Lemongrass Soaked in Vinegar – A Simple Homemade Solution with Many Everyday Uses

You can soak lemongrass in vinegar to create a natural solution that has many practical uses in daily life.
Lemongrass is commonly used as a spice in cooking. Its distinctive aroma enhances the flavor of dishes while helping to eliminate unpleasant odors from certain ingredients. But beyond the kitchen, lemongrass is also a versatile herb — it can be used for deodorizing, making herbal hair rinses, preparing steam baths, soaking feet, or even repelling mosquitoes.

Making Lemongrass Vinegar – A Natural Homemade Essential Oil

By soaking lemongrass in vinegar, you can extract its essential oil and make a fragrant, multipurpose natural solution. This homemade version is inexpensive, completely safe, and free from any additives or preservatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• A few mature stalks of lemongrass (older stalks contain more essential oil and have a stronger scent)

• White vinegar

• Clean water

• A blender or food processor

• Cheesecloth or fine cloth for straining

• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lemongrass:
   Wash the stalks thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before use. Moisture can dilute the vinegar and shorten the storage life of your mixture.

2. Crush the lemongrass:
   Cut each stalk into small sections about the length of a finger joint. Lightly pound the pieces with a mortar and pestle to help release more essential oil.

3. Mix with vinegar and water:
   Place the crushed lemongrass into the glass jar. Add a mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio — enough liquid to fully submerge the lemongrass.

4. First soaking stage:
   Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Let it sit for about three days to allow the vinegar to start extracting the oils.

5. Blend and continue soaking:
   After three days, pour the mixture into a blender and process until smooth. Return the mixture to the jar, seal it again, and leave it to soak for another three weeks. The longer soaking time allows the natural oils to blend completely with the vinegar.

6. Strain and store:
   Once the soaking period is complete, strain out the solids using a clean cloth. Transfer the filtered liquid into a clean glass bottle, seal it tightly, and store it in a cool, dark place.
   Congratulations — you now have a jar of natural lemongrass essential oil that you can use for various household purposes.

💡 Tip: You can also replace vinegar with white wine or rice wine. The process remains the same, but the fragrance will be slightly softer and sweeter.

Practical Uses of Lemongrass Vinegar Essential Oil

1. Repelling Mosquitoes and Insects

Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents. While humans find its scent pleasant and refreshing, mosquitoes and most insects dislike it and tend to stay away.
You can:

• Add a few drops to your floor-cleaning water for a fragrant and mosquito-free home.

• Use it with an essential oil diffuser to purify the air.

• Apply a small amount to exposed skin (after diluting it with water or a carrier oil) to prevent mosquito bites when going outdoors.

2. Eliminating Unpleasant Odors

This lemongrass vinegar solution can neutralize unpleasant smells such as cigarette smoke, pet odors, or mustiness in damp rooms.
To use:

• Dilute it with water and spray it around your living areas as a natural air freshener.

• Add it to your mopping water for a cleaner, fresher floor.

• Place a few drops on a cotton ball and leave it in shoe cabinets, wardrobes, or bathrooms to absorb odors.

3. Steam Bath and Relaxation

For a simple at-home spa experience, add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a bowl of hot water.
Cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and gently inhale the steam for up to 15 minutes. This helps to open pores, refresh your skin, and relieve fatigue.
⚠️ Caution: Avoid using water that’s too hot to prevent burns, and don’t steam for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Final Thoughts

Lemongrass vinegar is not just a natural cleaner or insect repellent — it’s a multipurpose household remedy that brings a fresh, calming scent to your living space. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a bottle of homemade lemongrass essential oil that’s eco-friendly, affordable, and beneficial for both health and home.