Chicken Coop Chatter©
The peels from citrus, can all be used to make the cleaning solution, and you can mix citrus peels, but you may want to juice the citrus first and use that juice for other purposes. The fruit can be eaten or used in your favorite citrus recipe, such as Orange Chicken. Damaged or blemished fruit works just fine without the need to have the perfect produce, but discard any spoiled sections that may occur.
Vinegar is made from all types of fruits and even vegetables, and that vinegar makes excellent cleaning agent that smells good while using it. In addition, you can add your favorite herb fragrances, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint are great choices or a spice and herb combination. Whole Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice are all fragrant choices. Essential oils or extracts are also a great addition. If you make your own extracts such as Vanilla, Lemon, Lime, Coconut, they will all add to the overall fragrance that will make your cleaning efforts smell good too. You can make any combination of fragrances that you enjoy.
Always test your cleaning surface before using to make sure the surface will not stain from this solution. The solution generally works fine on painted surfaces, ceramic tile, metal surfaces, porcelain, glass and laminated surfaces. Do not use on unprotected wood surfaces as it may stain or bleach those surfaces.
Concentrated Citrus Household Cleaner
Supplies
White distilled Vinegar (any vinegar can be used, but white distilled is cheap)
Citrus Peel (any type or combination)
Mason Jar with cap and lid
Wooden Spoon
Plastic Wrap
Spray bottle
Water
Directions:
Wash and dry the citrus. Remove the peels and place in a mason jar. Fill the jar, packing the peels into the jar with the back of the wooden spoon. Layer with herbs and spices or extracts and essential oils if desired. When the citrus is firmly packed, pour the vinegar over the contents of the jar. Cover the jar opening with plastic wrap (to prevent a reaction on the lid of the jar. Secure the cap and lid. Set aside for up to a month. Strain off the solution into another jar.
To Use:
Pour the solution into a spray bottle up to about 2/3 of the bottle. Add water to the last third of the spray bottle. Label the spray bottle and store until ready to use. The solution is ready to use in 2 to 4 weeks.
MAKE YOUR OWN DISINFECTANT WIPES
You can also make your own disinfecting wipes that will save you money. Just be sure to purchase heavy duty paper towels, the thicker and more absorbent the better.
Supplies
Sealable container (size to fit your towel roll*)
Heavy Absorbent paper towel roll
Label
Hacksaw or fine bladed sharp serrated knife
*Concentrated Citrus Cleaning Solution
Additions: Herbs, Spices, Extracts and/or Essential Oils
Directions: Cut the paper towel in half or to the size needed to fit your container. Remove the cardboard roll. Soak in the concentrated solution, squeeze out the excess. If needed, Re-roll the paper towel and place in a mason jar or plastic sealable container. Use as you would any other disinfecting wipe. Label the jar.
NOTE: If your solution smells heavily of vinegar, you can add more essential oil or extract to it until it reaches the level of fragrance you enjoy.
NOTE: I recycled a commercially prepared wipes container, so if you have one handy, this is a way to reuse in a handy dispenser.
If you make your own vinegar feel free to use that for the citrus solution. I refer to distilled white, because it is a cheap vinegar and this does not have to be made with a high quality vinegar.
If you would like to make your own vinegar, refer to my tutorial at the link: http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/recipes-for-self-reliance/how-to-make-vinegar
To make your own citrus extracts refer to the link: http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/seasoning-and-sauces/citrus-extract
To learn more ways to use Vinegar, refer to the link:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/earth-friendly-projects/using-vinegar-from-coop-to-kitchen
CAUTION: Test the surface you intend to use the cleaner on, to avoid possible damage.
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