How to Clean With Vinegar & Essential Oils

Adding lemon and oregano oil to vinegar intensifies the cleaning power

Vinegar is a natural product that cleans and deodorizes without harsh chemicals. Adding a few drops of easy-to-make essential oils to vinegar and water adds a special touch to this homemade cleanser. Lemon and oregano are nature's disinfectants, making this an effective surface spray.

Things You'll Need

• Zest of one lemon
• 2 Tablespoons dried oregano or 4 Tablespoons fresh oregano
• 4 ounces olive oil
• Small slow cooker
• Timer
• Cheese cloth
• Strainer
• Small bottle
• Funnel
• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle

Instructions

Make the Essential Oil

1. Mix the oil, lemon zest and herbs in the basin of a small slow cooker. Make sure the basin is very clean. Set the slow cooker to low.

2. Allow the oil, lemon and oregano to simmer for two hours. Set the timer to remind you to stir every fifteen minutes.

3. Line the strainer with cheesecloth. Pour the oil through. Strain the oil at least twice as any remaining herb or lemon will cause the oil to go rancid.

4. Fill the small bottle using a funnel.

Make the Cleaner

1. Fill the spray bottle with ½ cup of water and ½ cup of vinegar. Add 15 drops of essential oil. Shake to combine.

2. Spray the cleaner and wipe with a cloth.

3. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and then spray with the vinegar mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Store baking soda in a shaker designed for crushed pepper to make it easy to sprinkle on tough stains.

References

• Natural Healthy Home: Cleaning with Essential Oils