Homemade Vinegar House Cleaner

Growing up my mother used vinegar to clean our house. To this day I do not like the smell of vinegar. Maybe it was the mandatory cleaning Saturdays I had the privilege of partaking in mixed with the strong vinegar smell. I am not sure. However, as an adult, I can't deny the powerful cleaning benefits of vinegar, and the fact that it is a much cheaper cleaning agent option, in comparison to major cleaning brands. I have come to appreciate the benefits of cleaning with vinegar.

To subside the strong vinegar smell, I stumbled upon a video from Good Housekeeping's Instagram feed (permanent article can be found here) that showcased infusing herbs and essential oils to create a natural aroma for this potent cleaner. I was inspired to create my own, homemade version. I am so happy with the fresh smelling results.

Before I share how to create your own vinegar cleaner I want to note that vinegar is acidic and can be dangerous for certain areas in your home like granite or marble surfaces. I like to use vinegar to clean in my fridge, microwave, sink and tile floors. Here are two helpful articles that highlight areas where vinegar is a great cleaning agent in your home: here and here.

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To make your own version of homemade vinegar cleaner, you will need:

1/2 part vinegar and 1/2 part water. For the 16 oz bottles, I used 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water.

Glass container. I love these spray bottles from Amazon. I wanted a spray option for easier cleaning. They are reusable and great quality. However, mason jars with a lid are also a good option.

Herbs. I used 3 sprigs of rosemary and 2 sprigs of lemon eucalyptus from my mother's herb garden. You can also use your favorite essential oil.

Step 1: Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water.

Step 2: To avoid mess you can either use a funnel or pour your mixture in the sink into the glass container. Make sure to leave a little room at the top for your herbs.

Step 3: Place 2-3 sprigs of your favorite, long-lasting herb into the vinegar and water solution. You can also use essential oils on their own or in combination with the herbs. This part is completely up to you. I used rosemary and lemon eucalyptus because my mother had plenty in her herb garden, and I like the smell of both herbs.