I know this recipe has been making the rounds online lately — and for good reason: it really works.
This everything-cleaner uses just citrus peels and white vinegar, and you can use it in place of all the millions of specialty cleaners you’ve got for windows, countertops, bath & tile, and stovetops. I’ve found this even works great on my stainless steel fixtures. But best of all, it costs next to nothing to make — so health isn’t the only thing you’ll be saving. *hint-hint*
Instructions:
The next time you squeeze a lemon, peel an orange, or eat a grapefruit, save the rinds and toss them into a jar.
Next, fill the jar with white vinegar just enough until the rinds are fully submerged.
Seal the jar and set it aside for about 2-3 weeks, or until you notice that the vinegar has drawn the color out of the rinds a little. If you want to speed up the process, just set the jar in a sunny window. But bear in mind: the longer it steeps, the stronger the spray.
When everything’s finished mingling, strain your infused vinegar and transfer it into a designated spray bottle. Seriously, that’s it.
I used lemons for potency, but any citrus peel will do. If you’re a scent person and want to embellish, play around with adding sprigs of complementary herbs like thyme, rosemary, or lavender to the mix.
For years, I’ve been buying the pricier “green” cleaners, telling myself it was the price to pay for non-toxics. But this everything-cleaner is dirt-cheap to make and works just as well. (Just be sure not to use it on marble or granite, as the citrus and vinegar will be racing each other to see who can eat through the finish first.)
Easy, non-toxic, and economical? My kind of project.
The Crunchy Urbanite 
Trying it now! I’ve been looking for a good cleaner. Thanks for the post! (Also, I use your deodorant recipe, with a few tweaks, and it works GREAT!!)
I’m pretty much sold on this citrus-vinegar concoction. For the super tough stuff, you can heat a mug of vinegar in the microwave — as if you were making tea — then add a sploosh of Dawn dish detergent. Spray or splash that on hard-to-clean surfaces like the ring in your bathtub or your stovetop and boom: clean! Best of all, all that toxic crap like Formula 409 or Dow Scrubbing Bubbles is finally out of your life for good.
I might be careful about heating up the vinegar. Apparently it becomes corrosive: http://www.networx.com/article/the-science-of-vinegar
Yup. Nice link. All of that fall into what I call the “common sense” category.
can’t wait to try this! I’ve been using white vinegar and lemon juice , but have never made this infused-vinegar. sounds great! fyi white vinegar kills weeds ! this would prob be a great weed-killer concoction as well!! there’s no need for Round Up. It so darn toxic.
Just found your blog and enjoy many of the tips. Having granite countertops prevents me from using this concoction (except in bathrooms, etc.); therefore, I’ve started using rubbing alcohol with water and a bit of lavender oil for fragrance. One part alcohol to 2 parts water disinfects, is inexpensive, has no harsh chemicals and dries quickly. Oh, and I add a drop of Dawn also.