Have you ever heard of the power that vinegar contains? Many people are unaware that a natural, inexpensive, and eco-friendly cleaning solution like white vinegar is an effective way to clean everyday household items.
Not only does it save time and money, but it can also make your home healthier by reducing the number of harsh chemicals in the air. If you're wondering how to take advantage of the amazing uses for vinegar around your house, from cleaning your kitchen appliances to using it as a floor cleaner - this blog post is for you.
What Is Cleaning Vinegar?
Vinegar is one of the oldest and most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. This pantry staple has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece when it was used as a preservative for food and wine.
Throughout history, vinegar has been used for a variety of purposes ranging from cleaning and cooking to treating medical ailments. In recent years, vinegar has become increasingly popular in home kitchens, not just as a condiment or salad dressing but also as an ingredient in many dishes.
Vinegar is now used to clean surfaces around the house due to its antiseptic properties; plus it’s much safer than using harsh chemicals! With so much potential versatility in one bottle of this common pantry item, it's no wonder that vinegar is such an essential part of the modern kitchen.
How To Clean the Kitchen With Vinegar
Cleaning your kitchen and home appliances is a task many of us dread, but it doesn't have to be such a chore. With a few simple ingredients, like vinegar, you can easily and effectively remove dirt, grime, and odors from your home's dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances.
Here's how to use vinegar to clean all types of appliances in your home:
- For the dishwasher: Add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse compartment and run an entire cycle. This will help break up soap scum buildup inside the dishwasher.
- For the microwave: Place a bowl containing 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water inside the appliance for two minutes. This solution will help eliminate any odors inside the microwave and will also loosen any tough stains.
- For other appliances: To clean the outside surfaces of appliances like refrigerators, ovens or even stainless steel sinks or countertops, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray down surfaces evenly before wiping with a clean microfiber cloth - never use abrasive sponges as these can scratch delicate surfaces.
How To Clean Your Bathroom With Vinegar
One of the most challenging tasks for any homeowner is keeping the bathroom clean and free from soap scum, mildew, and other grime. Not only does this make for a less-than-desirable aesthetic, it can also lead to health issues if checked.
White vinegar is an excellent remedy for these types of messes. Simply spray undiluted vinegar directly onto the affected areas and let sit for several minutes before scrubbing away with a sponge or cloth. Another simple solution is to combine baking soda with vinegar to create a paste that can also be used to scrub away hard-to-remove dirt.
Toilet bowls often accumulate rings around their base or have unpleasant odors emanating from them due to built-up dirt. Pour 2-3 cups of undiluted vinegar into the bowl and leave it there for up to 3 hours before scrubbing with a toilet brush and flushing away any remaining residue. This will help eliminate built up deposits as well as deodorize your restroom in an instant!
Clean Your Windows With Vinegar
Making your own glass cleaner with vinegar is a great way to save money without compromising on quality. To do so, simply combine one part water and two parts white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake it up.
Once the solution is mixed, spray it onto windows and mirrors, then use a soft cloth or newspaper to clean the surfaces. Combining vinegar and water creates an effective, streak-free cleaning mixture that will leave glass surfaces sparkling clean.
By using natural ingredients such as vinegar and hot water when making this homemade glass cleaner, you are avoiding using potentially harmful chemicals in commercial cleaning products. Plus, vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills germs on windows and mirrors.
How To Use Cleaning Vinegar on Floors
An effective cleaning solution for hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, and laminate wood floors is a mixture of warm water and cleaning vinegar. Cleaning vinegar is highly effective at removing dirt, grime, and dust from these surfaces while being gentle enough to not damage the floor. By combining one gallon of warm water with 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar into a bucket, you can create an effective solution for cleaning your floors.
Using a sponge or microfiber mop – ensuring that any excess water is wrung off well – allows you to thoroughly clean the floor without leaving any streaks or residue. Because of its gentle properties, it does not harm the finish or surface of your floors either.
How To Clear Clogged Pipes Using Vinegar
Drain clogs are a common household problem that can cause major plumbing issues. Slow-running drains in the kitchen or bathroom can be unsightly and create an unpleasant odor.
Fortunately, there is an easy and inexpensive solution to unclog pipes and remove odors quickly and easily. Cleaning vinegar and baking soda are a powerful combination to get rid of clogs, soap scum, grease buildup, and debris. This combination can effectively eliminate garbage disposal odors as well.
To get started, pour the four cups of hot water down the drain followed by one cup of dry baking soda. Then pour in one cup of cleaning vinegar, which will cause fizzing and bubbling so cover the drain with a stopper to keep as much of the action in the pipes as possible. When all the bubbling stops flush out with more hot water for a quick fix for slow-running drains in your home.
