Introduction – What Is Infused Vinegar
Infused vinegar is plain vinegar infused with herbs, fruits, or spices. It can be used in place of typical cleaning products as a natural and cost-effective alternative. However, the true beauty of infused vinegar lies in its versatility. Not only can it be used as a basic all-purpose cleaner, but it can also tackle harder-to-clean surfaces such as soap scum and hard water stains. You can make your own infused vinegar for cleaning. Infused vinegar is also a natural deodorizer. It can be used to clean countertops, tile, windows and other surfaces. It can also be used to remove soap scum, mildew and other stains.
Its pleasant scent will make your home smell fresh without harsh chemical fumes. To make your own infused vinegar at home, simply fill a glass jar with your choice of herbs or fruits and cover it with vinegar. Allow it to sit for several weeks before a strain and use as desired.
Many people dislike the smell of vinegar because of its strong acidic smell. However, infused vinegar is an excellent alternative because it smells not only fresh and pleasant but also delivers many of the same benefits as regular vinegar with a much milder scent.
The Top 7 Best Types Of Infused Vinegar For Cleaning
Cleaning with infused vinegar is easy and effective. Here are some of the most popular infused vinegar formulations that work well for cleaning:
1. Rosemary And Lemon-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: rosemary springs, slices of lemon
This combination has a fresh, citrusy scent that is both invigorating and refreshing. Combining these herbs not only adds a delightful fragrance to your cleaning routine, but their antibacterial properties make them powerful cleaners. To make infused vinegar, fill a glass jar with fresh rosemary sprigs and slices of lemon. Fill the jar with white vinegar and let it sit for 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally. It is an excellent choice for cleaning hard-to-clean surfaces like tile and grout, as well as stubborn soap scum and mildew stains.
2. Sage And Orange-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: dried sage, citrus peels (orange)
This fresh, herbal fragrance is a great choice for those seeking to eliminate odors from their homes. Sage and orange-infused vinegar has natural deodorizing properties that are perfect for eliminating odors caused by pets or cooking. To make your own infused vinegar, begin with high-quality white vinegar and add your chosen herbs or citrus peels. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 weeks, occasionally shaking to ensure proper infusion of the aromatics. After the waiting period, strain out the herbs/peel and pour the infused vinegar into a spray bottle for easy use. This vinegar not only cleans surfaces like stovetops, countertops and floors, but it also eliminates unpleasant smells.
3. Peppermint And Spearmint-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: peppermint leaves, spearmint sprigs
Peppermint-infused vinegar is an excellent choice for staving off pesky insects like ants, wasps, and flies. Its fresh, minty scent is not only refreshing, but it also helps to repel insects while contributing a lovely aroma to your home. Making infused vinegar is a cinch: fill a glass jar with peppermint leaves and spearmint sprigs, then cover it with white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 weeks before using it in your cleaning routine. This infused vinegar is perfect for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or wherever you are battling unwanted pests!
4. Garlic-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: fresh garlic cloves
Garlic-infused vinegar has powerful antibacterial properties thanks to its high concentration of allicin, an active compound in garlic cloves. This makes it an excellent choice for tackling tough stains and problematic odors, such as those caused by mold or mildew. For garlic-infused vinegar, put fresh garlic cloves in a glass jar and cover it with white vinegar. Leave the mixture for 1-2 weeks before straining it out and using it as you would any other cleaning solution.
5. Thyme-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: thyme sprigs
Thyme is a fresh herb that delivers the same properties as lemon thyme and rosemary combined. This makes it ideal for tackling tough stains like grease, oil, and gum on hard surfaces like kitchen counters, stovetops, sinks, and floors. To make infused vinegar at home, begin by filling a clean glass jar with thyme sprigs and leaving them steeped in white vinegar for 3-4 weeks. Once infused, strain out the herbs and use them liberally in your cleaning routine!
6. Lavender-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: dried lavender buds
The scent of lavender is soothing, but did you know it can also be useful for household cleaning? Creating lavender-infused vinegar is a simple way to add this fragrant herb to your cleaning routine. To start, fill a mason jar halfway with dried lavender buds. Pour white vinegar into the jar until it is full, then seal and shake well. Allow the mixture to sit for two weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out the lavender buds, and voila! Your infused vinegar can be used as an all-purpose cleaner or added to your laundry for a fresh scent. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
7. Ginger-Infused Vinegar
Ingredients: thin sliced ginger
Ginger-infused vinegar has strong antiseptic qualities, making it a great choice for cleaning surfaces plagued by germs, such as counters, cutting boards, and bathroom fixtures. To prepare your ginger-infused vinegar at home, fill a glass jar with fresh ginger slices and cover it with white vinegar. Let the mixture steep for 2-3 weeks before using it in your regular cleaning routine.
The Benefits Of Using Infused Vinegar For Cleaning
The use of infused vinegar as a cleaner offers several significant benefits. Firstly, it is a natural and non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaning products. Infused vinegar can be made home using fresh herbs and fruits or purchased from eco-friendly companies.
The combination of vinegar and the infusion ingredients creates a potent combination that can effectively clean surfaces and remove odors without leaving behind harsh chemicals. Additionally, infused vinegar is versatile and can be used in many different ways, such as added to laundry loads, used in all-purpose sprays, or applied directly onto surfaces with a cloth.
So next time you’re looking for an eco-friendly cleaner, consider using infused vinegar for a truly effective and natural solution.
What Should You Not Clean With Vinegar?
While vinegar is a great natural cleaner for many surfaces and materials, there are some things that you should avoid using it on. Vinegar is very acidic, so for materials such as marble or granite, it will etch or dull polished surfaces. In addition, you should not use vinegar on hardwood floors as it can strip away the finish and leave a dull appearance.
Likewise, you should not use vinegar to clean electronic devices as the acidity can damage sensitive components. Additionally, you should not use vinegar to clean any wax or oil-based stain, as it will simply spread the substance without effectively removing it. So when cleaning with vinegar, always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first and exercise caution when using it on these sensitive materials.
In Summary
In conclusion, infused vinegar is a versatile and effective natural cleaner that you can use in many different ways to clean surfaces, remove odors, and keep your home clean and healthy. Whether you make your own infused vinegar at home using fresh herbs and fruits or purchase it from environmentally-friendly companies, there are many benefits to using this all-natural cleaner in your cleaning routine. So why not give it a try today?
