Did you know that you can replace several of your chemically-made cleaning products with just one vinegar? When diluted with water, or mixed with baking soda, vinegar becomes a power cleaning agent that can be used all around your house, from the kitchen to the bathroom, as well as for laundry.
It is an inexpensive all-in-one cleaner that can remove limescale, loosen dirt and grime, and also neutralise smells and odours.
Here’s a guide to vinegar’s various uses, plus some handy tips and tricks.
- Cleaning uses
- All-purpose cleaner: Instead of using your different chemical cleaners in your kitchen and bathroom, vinegar is a natural all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean kitchen counters, sinks, and floors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and watch it cut through grease and grime. Avoid using it on natural stone, as it can damage the surface.
- Window and glass cleaner: Use this mixture to also make your mirrors and windows streak-free. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a spotless finish.
- Descale appliances: Vinegar does an excellent job removing limescale and mineral deposits. Run a vinegar and water solution through your coffee makers, kettles, and dishwashers to have them working like new again.
- Bathroom cleaner: Vinegar and baking soda make an even more powerful combination. Use them to tackle soap scum and hard water stains on tiles, faucets, and showerheads. Leave the solution on for a few minutes and then scrub gently with a soft cloth.
- Microwave cleaner: Heat a bowl of vinegar and water in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away.
- Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or lavender, to your vinegar cleaning solution to mask the smell and leave a pleasant fragrance.
- Deodorising
- Remove fridge odours: Place a small bowl of vinegar in the fridge to absorb bad smells. Replace every few days to keep your fridge fresh.
- Deodorise trash cans: Spray a vinegar and water solution inside your trash can and let it dry to reduce odours.
- Pet odours remover: Clean pet bedding, crates, and litter boxes with a vinegar solution to eliminate unwanted smells.
- Carpet deodoriser: For stubborn odours, spray vinegar directly on carpets and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a damp cloth. This can help lift odours from the fibres.
- Freshen shoes: For shoes that need freshening up, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz the insides. Let them air dry to reduce odours.
- Laundry uses
- Fabric softener: Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener. This can also reduce static cling and make clothes fluffier.
- Odour remover: Vinegar helps eliminate strong smells from clothes, such as smoke or sweat. Add a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle for better odour control.
- Whiten and brighten: To brighten whites, add half a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. The acidity helps break down detergent residues and minerals.
- Prevent lint and pet hair: Adding vinegar in the rinse cycle can reduce static cling, preventing lint and pet hair from sticking to clothes.
- Tip: Avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as the acidity can damage these fibres.
- Kitchen uses
- Fruit and veggie wash: Rather than using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to clean your fruits and vegetables, soak them in a solution of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for a few minutes to remove pesticide residue and bacteria.
- Clean cutting boards: Spray a mixture of vinegar and water on cutting boards to sanitize them naturally after cutting raw foods.
- Deodorise your sink drain: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain, then rinse with hot water. This does the work of the chemically made Dranex and will help keep your drain fresh and unclogged.
- Egg poaching: Add a splash of vinegar to simmering water to help poached eggs hold their shape.
- Meat tenderiser: Use vinegar to tenderise meat by adding a tablespoon to marinades. The acidity breaks down proteins, making the meat softer.
Vinegar is literally an all-purpose natural cleaner that you can use in your kitchen, bathroom and for laundry purposes. Plus, it is affordable and eco-friendly and can replace many store-bought products that have chemicals in them.
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