Vinegar is the unsung household hero and is equally useful for the flavoring of our sauces as it is for cleaning our countertops or removing weeds. It’s safe, effective, cheap, and always in the kitchen to help you clean up between cleaning services. We can use our preferred brand of cleaners for certain chores, but no other product is more reliable than vinegar for a pinch.
The possibilities are endless. However, it’s important to realize that vinegar isn’t suitable for every surface in the home. Learn the ways to clean with vinegar so that you know the ideal time to use the vinegar cleaner and when to look for alternatives.
WHY IS VINEGAR GOOD FOR CLEANING?
There are a variety of vinegar. However, the one that is multi-purpose in several DIY eco-friendly cleansing solutions is white vinegar distilled. It is composed of 5 percent acetic acid and 95 percent water; distilled white vinegar is safe for consumption and is strong enough to scrub. The acidity of vinegar works on dirt and grime by dissolving and releasing the stains to wipe them clean.
WHAT YOU CAN CLEAN WITH VINEGAR
You can make an all-purpose spray of vinegar by mixing one part vinegar and one portion of water. Add some drops of essential oil if you want for a more pleasant smell. The vinegar-based cleaning solution is a great option for cleaning countertops, wiping off mirrors, polishing fixtures, and more. Let’s take a look at various rooms in your home to find out how it fits into your daily cleaning routine.
Vinegar in the Kitchen
Vinegar is a great kitchen cleaner since it’s powerful and non-toxic. It’s not necessary to be concerned about food coming in contact with toxic chemicals, allowing you peace of mind while you tidy up your counters, floors, and appliances.
Here are a few of the most effective ways to use vinegar as a cleaner in the kitchen:
- Clean the interior of the refrigerator
- Microwave the vinegar cleaner in a bowl for about 2-4 minutes to break up dirt on the inside
- Sink and clean countertops
- Descale tea and coffee kettles
- Eliminate stains and odors from food processors
You can also create an easy cleaning solution for glass for windows, as well as dishes with watermarks. It’s effective at getting rid of grime and stains from various kitchen appliances. It can be left for a few minutes in cookware or plastic containers to remove water and grease staining.
Vinegar in the Bathroom
Vinegar’s ability to eliminate odor is a major benefit in bathrooms. Similar to those in kitchens, bathrooms have a variety of non-porous bathroom surfaces that can take care of the vinegar cleaner.
Use these suggestions to wash your bathroom:
- You can get a sparkling shine using vinegar. Bathroom door that is stained with vinegar.
- Clean up hard water stains off drains and faucets by spraying the vinegar spray
- Make sure to soak your showerhead in vinegar for a couple of hours to let it shine.
- Make sure to clean your toilet bowl using half a cup of vinegar.
Vinegar can help break down soap scum, get rid of mildew and mold, and dissolve hard water minerals, which are three vital requirements when tackling the chores of cleaning in between visits to the maid service. Try combining baking soda and vinegar to get extra strength cleaning and deodorizing the bathroom and kitchen.
Vinegar in the Bedroom, Living Room, and Laundry
It is possible to use vinegar in any space and not just on hard surfaces. Add half a cup to your washing machine to give your detergent a boost in color protection. Together with baking soda, it will eliminate odors and stains on your rug or even freshen up the mattress.
WHEN YOU SHOULDN’T USE VINEGAR
Vinegar might sound as if it’s the answer to any problem with cleaning. However, there are a lot of instances where it is advised not to apply vinegar. There are many products you should avoid combining with vinegar. For instance, even though they are a fantastic cleaning combo, when used together, mixing baking soda is a waste of time.
To ensure safety, don’t mix vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. When combined with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, these cleaning chemicals produce hazardous gasses that can cause irritation to eyes, skin and the respiratory system.
The vinegar-based cleaning solution you have been using for years can be harmful to some materials within the home. Here are a few areas to stay clear of the use of vinegar to clean.
Metal Surfaces
Vinegar works well on enameled and stainless steel cast iron surfaces, however it can cause corrosive damage to the majority of metals. Even certain kinds of stainless steel, like smudge-proof stainless and smudge-proof stainless steel, will degrade when exposed to vinegar. Be cautious when using vinegar on appliances, countertops, and appliances.
Stone Countertops
Vinegar’s acidity can be a problem on natural stone countertops. It can scratch the countertops, rip through the sealant’s protective layer and smudge the majority of the shine. Avoid using vinegar on any of the following substances:
- Granite
- Soapstone
- Marble
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Onyx
- Quartz
Instead of using vinegar, you can stick using water along with a towel to remove dirt. Abrasive cleaners are an easy method of destroying many stone fixtures, therefore simple methods are the best method of safeguarding your investment.
Electronic Screens
Vinegar can be a wonderful cleaning agent for glass; however, you are unable to treat electronic screens as you would a regular window. For a safe formula, you can use a mix of one portion of distilled water, and 1 part of isopropyl alcohol. Mix them together in the spray bottle and utilize a microfiber towel to wipe smudges and dust away from your screen.
Wood Floors
As with natural stone, wooden floors are also susceptible to damage caused by vinegar. Acid will dissolve the finish of your floor, making it appear dull and worn. Consult the flooring manufacturer’s suggestions for suitable floor cleaning products.
Targeted Disinfection
One of the many advantages of vinegar as a cleaner, perhaps the most significant, is its safety as a disinfectant. Vinegar has been proven to possess antimicrobial properties and is effective in eliminating many foodborne pathogens, including:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Listeria monocytogenes
Vinegar is an effective way to eliminate many of the germs that are present in your home, which is the reason it’s a great choice to use on kitchen countertops. But, it should not be your primary choice for removing germs, because the product isn’t an FDA-registered disinfectant. If you’re concerned about certain diseases in your home, it is recommended to use a disinfectant that is certified or a service for cleaning that specializes in cleaning and disinfection.