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Surprising Things You Can Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar is great on salads and enhancing sauces. But few people know that it can be used for household cleaning tasks. Out of those limited few, some that do may be reluctant to actually use it. Well, we are here to tell all that it’s more than just a pantry staple. This versatile liquid truly is a cleaning powerhouse! Thanks to its natural acidity, vinegar can tackle dirt, grime, and bacteria in many areas of your home. Plus, it’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and affordable—what’s not to love? Below, your friends at Mighty Clean want to help you explore the many ways you can use vinegar to clean and freshen up your home.
Kitchen Appliances and Surfaces
- Microwave: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts water and vinegar. Heat it for 5 minutes, then wipe away stubborn stains and odors.
- Coffee Maker: Run a cycle with vinegar followed by several cycles with water to descale your coffee maker.
- Refrigerator: Mix vinegar and water to clean shelves and drawers. It helps eliminate food odors and bacteria.
- Cutting Boards: Wipe down wooden cutting boards with vinegar to sanitize and remove lingering food odors.
- Countertops: Vinegar can be used on most countertops to clean and deodorize. Avoid using it on granite or marble, as the acid can damage the finish.
Glass and Windows
Vinegar makes an excellent streak-free glass cleaner. Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, spritz on windows or mirrors, and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a sparkling finish.
Floors
- Tile and Linoleum: Use a mix of 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water to mop hard floors. Avoid using vinegar on hardwood or stone, as its acidity can damage these surfaces.
- Carpet Stains: Blot the stain with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot again with a clean, damp cloth.
Bathroom Fixtures
- Showerheads: Soak your showerhead in a plastic bag filled with vinegar overnight to remove hard water buildup.
- Toilets: Pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl, let it sit for an hour, and scrub with a brush for a sparkling clean finish.
- Grout: Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar to scrub stubborn grout stains.
Laundry
- Fabric Softener Alternative: Add half a cup of vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. It softens clothes and removes detergent residue.
- Odor Removal: Vinegar is excellent for eliminating musty smells from towels or gym clothes.
- Stain Remover: Mix vinegar and baking soda into a paste to pre-treat stains before washing.
Drains
Clear clogged or smelly drains by pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Air Freshening
- If your furry friend has an accident, vinegar can help neutralize the odor. Blot the area, then spray a mix of vinegar and water. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.
- Mix vinegar with a few drops of your favorite essential oil to create a natural air freshener. Spray it around your home to eliminate odors.
Outdoor Use
- Patio Furniture: Wipe down plastic or metal furniture with vinegar to remove dirt and mildew.
- Garden Tools: Soak tools in vinegar to remove rust and dirt buildup.
Things to Avoid Cleaning with Vinegar
While vinegar is incredibly versatile, there are a few things you shouldn’t clean with it:
- Stone surfaces (marble, granite): The acid can cause etching.
- Waxed furniture or floors: It can strip the wax.
- Electronic screens: The acidity may damage protective coatings.
Vinegar: A Natural Cleaning Superstar
If you’re not a believer by now you never will be. But we must say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Vinegar is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine with a natural, cost-effective solution. Whether you're tackling stubborn stains, deodorizing your home, or shining your stainless steel, vinegar is a reliable go-to. So grab that bottle from your pantry and start cleaning your way to a fresher, healthier home!
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