Vinegar is an amazing natural cleaning product that can be used all around your home. It is inexpensive, non-toxic, and highly effective for a wide range of cleaning tasks. Here are 8 smart ways to harness the cleaning power of vinegar for a sparkling home:
1. Clean Windows and Glass
Vinegar is a fantastic glass cleaner that leaves windows and mirrors streak-free. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto glass surfaces and wipe off with a microfiber cloth or newspaper. The acid in the vinegar cuts through grease and grime, while the water helps remove residue. Vinegar is especially useful for cleaning hard water stains on faucets, shower doors and windows.
To boost cleaning power, add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar solution. The surfactants in the soap help dissolve stuck-on grime. You can also rub some vinegar straight onto tough spots before spraying the diluted cleaner. The undiluted acid tackles mineral deposits and soap scum buildup.
Vinegar works well on all types of glass surfaces – from windows to drinking glasses! Once you switch to vinegar, you’ll never go back to using chemical-laden commercial glass cleaners again.
2. Disinfect Kitchen Counters
Sanitize kitchen counters and kill germs with vinegar’s antimicrobial properties. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz directly onto countertops, backsplashes and appliances. Let sit briefly, then scrub with a sponge and rinse clean with water.
The acidic vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella. It’s more effective than many commercial cleaners at disinfecting and deodorizing. Use vinegar to clean cutting boards, sinks, garbage disposals and the microwave. It’s a safe, green way to get rid of germs in the kitchen.
For extra disinfecting power, add several drops of tea tree oil to the vinegar cleaning solution. Tea tree oil provides antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Together, the vinegar and tea tree oil make a potent homemade disinfectant spray.
3. Remove Sticky Residue
Have a sticky mess caused by price tags, gum or stickers? Vinegar can dissolve the gunk. Dampen the sticky area with some white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. The acids in the vinegar will break down the substance, allowing you to scrub it off easily.
For tougher sticker residue or tape marks, heat up some vinegar and apply it to the glue with a sponge or rag. The warm vinegar will dissolve the adhesive.
Vinegar also works to get rid of sticker glue and other sticky substances from glass, wood, plastic, concrete and fabric. It saves you from having to use harsh solvents like turpentine or paint thinner.
4. Clean Tile and Grout
Over time, tile floors and walls can become dingy and grimy. Mopping alone often doesn’t remove ground-in dirt from the grout lines. Get grout sparkling clean by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the solution onto the tile and grout and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a stiff grout brush or toothbrush to scrub the grout clean. Wipe away any remaining vinegar with a damp cloth.
For tougher grime, mix baking soda with the vinegar/water solution to boost cleaning power. The combination of the mild acid vinegar and gentle abrasive baking soda breaks up soap scum and hard water deposits as you scrub.
Cleaning tile and grout with vinegar also has the benefit of removing mold and mildew. The vinegar disinfects and deodorizes, leaving your bathroom floors and walls fresh.
5. Clean and Deodorize the Garbage Disposal
Freshen up your garbage disposal and keep it clean with the help of vinegar. Simply pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture foam and fizz for a few minutes to work through clogs. Then run hot water for a minute to rinse. The baking soda and vinegar react to scrub the insides and break up grease and grime.
To eliminate odors long-term, follow up once a week by grinding up a lemon wedge in your disposal. The acidic lemon juice and rind help deodorize and prevent dirty buildup. You’ll enjoy cleaner, fresher-smelling drains.
6. Clean the Microwave
Microwaves quickly get coated in splattered food grime. Keep your microwave clean by putting vinegar to work. Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of vinegar inside and turn on high for 2-3 minutes. The heated vinegar will loosen splattered food and grease. Carefully remove the hot bowl. Next, simply wipe down the interior of the microwave with a cloth dampened in vinegar. If any food bits remain stuck, dip the cloth in baking soda for gentle scrubbing action.
For extra foul smells, include a couple lemon slices in the heating vinegar. The lemon juice helps freshen the air, leaving you with a sparkling clean microwave.
7. Clean Coffee and Tea Pots
Over time, coffee makers and tea pots build up mineral deposits from hard water. Vinegar easily removes this scale to make your morning brew taste fresher.
For drip coffee makers, fill the water reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brew cycle like normal, allowing the vinegar solution to course through the machine. Rinse a few times with plain water to flush out any vinegar taste.
