Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile household product that can be used to clean almost anything. Made from fermented apples, ACV is acidic which allows it to dissolve grime, dirt, and grease. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a natural disinfectant. Here are 14 smart ways to harness the cleaning power of ACV around your home:
1. All-Purpose Countertop and Surface Cleaner
Mix together:
- 1 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup ACV
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
Store in a spray bottle and use on countertops, cabinets, stainless steel, granite, tile, walls, floors, etc. The acidic ACV will help dissolve grease, soap scum, hard water stains, and grime. It also disinfects surfaces. The essential oil gives it a light fresh scent.
Benefits:
- Non-toxic and chemical-free
- Disinfects and deodorizes
- Safe for most surfaces
2. Stainless Steel Cleaner
Mix together:
- 1⁄4 cup ACV
- 1⁄4 cup water
Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe down stainless steel appliances, sinks, and fixtures. The acetic acid in ACV dissolves grease, water spots, and fingerprints.
Rinse with a damp microfiber cloth and dry thoroughly to avoid streaks.
Benefits:
- Removes grease and restores shine
- Non-abrasive and streak-free
- Naturally disinfects
3. Produce Wash
Mix together:
- 1 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup ACV
Place fruits and veggies in the solution and let soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
The acidic ACV kills bacteria like E. coli while dissolving any pesticides, wax, or dirt on the produce.
Benefits:
- Natural disinfectant
- Removes pesticides and wax
- Kills bacteria like E. coli
4. Weed Killer
Mix together:
- 1 gallon vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup ACV
- 1⁄4 cup dish soap
Spray directly on weeds, making sure to coat the leaves and root system. The acetic acid in vinegar and ACV destroys the plant cells in the weed while the dish soap helps the solution stick and penetrate.
Benefits:
- Non-toxic weed control
- Kills weeds and roots
- Pet and kid-friendly lawn care
5. Cutting Board Disinfectant
Wipe down wooden or plastic cutting boards with undiluted ACV after each use. This will kill any lingering bacteria like salmonella or E.coli that could contaminate future foods prepped on the board.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with water. The natural acids in ACV disinfect the surface while removing stuck-on food and stains.
Benefits:
- Food-safe disinfectant
- Kills bacteria and other microbes
- Easy to find 100% natural ingredient
6. Microwave Cleaner
Mix together in a microwave-safe bowl:
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup ACV
Heat the solution for 2-3 minutes in the microwave, allowing it to steam up the interior. Keep the door closed for 2 more minutes to let the steam condense on the walls and loosen dried food splatters.
Wipe down the interior walls with a cloth. For tough stains, dip the cloth in more ACV as needed.
Benefits:
- Loosens dried food and stains
- Deodorizes the interior
- Non-toxic cleaning
7. Coffee and Tea Pot Descaler
To remove mineral deposits from coffee makers, tea kettles, and pots, fill with equal parts ACV and water.
For serious build-up, bring the ACV solution to a boil first before pouring into the coffeemaker or tea kettle. Let soak for at least 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
The acetic acid in the vinegar dissolves the mineral scale so it wipes away easily. Rinse several times with fresh water before using again.
Benefits:
- Removes lime and mineral scale buildup
- Descales without harsh chemicals
- Extends the life of coffee/tea equipments
8. Drain Cleaner
Pour 1⁄2 cup of baking soda down the drain first, followed by 1 cup of ACV. Cover the drain and allow the chemical reaction to fizz and foam for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with hot water.
The baking soda and ACV will break up soap scum, grease, hair, and food debris clogging drains. Flushing with hot water washes away any remaining grime.
For stubborn clogs, use a plunger or drain snake after this treatment.
Benefits:
- Foaming reaction breaks up gunk
- Deodorizes musty drains
- Environmentally friendly
9. Oven Cleaner
Mix together:
- 2 tablespoons ACV
- 1 cup water
Wipe down oven walls and racks with the ACV solution while the oven is still warm – not hot. This allows the grime to soften for easier cleaning.
For tough stains, allow the ACV solution to set on the grime for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. It works to dissolve baked-on grease and carbonized food deposits.
Finish by wiping down with a dry cloth or oven mitt.
Benefits:
- Non-toxic oven cleaning
- Removes baked-on grease
- Easy and safe for routine oven maintenance
10. Mold and Mildew Remover
Wipe down surfaces where mold and mildew tend to grow like windows, grout, shower curtains, tiles, and bathmats with undiluted ACV.
No need to rinse – the acetic acid in ACV kills mold, mildew, and their spores on contact. Allow to air dry.
Reapply weekly or whenever you notice mold/mildew recurring. The strong antifungal acids in ACV help inhibit future growth.
Benefits:
- Kills mold and mildew spores on contact
- Preventative fungal treatment
- Non-toxic and chemical-free
11. Glass and Window Cleaner
Mix together:
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup ACV
- 1-2 tbsp rubbing alcohol (optional)
Use a microfiber cloth dampened with the solution to clean windows, mirrors, chrome, and glass surfaces. The ACV cuts through grease, dirt, and grime, while the alcohol helps prevent streaking.
Newspaper or coffee filters also work great for a streak-free shine.
