The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Infused vinegars are a fantastic way to keep your home clean and fresh without the harsh smell of regular white vinegar. Learn six simple recipes using everyday ingredients like citrus peels, herbs, and spices.
If you’re anything like me, a clean and organized home brings peace of mind. Over time, I’ve made a conscious effort to swap out toxic chemicals for natural, sustainable alternatives. One of my favorite discoveries in this journey has been the versatility of white vinegar. It’s affordable, effective, and can be purchased in bulk—perfect for my busy schedule and budget.
However, there’s one thing I don’t love about white vinegar: the smell. It reminds me too much of a sterile hospital environment. Determined to find a way to enjoy its cleaning power without the off-putting scent, I embarked on a little aromatic adventure. Through some research and experimentation, I discovered eight delightful combinations of fruits, herbs, and spices to infuse vinegar with pleasant aromas. The result? Wonderfully scented vinegars that make cleaning a more enjoyable experience.
The Magic of Infused Vinegars
Infused vinegars not only mask the strong scent of plain white vinegar but also add a touch of natural fragrance to your cleaning routine. Here are some of the benefits of using infused vinegars:
- Natural and Non-Toxic: Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a safer, eco-friendly cleaning solution.
- Cost-Effective: Use everyday kitchen scraps like citrus peels and leftover herbs.
- Aromatic: Enjoy the refreshing scents of fruits and herbs, making cleaning a more pleasant experience.
- Versatile: These vinegars can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, from countertops to windows.
The Benefits of Citrus and Herbs for Cleaning
Combining citrus and herbs with white vinegar not only masks the strong vinegar scent but also enhances the cleaning properties of your infused vinegar. Here are some key benefits:
Citrus Peels
- Natural Degreaser: Citrus peels, such as those from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain natural oils that are excellent for cutting through grease and grime. This makes them perfect for kitchen cleaning tasks.
- Antibacterial Properties: Citrus fruits have natural antibacterial properties, helping to disinfect surfaces and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria.
- Pleasant Aroma: The fresh, zesty scent of citrus peels leaves your home smelling clean and invigorating, providing a natural air freshener effect.
Herbs
- Antimicrobial Action: Many herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, possess antimicrobial properties that can enhance the disinfecting power of your vinegar. This makes your infused vinegar even more effective at killing germs and bacteria.
- Soothing Scents: Herbs add a subtle, soothing aroma to your cleaning solution, making your cleaning routine a more pleasant experience. For example, rosemary has a pine-like scent, while thyme offers a mild, herbal fragrance.
- Antioxidant Properties: Herbs like sage contain antioxidants that can help protect surfaces from damage and decay, extending the lifespan of your furniture and countertops.
Combinations to Try
- Orange Peel + Cloves
- Sliced Citrus + Rosemary, Thyme, or Sage
- Grapefruit + Sage Leaves
- Lemon Peel + Rosemary Sprigs
- Orange Peel + Thyme Sprigs
- Lemon Peel + Orange Peel + Lime Peel
- Rosemary Sprigs + Thyme Sprigs + Sage Leaves
- Rosemary sprigs + Mint Sprigs
Making Infused Vinegars
Making infused vinegars is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any special equipment. In fact, I often save jars from purchased food items and reuse them for projects like this. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose and reduce waste, rather than simply tossing the jars in the recycling bin. Plus, the variety of shapes and sizes of these jars can add a unique touch to your infused vinegars, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What You’ll Need
- Airtight jars
- Citrus peels
- Fresh herbs
- Spices
- White vinegar
- Cheesecloth
- Twine
- Strainer
How to Make Infused Vinegar
- Fill your jar a little more than halfway with a mix of citrus peels, herbs, and/or spices.
- Pour white vinegar into the jar until it’s full.
- Secure the lid tightly. For a decorative touch, you can wrap cheesecloth or other material around the lid and tie it with twine.
- Let the mixture sit for two weeks to infuse.
- After two weeks, strain the liquid a few times to remove any solid particles.
- Store the infused vinegar in an airtight jar.
- To use as an all-purpose cleaning spray, combine equal parts distilled water and infused vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix well before each use.
Extra Tips
- Decorative Jars: While the jars are infusing, consider leaving them out on the counter as a decorative piece. They not only look pretty but can also be great conversation starters when you have guests.
- Dilution Ratios: If you plan to use the infused vinegar for other cleaning recipes, a quick online search will help you find the appropriate dilution ratios.
Infusing vinegar with pleasant scents not only enhances its cleaning power but also makes the cleaning process more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a simple, cost-effective way to reduce the use of harsh chemicals in your home. I encourage you to experiment with these combinations and even create your own. Happy cleaning!
More to explore
If you enjoyed this article on making your own natural infused vinegars, you might like our other articles featuring natural DIY cleaning products. Here are a few of our most popular:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