For tea kettles and pots, boil a solution of half vinegar and half water. Allow it to sit for an hour, then rinse thoroughly. The vinegar will dissolve all the mineral scale for better tasting tea and coffee.
8. Shine Stainless Steel
Get streak-free shine on stainless steel appliances by cleaning with vinegar. Place some undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz directly onto stainless steel surfaces. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth. The vinegar cuts through grease and water spots, leaving a sparkling finish.
For extra polish, mix in a few drops of olive oil in with the vinegar. The oil lubricates the surface for a breathtaking shine you can see yourself in. Vinegar makes it easy to keep stainless steel faucets, sinks, appliances and other surfaces looking their best.
Vinegar Household Cleaning Tips
- Use white distilled vinegar for cleaning purposes. Apple cider vinegar and other types have added flavors that can leave behind an odor.
- Always test vinegar on an inconspicuous spot first to check for any discoloration or damage to surfaces.
- For tough mineral deposits and rust stains, apply full-strength vinegar and let sit for up to an hour before scrubbing.
- To dilute vinegar, mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Adjust the ratio as needed for cleaning strength.
- Spray vinegar onto cold surfaces. The heat activates the acids so warm surfaces cause faster etching.
- Use vinegar in place of fabric softener in the washing machine to naturally soften clothes and remove odors.
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery before spraying vinegar to clean and deodorize. Let fizz before vacuuming up.
- Keep spray bottles of vinegar solution handy in the bathroom and kitchen for quick daily cleaning sessions.
Why Vinegar is a Green Cleaning Star
Vinegar is arguably one of the most useful and versatile cleaning products around. Here’s why vinegar truly shines as a green, eco-friendly cleaning solution:
Non-Toxic and Chemical-Free – Made from fermented grains, vinegar contains no harsh fumes or dangerous chemicals. It’s safer for use around kids and pets compared to many commercial cleaners.
Removes Strong Odors – Vinegar is a powerful deodorizer. Whether it’s stinky drains or smelly garbage disposals, vinegar gets rid of bad smells caused by bacteria and mold.
Cuts Through Grease and Grime – Acetic acid gives vinegar fantastic grease-cutting ability. It dissolves soap scum, hard water deposits and sticky messes better than many conventional cleaners.
Disinfects Surfaces – Vinegar is a natural antimicrobial, killing 99% of bacteria and 82% of mold. Spritz it on kitchens and bathrooms to sanitize without bleach.
Biodegradable & Eco-Friendly – Made from plant matter, vinegar breaks down quickly and harmlessly. It’s far less environmentally damaging than many harsh chemicals and solvents.
Prevents Waste – Clean out empty vinegar jugs and reuse them for DIY cleaning sprays. Repurposing packaging reduces plastic waste.
Budget-Friendly – At only a couple dollars per gallon, vinegar provides an extremely cost-effective way to tackle dirty jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning With Vinegar
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about using vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner:
Does vinegar really disinfect as well as bleach?
Yes! Vinegar is highly effective at killing harmful bacteria and viruses. Studies show it can disinfect just as thoroughly as chlorine bleach.
What ratio of vinegar to water should I use?
A 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water is ideal for most cleaning purposes. Adjust the concentration up or down based on the job.
Can I clean all surfaces with vinegar?
Check delicate surfaces first, but vinegar is generally safe for stone, tile, glass, metal and sealed hardwood. Avoid using vinegar solutions on marble, granite or unsealed stone as it may etch.
How do I get rid of the vinegar smell?
Open windows and use fans to ensure good ventilation while cleaning. The vinegar smell fades quickly once surfaces are rinsed and dried thoroughly.
Is it safe to mix vinegar with other cleaners?
Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia, as this creates toxic fumes. It’s generally safe to mix with water, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and other mild acids.
Why do my clean windows get streaky sometimes?
If your vinegar window cleaner leaves streaks, try adding a couple drops of dish soap. Wipe with newspaper or a squeegee rather than paper towels to prevent streaking.
Can I substitute apple cider vinegar to clean with?
While it has a similar acidity, apple cider vinegar leaves behind a lingering odor. Stick with white distilled vinegar for scent-free cleaning.
Conclusion
Vinegar is clearly one of the handiest and safest household cleaners out there. Keep a stash on hand to tackle a multitude of cleaning headaches. You’ll save money while keeping your home sparkling the natural way with vinegar.