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Cleaning with Vinegar

Cleaning with vinegar has become one of the most popular house hold cleaning agents for many reasons. Vinegar cleaning is economical, effective and non-toxic. Here you will find a variety of vinegar cleaning tips dealing with kitchens, bathrooms and more.

The reason cleaning with vinegar is so effective is because it contains a high level of natural acidic properties. Distilled white vinegar should be the only type of vinegar cleaner to use for all cleaning purposes. If you have sensitive skin or are going to be cleaning with vinegar for long periods of time, you may want to wear rubber gloves.

One great way to apply the vinegar cleaner is with a plastic spray bottle. You should have two bottles, one at full strength and the second mixed with 50% vinegar and 50% water. (For best results, always use distilled water when creating a water/vinegar cleaning solution)

Vinegar Odor

The odor associated with vinegar will only last for a short moment. Some people like the smell and others do not. If you do not like the smell don’t worry, it is not permanent.

Cleaning with Vinegar - Kitchen

General surface cleaning: For regular cleaning of counter tops, stove tops, refrigerators and sinks use a 50/50 mix. Use full strength to remove any stubborn food stains.

Microwave: To remove odors and loosen baked on foods, add ½ cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to a microwavable bowl. Set on high and cook the vinegar cleaning solution until it starts to boil. Remove hot solution. Then, spray the inside surfaces with 50/50 mix and wipe clean.

Coffee Makers: To clean and remove hard water deposits: First run 1-2 cups of full strength vinegar through the coffee maker. Then rinse by running fresh cold water through until the vinegar odor is removed.

Sink Garbage Disposal: Clean, disinfect and deodorize. First, pouring a ½ cup of baking soda into disposal. Then add ½ cup of hot full strength vinegar. (You can heat the vinegar in the microwave). Let sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse while running the disposal.

Dishwasher: Add ½ cup full strength vinegar to an empty dishwasher. Then run full cycle.

Cutting Boards: Spray cutting board with full strength vinegar and let stand for 5 minutes, then rinse.


Cleaning with Vinegar – Bathroom

Just like the kitchen, vinegar cleaning works wonders on bathrooms.

Soap Scum: Soap scum is always difficult to remove form tubs, showers, and around faucet fixtures. A mixture of one part salt to four parts undiluted vinegar will give you a great mixture. Spray on the surfaces, let stand for a few minutes and then scrub scrum away with a soft scrub pad.

Help Prevent Mildew: Spray your clean shower or bath tub every week with a 50/50 mix of vinegar to help prevent mildew build up.

Toilet: Use full strength on all surfaces of the toilet. The acidic levels in the vinegar work to kill germs and bacteria.

Calcium Removal: Shower heads and faucet heads that have calcium build up can be removed and soaked in a full strength solution over night. This will loosen the calcium which can then be flushed out with water.

Other General Vinegar Cleaning tips

Cleaning Windows: Vinegar can aid in removing the first stages of hard water mineral build up on a window. You can use full strength or a 50/50 mix depending on how much build up there is. You may need to repeat the process a few times to completely remove the build up.

Tip: try to not get the vinegar cleaner on any exposed rubber seals as it can contribute to the rubber seals drying and cracking in the sun. If you do get the cleaner on the seals, make sure you rinse it thoroughly with distilled water.

Get Rid of Fruit Flies: Pour an undiluted solution into a bowl and set it out where the fruit flies are seen the most. The flies will be attracted to the scent and will come to have there last drink.

Removing Stickers: You’re vinegar cleaner will help to remove stickers from walls, doors, and windows. Spray the stickers with an undiluted solution and let it sit for a few minutes. With a light scrub the sticker should come right off.

As you can see, when you have something in need of cleaning, cleaning with vinegar is a great way to go. You can clean just about anything with the vinegar cleaner.

One Last Vinegar Cleaning Tip:

There are a few things like marble that should not be cleaned with vinegar. The acid in the vinegar can damaged some surfaces so, always check before you clean. As with any type of cleaning solution do some research and if in doubt, always test in an inconspicuous area of whatever you are about to clean.

How To Clean Windows
Window Cleaning Articles
Cleaning with Vinegar


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