Benefits:
- Streak-free shine
- Removes dirt, grease, grime
- Non-toxic and safe for the environment
12. Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner
Mix together:
- 1 gallon water
- 1⁄2 cup ACV
Dip a mop or cloth into the solution and wipe down hardwood, laminate, bamboo, or other sealed wood floors. The diluted ACV adds a brilliant shine without leaving a greasy residue like other cleaners.
For high traffic areas, mix in 1⁄4 cup of olive oil into the solution for added cleaning power to dissolve grime.
Benefits:
- Safe for sealed wood floors
- Leaves a shine without greasy residue
- Removes dirt and enhances luster
13. Laundry Brightener and Softener
Add 1⁄2 cup ACV to the washer rinse cycle when washing whites or fabrics prone to looking dingy. The mild acid naturally brightens clothes and removes residues that make fabrics look dull.
It’s also a fabric softener, breaking down detergent to make clothes feel softer. Plus it eliminates static cling.
For heavy duty use, add 1 cup ACV and let soak before washing.
Benefits:
- Brightens dingy clothes
- Natural fabric softener
- Removes detergent residue
14. Septic Tank and Drain Field Cleaner
Flush 1⁄2 cup ACV down the toilet once weekly to prevent and dissolve build-up in the septic system. The acidic ACV breaks down waste material, grease, and blockages.
For clogged systems, pour 1⁄2 gallon of ACV down the toilet to clear obstructions and neutralize odors in drain field. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that kill beneficial bacteria.
Benefits:
- Breaks down waste and grease
- Unclogs blockages
- Maintains healthy bacteria balance
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Clean So Effectively?
ACV is adept at cutting through grease, dissolving grime, clearing clogs, and sanitizing surfaces. But how does it work?
ACV contains acetic acid which gives it a low pH between 2-3. This highly acidic state allows it to dissolve mineral deposits, emulsify grease, and destroy bacteria and mold.
The key is the acetic acid content derived when sugars ferment into alcohol which is then converted into acetic acid with the help of bacteria. Unfiltered ACV contains a cobweb-like substance called “mother” which provides additional health benefits.
While ACV has disinfectant qualities, it does not contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia that can cause respiratory problems. This makes it a safer, non-toxic alternative for household cleaning.
Is All Vinegar Equal for Cleaning?
While you can use plain white vinegar for cleaning, apple cider vinegar offers additional benefits:
- Richer acetic acid content – around 5-6% versus white vinegar’s 4-7%
- Sweeter smell – does not have a strong vinegar odor
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties from the “mother”
- Slightly more acidic at pH 2-3 compared to white vinegar’s pH of 2-4
So while regular white vinegar works fine for cleaning, ACV provides extra antibacterial and antifungal power. It also smells better!
Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar in Cleaning
Follow these tips to harness the full cleaning power of ACV:
- Always dilute ACV before using – its acidity can damage surfaces at full strength.
- Use glass, plastic, ceramic, stoneware, or wood utensils. Never metal – vinegar will corrode it.
- Test on an inconspicuous area first to check ACV’s effects.
- Don’t use on marble or granite countertops as acids etch natural stone.
- Check carpet cleaner ingredients before using – iron and ammonia will discolor.
- Prevent ACV smells by opening windows, using with baking soda, and rinsing surfaces after.
- Never mix ACV with bleach – this creates toxic chlorine gas.
- Wipe surfaces with water after to remove vinegar residue which can erode enamel over time.
Common Concerns and Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using ACV for household cleaning:
Is apple cider vinegar safe for pets?
Yes, ACV is safe to use around pets when diluted. Avoid getting it in their eyes. The small amount of acidity is harmless, and some owners even give ACV to pets internally. But consult your veterinarian before doing so.
Does ACV have a strong smell?
ACV has a milder odor than white vinegar since it’s derived from apples. The smell dissipates as it dries. You can add lemon, orange peel, or essential oils to the cleaning solution to give a light scent.
Can apple cider vinegar remove soap scum?
Yes, ACV easily removes soap scum and hard water stains from tubs, showers, sinks, and tile. It dissolves the mineral deposits so they can be wiped away.
Will apple cider vinegar unclog drains?
ACV can help clear slow-running drains by dissolving hair, soap scum, and grease that causes clogs. Use weekly as a prevention and monthly for tough clogs. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners.
Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean my hardwood floors?
Yes, dilute 1 part ACV with 1 part water in a bucket. Dip a mop in and wipe down sealed hardwood floors. The acetic acid removes grime without leaving a waxy buildup. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Will ACV damage the finish on wood furniture?
No, diluted ACV is safe for finished wood. It will remove grime and enhance the natural shine. Always test first and wipe surfaces immediately with a dry cloth after cleaning.
Conclusion
Cleaning with apple cider vinegar provides a safe, non-toxic, and economical alternative to commercial cleaners. It dissolves grease and grime, removes stains, eliminates odors, and disinfects most household surfaces.
While white vinegar works well for cleaning too, ACV offers added antibacterial and antifungal properties from the “mother” culture. It also smells more pleasant than regular vinegar.
Harness the cleaning power of ACV by using it diluted on countertops, windows, mirrors, appliances, sinks, tubs, drains, and even laundry. Just be sure to spot test first and not use at full-strength or on natural stone.
Following these 14 smart ways to clean with apple cider vinegar will save you money on cleaning supplies and create a healthier home environment free of toxic fumes and chemicals around your family and pets. Give ACV a try today!