How to Make Natural Cleaning Spray Infused with Lemon and Cinnamon
Making natural cleaning spray infused with lemon and cinnamon is economical and rewarding. Natural cleaning sprays are simple to make and quick to come together. They are also an easy way to step into non-toxic and green living.
Supplies Needed to Make Natural Cleaning Spray Infused with Lemon and Cinnamon
- 16 oz of distilled vingear
- 4-8 oz dstilled spring water (any filtered water will work too)
- 15-20 lemon peels
- 5-10 cinnamon sticks (the more included the darker the infusion the stronger the antimicrobial strength)
- 10-20 drops of C. cassia essential oil (optional)
- Glass or reputposed spray bottle
- 1 Gallon Glass Container for Steeping
- Funnel
- Fine mesh strainer
Step One: Collect Lemon Rinds & Cinnamon Sticks to Make Natural Cleaning Spray Infused with Lemon and Cinnamon
In the glass gallon jug, place all of the lemon rinds and any of the remaining pith or seeds too. We typically reuse a glass milk jug for our cleaning steeping infusions. You can also use a gallon mason jar or other glass jar.
If you don’t have a lot of rinds to use at once, keep a jar in your refrigerator to collect the rinds as you go. Once the jar is full, it’s time to make your natural cleaning spray!
If it takes you more than a week to collect the lemon peels, consider keeping the peels in a freezer safe plastic bag or container. Contintue to add the peels until you have reached a large quantity. The amount of peels you collect doesn’t have to be specific. We find that around 15-20 lemons results in the right amount of peels.
Step Two: Steep and Wait
Once you have collected the amount of desired lemon rinds, fill the jar with the distilled vingear. Submerge the lemon rinds so they are completely covered. This will keep the peels from molding.
At this time, add in the cinnamon sticks. Leave enough room at the top of the rinds to include the cinnamon sticks and submerge them in the vinegar too. If you don’t have cinnamon, consider adding another type of aromatic herb such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, or one of the herbs from this post.
Cinnamon is a powerful and versatile spice. Adding cinnamon to your natural cleaning spray infusion will not only result in a delicious and cozy scent, but the cinnamon will add antimicrobial fighting qualities. A safe and non toxic way to add a punch to your cleaning.
Allow your infusion to steep for at least one week and up to four weeks. Your cleaning spray can infuse on the counter at room temperature. Give it a shake every few days to swirl the ingredients and redistribute the vinegar into all of the nooks of the lemon peels.
Step Three: Strain and Bottle The Natural Cleaning Spray Infused with Lemon and Cinnamon
After your natural cleaning spray has steeped, it’s time to strain the contents and pour the fresh spray into your cleaning bottle. This process includes removing the lemon rinds and cinnamon sticks from the vinegar. This can be done using a fine-mesh strainer and a funnel. It’s essential to remove as many larger particles from the liquid, so the spray bottle doesn’t become clogged.
To strain, pour the infused natural cleaner through a finemesh strainer into another jar or bowl. Consider straining a few times to ensure all of the small particles have been removed. Then, remove the sprayer from the spray bottle and pour 8 oz of the insused vinegar into the bottle using the funnel.
Next, pour 8 oz of fresh filtered water into the spray bottle. We prefer a more diluted cleaning spray; however, you may wish to skip adding the water and use the infused vinegar for cleaning.
If there is extra infused vinegar, keep it stored in a glass container until needed.
Step Four: Start Cleaning with your Natural Cleaning Spray Infused with Lemon and Cinnamon
You’re all set to start cleaning with your natural cleaning spray!
What Surfaces to Use Your Cleaning Spray On
Your natural lemon and cinnamon infused cleaning spray can be used on a variety of surfaces including tile, glass, lamenent, ceramic, and plastic. Use your spray to clean windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine. For tougher surfaces like kitchen or bathroom grout, spray the grout first and then allow the spray to sit for five to ten minutes before washing off with a damp cloth or sponge.
What Surfaces Not to Use the Natural Cleaning Spray On
The lemon and cinnamon infused natural cleaning spray is highly acidic and it is not recommended to use the spray on softer and more porous surfaces such as marble, granite, wood, or metals. The spray could cause erosion or staining on those surfaces.
Curious about how to start creating a non-toxic home? Check out this great article with several tips.
