What Cleaning Vinegar Is and How to Use It

Vinegar has been used as a natural cleaning solution for centuries, but recently cleaning vinegar has emerged as a more potent option for household cleaning. Cleaning vinegar contains a higher acidity than regular table vinegar, making it an effective and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

What is Cleaning Vinegar?

Cleaning vinegar, sometimes referred to as distilled white vinegar, is a mild acetic acid solution made from corn, grains, or fruit through a fermentation process. It has an acidity level of 6% compared to table vinegar’s 5% acidity level.

The increased acetic acid content in cleaning vinegar gives it more cleaning power than regular vinegar. It is better able to cut through grease, soap scum, hard water deposits, and other grime.

Cleaning vinegar is also less acidic than other cleaning products, rating between 2-3 on the pH scale. This means it is tough on dirt and stains but gentle enough for household surfaces. It does not contain added fragrances, colors or other chemicals that can be harmful when cleaning.

Benefits of Using Cleaning Vinegar

Cleaning vinegar has many advantages that make it a smart choice for green cleaning:

Natural and Non-Toxic: Cleaning vinegar is made from all-natural ingredients and does not contain harsh chemicals, making it safer for you, pets, and the environment. It does not release fumes or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Cuts Grease and Grime: The acetic acid in cleaning vinegar helps dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, grease, and other grimy buildup. It can cut through even baked-on messes.
Disinfects Surfaces: Cleaning vinegar is a mild antimicrobial, able to kill bacteria, mold, and some viruses. It helps disinfect and deodorize surfaces.
Prevents Mold and Mildew: Spraying cleaning vinegar on damp areas prevents mold and mildew from growing by keeping the pH level low.
Removes Odors: Cleaning vinegar absorbs odors rather than masking them. It helps eliminate smells from smoke, pets, cooking and more.
Non-Abrasive: Cleaning vinegar won’t scratch surfaces like some chemical cleaners. It is safe for use on most materials.
Versatile: Cleaning vinegar can be used throughout the entire home, from countertops to appliances to floors and more.
Budget-Friendly: At only a couple dollars per bottle, cleaning vinegar provides an affordable eco-friendly cleaning solution.

How to Use Cleaning Vinegar in Your Home

Cleaning vinegar is a simple but effective tool to make your home sparkle. Here are some of the top ways to use it:

Kitchen Cleaning

Remove grease buildup – Mix equal parts cleaning vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto greasy areas like oven hoods, countertops, and backsplashes. Let sit briefly before wiping away grime with a damp cloth.
Unclog drains – Pour 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar down the kitchen sink and let sit for 10-15 minutes before running hot water to clear the drain. For bad clogs, pour baking soda down the drain first, followed by vinegar to create a fizzy chemical reaction.
Clean sink disposal – Grind up lemon or lime peels in the disposal to freshen then flush with 1 cup cleaning vinegar and hot water to deodorize.
Shine stainless steel appliances – Use undiluted cleaning vinegar in a spray bottle and polish with a microfiber cloth to remove streaks and fingerprints.
Disinfect cutting boards – Wipe down wooden or plastic cutting boards with full-strength cleaning vinegar to sanitize after working with meat.
Clean refrigerator coils – For efficient operation, vacuum refrigerator coils to remove dust then use equal parts water and cleaning vinegar to wash away grime buildup.

Bathroom Cleaning

Scour toilet bowl – Pour 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar into the toilet bowl and let sit overnight before scrubbing in the morning for a sparkling clean toilet.
Defog shower doors – After spraying down the shower, wipe mirrors and glass doors with cleaning vinegar to wipe away soap scum and prevent fogging.
Clean tile grout – Apply full-strength cleaning vinegar to dirty grout then scrub with an old toothbrush. Let sit briefly before rinsing away grime.
Freshen drains – Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the shower and sink drains followed by 1 cup of cleaning vinegar to bubble away odors. Let sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Remove soap scum – Use cleaning vinegar diluted with water in a spray bottle to break up soap scum rings in showers and tubs.

Floor Cleaning

Mop tile floors – A mopping solution of 1/2 cup cleaning vinegar per 1 gallon of warm water will help remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and grime from tile floors as well as disinfect.
Clean laminate floors – Add 1 tsp cleaning vinegar per 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray on floors and wipe clean with a microfiber mop for a streak-free shine.
Remove carpet stains – Lightly mist carpet stains with cleaning vinegar and let sit for a few minutes to allow the acid to work before blotting and rinsing the area.
Polish hardwood floors – Add 1/2 cup cleaning vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water and mop floors. The acetic acid will help restore shine and remove grime.

