Vinegar is a standard ingredient in every household. Vinegar is most commonly used in the kitchen, but there are many more uses for it. Vinegar degreases, kills bacteria and mold, eliminates odors, disinfects, and softens laundry.
Many people are bothered by the strong smell of vinegar, but it can be easily eliminated by making homemade concentrated vinegar. All you need is a glass jar or bottle, vinegar, and citrus peels. Fill the jar 3/4 full of zest, cover with vinegar, seal, and store in a dark place for at least one month (ideally two months) to infuse. Lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, and pomelo peels can be used.
You will be surprised at the intense bloom of the fruit, covering the typical vinegar smell. If you want something more unusual, use spruce or pine branches instead of the peel, or add spices such as cloves, cinnamon, or star anise; your imagination is the limit.
Strain the resulting concentrate through a cloth and use it. Choose the concentration according to the application. I mix it at a ratio of 1:1 for cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, and 1:3 vinegar:3 water for furniture. If you are also interested in ecological laundry, this fragrant concentrate can be used in place of fabric softener. Simply pour 100 ml of the concentrate (undiluted) into the fabric softener container, equivalent to about 5 kg of laundry. Vinegar removes limescale, which also helps prevent clogging of drums and hoses. For example, you can make an air freshener with 1 vinegar: 9 distilled water: a few drops of fragrance oil.
This list is just a small sample of what this cleaner can do. Aside from the wonderful citrus scent and cleaning effect, you will also appreciate the fact that it is child and pet friendly, and that it is low cost to manufacture. In addition, many people will be pleased to know that they can save plastic bottles by making it at home, since they do not have to buy five different products and can make one all-purpose product.