I recently made some yummy strawberry jam. But instead of tossing out the green tops, I saved them to make this easy DIY strawberry vinegar cleaner. In the spring and summer the farmers market is loaded with the sweetest strawberries. I always buy so many to put in my salads, smoothies, and just to snack on. This vinegar cleaner is a great way to make sure you’re using the entire strawberry. Yes, you can technically just compost (or even eat) the green tops. BUT, why compost immediately when I can put them to good use first? That’s why I love this DIY: It gives strawberry tops a second life. Also, it’s a cheap way to make a homemade cleaner that saves you money. It smells pretty great too! If you’re more into orange or lavender vinegar cleaners, I have a whole post on those as well. Without further ado, here’s the DIY!
Super Easy DIY Strawberry Vinegar Cleaner
Why make your own zero waste cleaner?
There are so many harsh chemicals in most conventional store-bought cleaners. Most of the ingredients lists I cannot even pronounce. While chemicals aren’t necessarily bad (they’re literally make up everything), there are some that can harm both our health, and the environment.
For example, I’m extremely sensitive to different scents. Artificial fragrance that’s added to most cleaners almost always triggers headaches, sneezing and/or a scratchy throat for me.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “The word “fragrance” or ‘parfum’ on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.”
So for this reason alone, I try to buy sustainable cleaners I know won’t bother me, and aren’t packaged in single-use plastics. I truly love Blueland, amongst several other zero waste cleaning brands (post on this coming soon!).
But for moments when I want to save a buck, or just ran out of my favorite cleaner, DIYing one is the next best option. Like this zero waste strawberry vinegar cleaner!
Ingredients + supplies:
- One jar/ air-tight container
- Strawberry tops (as many as you like – one carton is more than enough for this – the more, the stronger the infusion)
- 1-2 cups of white vinegar (or however much you need to fill the container)
- A spray bottle (I used one made from recycled materials – but use whatever you have lying around)
Directions:
- Cut the tops off your strawberries, then add them all into an upcycled jar/ air-tight container. I just used a random empty salad dressing container. You don’t have to fill the entire container up, just make sure it’s big enough to fit all your strawberry tops in.
- Cover the strawberry tops with white vinegar. 1-2 cups of white vinegar should be enough, but you’ll want to feel it out depending on the size of your container.
- Close the container securely, then place in a dark, cool location (like a kitchen cabinet) for 2-4 weeks. The longer you leave it, the more infused it will become.
- Using a strainer, filter all the strawberry vinegar liquid into a spray bottle. Then compost the strawberry tops. Use the sprayable cleaning vinegar as you please.
Cleaning with strawberry vinegar cleaner
Cleaning with this strawberry vinegar cleaner is so nice. It’s super easy to use, and I absolutely love it. I might even love it more than the orange peel vinegar cleaner I made, because I eat way more strawberries than oranges. Especially in the summer!
It smells great with a hint of sweetness and works really well to clean your surfaces. Here are some ways you can clean with this all-purpose spray.
- Counter tops and tables – Just spritz it on and wipe using a rag or swedish dish cloth.
- Small splatters – If I see a bit of pasta sauce has splattered on my tea kettle, spoon rest, or pan, I’ll just spritz a little on and give it a wipe! No need to clean the whole item.
- Stove tops – Just spray the area that needs cleaning and wipe with a rag, or dish cloth.
- Bathrooms – Great for tubs, sinks, mirrors, shower walls, toilet bowls and faucets.
- Windows – Gets the grime off and makes it look much more clear.
- Kids stuff – Great for cleaning kids toys, highchairs, the works.
So, what are your favorite zero waste cleaners? Do you have any low waste cleaning hacks? Let me know in the comments!
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