Outstanding Orange Cleaner

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those orange peels that you just throw away?  What about those citruses that somehow manage to make it to the back of the fridge and when you finally realize they've made their great escape- they are out of the question for digestion?  This is just the post for you!

I'm always trying to reduce, reuse or just plain reconfigure something else in my home.  Much of what seems to steam around cleaning.  Let's face it- no one wants to pay money for these things but we all need them!  That's how Outstanding Orange Cleaner was made!

The first version of Outstanding Orange Cleaner is the easiest basic version and for more extreme cleaning power try the more concentrated version at the bottom of the post.

Outstanding Orange Cleaner (basic recipe)
You will need:
mason jar with sealing lid and ring
vinegar (distilled white vinegar is just fine)
lots of citrus peels

Gather up all of your orange peels and pack into a mason jar.  Fill the jar with vinegar and seal the lid.  Let this mixture sit for at least two weeks.  The peels will fall to the bottom of the jar when the mixture is good to use.  When you are finished you will have a cheap, green cleaner that smells wonderful!  To use just uncap and pour (without the peels) into an inexpensive spray bottle.  Use your outstanding orange cleaner anywhere!

Outstanding Orange Cleaner (extreme clean extended recipe)
You will need:
mason jar with sealing lid and ring
potato masher
strainer
cheesecloth or an old dish towel
vinegar (distilled white vinegar is just fine)
lots of citrus peels
some past prime critus' (we know you've all had them!)

Put peeled citrus and vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil.  Place the peels into the mason jars while waiting.  When the fruits and vinegar boil reduce to low and cook down for about ten minutes.  Use a potato masher to squish fruits into the liquid to cook down.  When fruit and vinegar is done, strain through cheesecloth (use a potato masher to get all the juices out without getting the fibrous pieces) into a bowl.  When strained add to the mason jar with the peels.  If you need to you can add more vinegar to top off the jar.  Seal the jar and allow it to sit for two weeks before use. To use just uncap and pour (without the peels) into an inexpensive spray bottle. Use your outstanding orange cleaner anywhere!

-Mallory Mudd Pomerville