There’s something so lovely about leaning into homemaking—not as a chore, but as ritual, embracing your creativity, and reclaiming what we’d otherwise discard. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to:
- Save meat, bone, and vegetable scraps to make rich broth
- Collect fruit peels for cozy simmer pots
- Turn that simmered water into a natural cleaning spray
Let’s dive in—step by step—so you can practice these hacks easily and beautifully.
1. Make Homemade Broth from Scraps
What to Save
- Meat and bones: Think leftover chicken bones, beef, pork ribs (just plain bones, not processed meats)
- Vegetable scraps: onion skins, celery ends, carrot peels, garlic skins, herb stems, mushroom stems, bell pepper cores, etc.
- Avoid: anything rotten, moldy, or overly bitter (some people avoid too many brassicas like broccoli or cauliflower stems because they can turn bitter)
Store all these scraps in a Ziploc (or freezer-safe bag) in the freezer. Every time you cook, toss your scraps in. When your bag is full (or when you’re ready), it’s time to make broth.
How to Make Broth (Crockpot / Stove / Instant Pot Options)
Here are three methods—pick whichever fits your schedule:
| Method | Instructions | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Crockpot / slow cooker | 1. Dump frozen scraps into crockpot. 2. Cover with water (just enough to submerge scraps). 3. Add optional flavor enhancers: bay leaf, peppercorns, herbs, salt. 4. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours). 5. Strain solids using fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. 6. Cool & store (refrigerate or freeze). | This is a low-effort, “set it and forget it” method. Livesimply recommends this approach for ease. (Live Simply) |
| Stovetop | 1. Put scraps into a large stockpot. 2. Cover with water (just to float the scraps). 3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. 4. Simmer partially covered for ~45–60 minutes. 5. Strain out solids. 6. Season with salt/pepper to taste. | Use moderate heat. Strain well to get a clear broth. (thekitchenwife.net) |
| Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker | 1. Add scraps + water + optional herbs/pepper. 2. Seal and cook on high pressure for 25–30 minutes. 3. Let it naturally release (or vent carefully). 4. Strain the solids. 5. Adjust seasonings. | A fast method with deep extraction. (The Leafy Table) |
Storage & Usage
- Refrigerator: Use within 5–7 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions (e.g. 1-cup jars, ice cube trays) — use within ~3 months
- Use this broth in soups, stews, to cook rice or grains, sauces, or even thinned pasta dishes.
2. Use Fruit Scraps to Make Cozy Simmer Pots
This is such a lovely way to bring warmth and scent into your space. Here’s how to do it.
What to Save
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
- Apple peels
- Bits of ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or other aromatic roots/spices
- Even herb stems like rosemary or mint
Store them in a separate freezer bag just like your veggie scraps.
How to Simmer
- Place your frozen fruit & spice scraps in a pot or crockpot.
- Cover with water (enough to cover the scraps, not overflow).
- Bring to a gentle simmer (low heat). Let it go for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or longer on low).
- You’ll smell your space fill slowly with warm, natural fragrance.
- Once done, turn off heat and let cool a bit.
You can reuse this water (if you like) as part of your cleaning solution (see next step).
Note: Because fresh citrus or herbs may degrade over time, don’t store simmered mixtures longer than a month. The Spruce warns about shelf life for infusion cleaners. (The Spruce)
3. Make a Natural Cleaning Spray from Simmer Water + Rubbing Alcohol
One of my favorite hacks is using that simmered water (or clean water + peels) + rubbing alcohol to make a cleaning spray.
Why Rubbing Alcohol?
- It dissolves grease and grime.
- Has disinfecting properties when at 70% concentration.
- Evaporates quickly, leaving less residue.
Recipe & Instructions
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol (70% is ideal)
- 1½ cups water (distilled if possible)
- Optional: 5–10 drops essential oil (e.g. lemon, lavender)
- Optional: ½ tsp dish soap (if you want extra degreasing)
Steps:
- Use a funnel to combine alcohol and simmer pot water in a spray bottle (glass or safe plastic).
- Label your bottle (e.g. “DIY Disinfecting Spray – Alcohol + Simmer Water”).
- Shake gently before each use.
How to Use:
- Spray on non-porous surfaces (counters, glass, tile) and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Let the spray sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute to act before wiping.
- Test on a small area first, especially on painted, vinyl, or plastic surfaces — alcohol can damage some finishes.
- Keep the bottle cool; alcohol is flammable—avoid near flame or heat sources.
Shelf Life & Safety:
- Because alcohol evaporates, the solution is freshest if used within a few weeks.
- Store in a cool, dark spot.
- Keep away from kids and pets, and use in well-ventilated spaces.
✨ Why This Combo Works: Waste + Fragrance + Clean
- You reduce waste by repurposing kitchen scraps instead of tossing them.
- You enhance your space with scent naturally (rather than synthetic air fresheners or candles).
- You get double-duty cleaning tools—the simmer water that was aromatic now becomes a base for a safe household spray.
- Everything you use is inexpensive, repeatable, and organically tied into your cooking and homemaking routines.
Want All My Budget Homemaking Hacks?
I’ve only scratched the surface here. There are more hacks, routines, and cozy tricks I use daily that I didn’t include in this post.
👉 Click this link to see my full blog post and the YouTube video where I walk you through the rest.
👉 And don’t forget—I make podcast cleaning routines set to binge-worthy 1950s radio. You press play and get guided through daily, weekly, and monthly tasks in just 30 minutes. Click here for some free episodes!