I seen a post from another fellow blogger the other day about a natural aproach to cleaning out their chicken coop. I found it very interesting.
What you will need is:
4 oranges
3 cinnamon sticks
2 vanilla beans
white vinegar
2 canning jars
spray bottle
Keep in mind that this is not my recipe and therefor I will not take credit for this. I am new to this blogging thing so I do not know how to link this persons blog to mine. Below is step by step pictures for what to do and then I will include some information about why she makes her recipe this way.
All the things you will need.
Peel all 4 oranges and put the peels of 2 oranges in each jar.
Break 3 cinnamon sticks in half and put 3 halves in each jar.
Slit you vanilla bean(s) in half, then cut the bean in half and put two halves of the vanilla bean in each jar.
Pour vinegar into each jar covering all contents.
Place lids on jars.
Make sure you have that spray bottle because you will be pouring the liquid from the mixture into the spray bottle to use for cleaning. Let the jars sit for a month to age the mixture being sure to shake the jar every few days to mix everything up. As it gets closer to being ready to use it will become orangeish-tan in color and become fragrant.
FUN FACTS
Cinnamon oil kills mosquito larvae.
Vanilla repels flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant having antibacterial properties, kills mold and is also an ant repellent.
Apple cider vinegar is great to add to you chickens water and to drink yourself for the health benefits that it has, however it should NOT be used in this mixture because it will attract fruit flies.
After your mixture is ready strain the contents into a spray bottle to use full strength or pour into a bucket and dilute with water. Use the bottle to spray the roosts and then use the mixture diluted in a pail with a mop to scrub the coop walls and floors.
Keep in mind that this can also be used to clean your kitchen. It will leave a wonderful aroma.
You can also reuse the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean for a second batch but make sure you use fresh citrus peels.
HAPPY BACKYARD FARMING
