You may have heard or read countless times about the cleaning wonders that vinegar helps you achieve. Although many of them are true, you need to know how and where to use vinegar to get those famous spotless results.
Luckily for you, you won't have to spend a minute guessing! Here, you'll find the best ways to include vinegar in your cleaning plans seamlessly.
DIY all-purpose vinegar cleaner recipe
The best thing about vinegar is that its cleaning power comes from its acidic levels, so you really don't need to add many other ingredients to transform it into an effective cleaner.
Make your own DIY vinegar-based cleaner by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle—is that simple! If you want to add a plus to your mixture, you can pour some drops of your favorite essential oil or add some scented herbs.
Although this mixture is multipurpose, there will be times when you'll need a different water-vinegar ratio. You can check case by case below!
Does any type of vinegar work?
Although most of the different kinds of vinegar you use in your house have similar acid levels, most could leave stains on the surfaces you use them.
If you were thinking of industrial-grade vinegar, you should know that it has a very high acidic concentration that will quickly damage surfaces if not used properly. So, we recommend sticking to regular white vinegar for the best results!
Cleaning the bathroom with vinegar
Vinegar is the perfect solution against limescale (those chalky white clumps often found near water sources), so using it to clean your bathroom is a no-brainer. Here are the bathroom areas where vinegar is most effective:
- Shower heads. To clean these fixtures, you'll need to cover them with a bag filled with vinegar for at least eight hours. After time's up, ditch the vinegar and brush the shower head with a soft toothbrush. Then, let hot water run to unclog the holes.
- Bathtubs and sinks. Tubs are more prone to accumulating limescale over time due to the constant flow of water and splashes. Just sprinkle your favorite DIY vinegar mixture, wait 15 minutes, and wipe away the grime.
- Toilet. Limescale can be present along the water's edge or at the bottom of the bowl. Drain your toilet until it is almost empty, and pour a similar amount of vinegar. Spread it through the bowl with your toilet brush and let it rest for an hour. After the wait, flush to finish.
Cleaning the kitchen with vinegar
Having a clean kitchen is essential to have a healthy household. Besides its cleaning power, vinegar also acts as a light disinfectant that will help you keep your space at a higher cleaning level.
- Stove. As an appliance that's constantly near your food, keeping it germ-free is key. Luckily, vinegar works for cleaning flat-top stoves and gas burners. Just spritz your vinegar-water mix, wait 10 minutes, and scrub with soapy water and a gentle pad.
- Pots and pans. Stoves may be close to food, but pots and pans touch it directly! Disinfect these cookware items by pouring your 50/50 water-vinegar mixture into them and heating them on the stove until they boil. Once done, just wash them as usual.
- Plastic chopping boards. All those little cuts caused by the constant use of the knife can harbor germs. Get rid of bacteria by submerging your boards in vinegar for at least 10 minutes. Then, scrub them and wash them with dish soap.
- Microwave. Did you know vinegar can make cleaning this handy appliance easier? Fill a small bowl with vinegar and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Wait for a little time to let the steam build up, and then wipe the inside of your appliance.
Other things you can clean with vinegar
Vinegar cleaning isn't limited to your bathroom or kitchen; there are other items and areas around your home that can be conveniently cleaned with a homemade vinegar cleaner. Here are the ones where you'll find vinegar very useful:
- Mirrors and windows. Prepare your 50/50 water and vinegar mixture and spray it in your mirrors. Quickly wipe with a dampened cloth and then dry to avoid streaks.
- Floors. Pour in a bucket ½ a cup of vinegar for every gallon of warm water. Mop your floors as you normally do, and rinse with clean water at the end.
- Laundry. You can spray a mixture of vinegar and water (equal amounts) on the stained spots on your clothes before tossing them in the washing machine—they'll disappear more easily. Also, you can use it to get rid of armpit odors!
Don'ts of cleaning with vinegar
Vinegar works like a charm to make many cleaning tasks much easier. However, there are some instances where its use is not the most convenient thing to do. It can even be dangerous!
Don't use it on modern electronic screens
Old TVs' glass screens were basically the same as windows, which allowed people to use virtually any cleaner on them. However, modern screens have special coatings that vinegar could damage or strip away.
TVs, touch screens, phone screens, PC monitors, laptops, and car displays are just a few of the many electronic screens you should avoid cleaning with vinegar. Although diluted vinegar is less acidic than undiluted, it's best not to risk your belongings!
Don't use it on stone or wood surfaces
Vinegar's cleaning power derives from its acidic properties. Said properties can erode, stain, or cause other kinds of damage on stone and unfinished wood surfaces. Even if the material has a protective layer (like finished wood), don't get too confident—vinegar could wear it down.
Don't mix it with hydrogen peroxide or bleach
When it comes to cleaning, it's best to keep cleaners separated. Mixing chemicals has negative results, ranging from mild discomfort for people to severe health problems.
In the realm of dangerous consequences, mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide or bleach is at the top. The resulting compounds can irritate your skin, and the fumes can cause eye, throat, and lung damage. In the worst of cases, inhaling those fumes can end in death.
Rain City Maids is the multipurpose solution you're looking for!
Using vinegar to clean your home is a smart choice, but even smarter is to hire Rain City Maids! Our cleaners are prepared to tackle most cleaning scenarios with ease. We'll cover all your cleaning needs during every visit, saving you many scrubbing hours—satisfaction is guaranteed!
