10 Things You Can Clean With White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerhouse of eco friendly cleaning products. It is more than just a salad dressing and an extra condiment. From tacking pet stains to polishing mirrors and banishing mould stains, vinegar has tons of cleaning uses around the home. The acetic acid, with a pH of around 2.5 to 3, makes it an effective solution for combating grease, grime and gunk from different surfaces.

When used properly, it can be your budget friendly and natural alternative to ammonia based cleaning products. However, you must use it cautiously, especially on delicate surfaces. It can etch or dull the natural stone surfaces, strip the finish of hardwood floors, or cause corrosion on cast iron.

Thus, it becomes difficult to determine what to clean and what to skip when using such acidic products. Worry not! We bring you a list of 10 things you can easily clean with white vinegar. Although it is environmentally safe, ensure you do a patch test to prevent potential damage or discolouration.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Spot Clean Carpets and Rugs

Accidental spills, splatters and pet stains are unavoidable. To treat it immediately, mix one part of warm water with one part of vinegar and mix it well. Spray it on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes or until you blot it with a clean cloth. This hack will lift the grime effortlessly, leaving your delicate carpets fresh and fluffy.

Tip: Always blot the stain instead of rubbing it, as abrasive scrubbing can cause the stain to penetrate deeper into the fabrics, making it harder to remove with natural cleaners.

2. Achieve Streak Free Windows

Neat and gleaming windows can enhance your home’s overall look and feel. Unfortunately, the dust, bird droppings, dust buildup and stubborn stains can make them look dull and dingy. To revamp your windows naturally, mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water, and add a few drops of mild dish soap liquid. Mix it well and spray it on the window screens, sills, frames, and crannies. For scrubbing, use a sponge and gently scrub from top to bottom for spotless results. Ensure you run a rubber squeegee to achieve that streak free and shiny results.

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3. Unclog and Clean Drains

Instead of using expensive drain cleaner, pour half a cup of baking soda down the kitchen or bathroom drain. This will break down grease, grime and gunk. Next, pour a cup of vinegar to banish stubborn stains. Let it fizz for 10 minutes. Lastly, flush with hot water and you are ready with a clear and fresh smelling drain in your home.

4. De Grease Your Oven and Stovetop

Regular cleaning of the oven and stovetop can prevent grease, grime, and carbon buildups. To restore the pristine shine, apply baking soda and water paste inside the appliance. Before that, remove and soak the grills in a vinegar and warm water solution.

Next, spray vinegar inside the oven to break down stubborn stains and sauce splatters. Ensure you scrub using a sponge and wipe down with a damp cloth.  For a grease stovetop, spray the solution and leave it an hour before scrubbing with a soft bristled brush. You can also clean rangehood filters to remove buildup grease and grime.

5. Steam Clean Your Microwave

Banish burnt food particles, oil splatters and tough stains from your microwave in easy steps using white vinegar and lemon.

• Take a microwaveable bowl and add equal parts of vinegar and water
• Add a teaspoon of lemon juice
• Heat this solution in the microwave for 3-4 minutes.
• Leave the door closed for another 10 minutes.
• The steam will break down stubborn stains and bad odours effectively.
• Scrub the surface using a sponge or a microfiber cloth (except for heating coils)
• Cover nooks and crannies
• Wipe down the appliance with a damp cloth.
• Clean the exterior part as well

6. Remove Limescale From Showerhead and Faucets

Believe it or not! The acid in vinegar can do wonders in dissolving soap scum, limescale and calcium deposits from your bathroom fixtures and fittings. You can clean the showerhead and faucets like a pro. Soak a paper towel in vinegar and drape around the faucet for an hour. Then, wipe away the gunk with a brush or cloth.

You can also soak showerhead in vinegar and baking soda solution overnight. This will help you save a lot of time and energy.

7. Combat Upholstery Stains

This magical cleaning ingredient can be a great solvent for cleaning certain types of upholstery furniture. You can clean synthetic fabrics, cotton blends, microfiber couches, etc. Spot clean to remove pet stains and grime. However, it is always good to read the care label and patch test to prevent permanent damage.

Note: Do not use it on silk, wool, faux and leather upholstery, as it can damage the fibres or cause discolouration.

8. Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

White vinegar works amazingly on ceramic and porcelain tiles. It can help remove soap scum, mould, mildew and hard water stains easily. Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle. Next, spray it on the tiles and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Lastly, scrub with a brush or cloth.

Note: Do not apply it on limestone, granite and other natural stone surfaces or unsealed grout.

9. Remove Rust Stains From Toilet

This powerful product can tackle rust stains and calcium deposits from your toilet seat. Pour a cup of vinegar down the bowl and close the lid for a few minutes. Next, sprinkle baking soda and close the lid again for 10 minutes. Next, scrub every nook and cranny with a toilet brush and flush to rinse. This will help you maintain hygiene at home across seasons.

10. Clean Vinyl, Concrete and Linoleum Floors

You can use vinegar to clean certain types of hard floors. This includes vinyl, concrete, laminate and linoleum floors. Mix half a cup of vinegar in one gallon of warm water and spot clean the surface to restore an ultimate shine.

However, avoid using it on hardwood and natural stone floors as it can etch the surface or cause permanent warping.

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How to use White Vinegar around Home?

Wrapping up

Sustainable cleaning has become the need of the hour, and white vinegar is one product that can help you clean your home without using harsh chemicals. This magical ingredient can tackle dirt, grime, grease, and stubborn stains to create a healthier and spotless home environment.