Multi-Surface Cleaning

Disinfect doorknobs and handles – Spray cleaning vinegar solution on doorknobs, handles, light switches, and faucet handles to disinfect high-touch areas. Let sit briefly before wiping clean.
Clean garbage cans – Remove garbage can bags and spray cans inside and out with cleaning vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before rinsing and replacing bags.
Dust furniture – Add 15-20 drops of cleaning vinegar to water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist furniture and wipe away dust and grime.
Clean windows and mirrors – Combine equal parts water and cleaning vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray glass surfaces and wipe away grime with newspaper or a lint-free cloth.
Sanitize pet areas – Cleaning vinegar removes pet odors and dander. Spray a light mist on pet beds, litter boxes, crates, and other areas then wipe or allow to air dry.

Other Uses

Remove mold and mildew – Use full strength cleaning vinegar to wipe down moldy shower curtains, tile grout, windowsills and other areas prone to mildew. Scrub gently before rinsing.
Clean toys and play areas – Mix 1 part water and 1 part cleaning vinegar to spray down plastic toys, play kitchens, and other children’s areas. Wipe clean.
Freshen laundry – Add 1/2 cup cleaning vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove odors and brighten clothes. It also softens fabrics.
Clean patio furniture – Use cleaning vinegar diluted with water to scrub down outdoor furniture and wash away dirt, mildew, and grime that accumulates over seasons of use.
Clean grill grates – Allow grates to cool after grilling then use a full-strength vinegar soak followed by scrubbing with a grill brush to remove built-up char.

Tips for Using Cleaning Vinegar

Follow these tips to get the most out of cleaning vinegar:

Always test an inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration or damage, especially on natural stone, grout, and wood.
For most uses, dilute cleaning vinegar with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle for mild cleaning. Use it undiluted for tougher jobs.
Wipe surfaces with plain water after cleaning with vinegar to remove any acidic residue.
Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia, as this creates toxic chlorine and chloramine gases.
Cleaning vinegar can be used as a fabric softener by adding 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle.
Combine baking soda and vinegar for extra cleaning and deodorizing power. The chemical reaction provides fizzing action to lift away grime.
White distilled vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be used interchangeably for cleaning. Distilled white vinegar has less aroma.
Store cleaning vinegar in a cool dark place like under the sink to maximize its shelf life. It will remain potent for over a year when stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cleaning vinegar safe for all surfaces?

Cleaning vinegar is safe for most surfaces, but it should not be used on natural stone, waxed wood finishes, aluminum, or cast iron. Test on an inconspicuous spot before widespread use. Avoid getting it on plants as the acidity can damage foliage.

What is the difference between white vinegar and cleaning vinegar?

White distilled vinegar and cleaning vinegar are both acetic acid solutions made through fermentation. However, cleaning vinegar has a 6% acidity level compared to white vinegar’s 5% for more potent cleaning power. They can be used interchangeably for most cleaning purposes.

Can cleaning vinegar be mixed with other cleaners?

Never mix cleaning vinegar with bleach, ammonia or other alkaline cleaners as this creates hazardous gases. It can be combined with other mild acids like lemon juice and diluted hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda and vinegar can be used sequentially to boost cleaning.

Does cleaning vinegar expire?

An unopened bottle of distilled white or cleaning vinegar has an indefinite shelf life due to its high acidity. Opened vinegar has a shelf life of 1-2 years when stored in a cool, dark place. Over time, the acidity levels will gradually decrease, reducing its effectiveness.

Is cleaning vinegar safe for pets?

When properly diluted, cleaning vinegar is pet-safe and an excellent eco-friendly cleaner for pet areas. Avoid use on birds, reptiles, and fish who are highly sensitive to inhaled vinegar fumes however. Always rinse surfaces thoroughly after use.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning vinegar provides a non-toxic disinfecting solution made from natural fermented acids. Its antibacterial properties kill germs on household surfaces while its acetic acid dissolves grime. Cleaning vinegar is safe for most materials, affordable, and versatile for use throughout the entire home.

Dilute it with water in a spray bottle and use on kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, windows, and more. Test on small areas before widespread use, never mix with other cleaners, and wipe surfaces after use to remove acidic residue. Keep this budget-friendly green cleaner on hand for an effective way to clean every room.