I love the smell of grapefruit but I’m not a huge fan of the taste. A few weeks ago I was gifted a bag stuffed full of grapefruit that needed to be used up. I wasn’t entirely sure what to do with it, so I juiced it. I tried making a few batches of grapefruit lemonade but it used such a small amount. Since I ended up juicing 3/4 of a gallon of grapefruit juice, I seriously had no idea what to do with such an abundance. Then it struck me. I can make a cleaning solution! I have made lemon vinegar before by infusing lemon peels in the vinegar. Though the grapefruits I used had traces of mold on the rind, so infusing the vinegar that way was out of the question. Then I thought well maybe I could use the juice? That is what I did, combined 3 cups juice with white vinegar in a 1/2 gallon jar. Then froze the remaining juice for when I run out and need to make more.
Did you know?
- Vinegar kills up to 99% of bacteria.
- Vinegar kills up to 82% of mold.
- Vinegar kills up to 80% of virus causing germs.
- Grapefruit is anti microbial
- Grapefruit is anti viral
- Grapefruit aroma gives an uplifting and relaxing effect on mind.
This is safe for children and pets to be around since it has no harsh/crazy chemicals. A simple rule in making at home cleaners is to try to keep things as simple as possible. That is usually the best route for a non-toxic cleaner. Happy house cleaning!
- 1 cup grapefruit vinegar
- ⅛ cup washing soda
- 3 drops of liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s works great)
- 1 gallon hot water
- 10 drops of essential oils (grapefruit, tea tree or lavender are my choices)
- Mix the grapefruit vinegar, washing soda, soap and essential oils together.
- The vinegar and washing soda will start to foam up. Leave it be till the washing soda is dissolved completely.
- After the washing soda is dissolved pour in hot water.
- Now you are ready to mop your floors and enjoy the pleasant scent of grapefruit! You might even want to have a few guests over since your house will smell so good.
About Janny
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Hi Janny! I love this idea. I usually mix in tea tree oil for cleaning solutions. I have what might be a silly question. Does the grapefruit juice make things feel sticky?
Stacie, I had the same worries when I very first made the solution. Keep in mind that it is pure juice, no sugars added. Plus its so diluted that you don’t have to worry about it being sticky. I juiced my own grapefruit. It will be a different effect using store bought juice, which I do not recommend. I say this because you want the juice to keep all the natural enzymes before its killed off by the pasteurization process. Keep it as pure as possible. Hope that answers you question!
Love it! I bet it smells great too! Perfect way to use up fruit that’s otherwise not so fab anymore
this is awesome!! We just got a big bag of grapefruits for free and don’t know what to do with all of them. Perfect solution! Thanks for sharing
Be sure to let us know how it comes out!