step 5: Use It Around the Home
Spray a small amount onto suitable washable surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth.
It can be useful for everyday cleaning of areas such as:
- Kitchen countertops
- Sinks
- Stainless-steel surfaces
- Glass
- Bathroom fixtures
- Greasy kitchen surfaces
For delicate surfaces, test a small hidden area first.
Step 6: What About Baking Soda?
Baking soda can be useful as a gentle abrasive for certain cleaning jobs, but don’t mix baking soda and vinegar together in a sealed spray bottle. They react immediately, producing carbon dioxide and reducing much of the cleaning action of the individual ingredients.
Instead, for a stubborn spot, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly onto the damp surface, scrub gently, rinse, and then wipe clean.
Important Safety Tips
Do not use this acidic lemon-vinegar cleaner on marble, granite, limestone, or other acid-sensitive stone, because vinegar can damage the surface.
Never mix vinegar-based cleaners with bleach or products containing bleach.
Keep homemade cleaners clearly labeled and away from children and pets.
This lemon-peel cleaner is an inexpensive way to reuse kitchen scraps while creating a fresh-smelling solution for many everyday cleaning tasks.
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