Lemon Infused Vinegar

These yellow and orange vibrant colored jars, filled to the top with white vinegar and peels of freshly-eaten citrus fruits, have been sitting on my windowsill for a few weeks now.

Making vinegar infused with citrus is nothing new – it is something that is so simple to make and is so beneficial in one’s home.

I typically use the orange-infused vinegar as our main cleaning product in the house. Lemons were something I thought I would just try – after all, we had lemons being used and it was a shame to waste those pretty fruit pieces.

 

All you have to do is fill your jar with white vinegar and add in your orange or lemon peels. Let the vinegar sit a few weeks, allowing the citrus properties to infuse the vinegar.

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend, I had an inspired thought. I needed to make a laundry stain remover  to get some stains off a pretty pillowcase-  a typical recipes would call for 1/2 cup of white vinegar and a few drops of lemon essential oil.

However, checking my oil cupboard brought me to realize I was all out of lemon oil. And when I run out of things in my home, it could be weeks before I can get to a store to buy the replacement.

 

My eyes turned to the vinegar sitting prettily on my kitchen windowsill. Surely, it would work just as well, I thought.

Indeed, it did! I only diluted the vinegar a little bit – and then sprayed it directly onto the stain. After washing and hanging on the laundry line (despite the cold conditions this weekend), I was happily pleased to find the stain had vanished and the pillow case good as new.

 

This will be my new stain remover from now on – and it is even more cost effective than a homemade version using the essential oil. It is amazing that two simple ingredients can do so many wonderful chores in one’s home – from cleaning sinks and bathrooms to removing laundry stains.

Lemons are a natural disinfectant … and because of their acidity, they are a great stain remover. The next time you have lemons (or oranges – as they are amazing, as well), do not throw out the peels or extra fruit. Save them, immerse them in white vinegar, let it sit for a few weeks and you will have a lovely natural cleaner for your home. Not to mention a great stain remover …