The same vinegar that you may already have in your pantry can be used to clean many areas of your home or business. Vinegar is an acetic acid, which is made by fermenting diluted alcohols. Acetic acids are also in many types of store-bought cleaning products.
However, the products purchased in stores often have harsh and potentially harmful chemicals in them. These chemicals are associated with respiratory distress, skin and eye irritation, nausea, headaches and more.
Vinegar is effective at cleaning numerous hard surfaces and is tough on dirt, mildew, bacteria and other types of filth. This natural product lacks the harmful chemicals that store-bought products have, making it a superior option. What should you know about cleaning with vinegar?
Types of Vinegar Suitable for Cleaning
When cleaning with vinegar, the type of vinegar used matters. Apple cider vinegar and wine-based vinegars should be avoided as these can stain some surfaces. Distilled white vinegar is preferred because it cuts through grime without causing stains.
Cleaning vinegar is another option that is more powerful. Distilled white vinegar has 5% acetic acid while cleaning vinegar has 6%. This may not seem like a major difference, but cleaning vinegar is substantially more powerful and should be used with care.
Preparing Vinegar Cleaning Solutions
An all-purpose cleaning solution is made with one part vinegar and one part distilled white vinegar. This is suitable to use on glass, ceramic tile, cutting boards, some types of countertops and other surfaces.
For added cleaning power, a few drops of liquid dish soap can be added to the solution. The dish soap component enhances stain-fighting power. This is effective for spot-cleaning carpeting and rugs as well as for cleaning some types of hard floors.
You can also combine baking soda and vinegar to tackle a dirty, stinky drain or garbage disposal. To clean the toilet with vinegar, add a cup of vinegar to the water tank. Let the toilet sit undisturbed overnight. In the morning, scrub the tank and toilet bowl with baking soda. Then, flush the toilet to rinse out the vinegar and baking soda.
Your dishwasher and microwave can also be cleaned with vinegar. Pour vinegar into a small saucer. Place the saucer upright in an empty dishwasher, and run a complete cycle. After doing so, wipe down the interior to remove grime.
To clean the microwave, pour a cup of vinegar in a microwave-safe container. Turn on the microwave until the glass steams up. Wait several minutes before opening the microwave door to let the vinegar steam work its magic. Then, wipe down the microwave.
Many people dislike the smell of vinegar. To improve the scent, add approximately 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to your cleaning solution.
Household Surfaces and Items You Can Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile and safe cleaning agent for many household surfaces and items. However, it’s important to do some research and test a small area of the surface before using vinegar for the first time to ensure it won’t cause damage.
Here’s a list of items you can clean with vinegar: toilets, tubs and showers, drains, showerheads, carpeting and rugs, wood flooring, tile, mattresses, glass, wood furniture, laundry, countertops, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, cutting boards, and plastic food storage containers.
Do’s & Don’ts When Cleaning with Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful, natural cleaning product that has numerous uses. What else should you know before cleaning with vinegar?
Do:
- Dilute vinegar before cleaning with it.
- Research the appropriate dilution ratio before cleaning a new surface.
- Clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free and lint-free shine.
Don’t:
- Mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia.
- Clean natural stone with vinegar.
- Clean electronics screens with vinegar.
- Clean waxed or unfinished wood with vinegar.
- Clean cast iron with vinegar.
Cleaning your space with a homemade vinegar solution is a safe and effective option. However, you don’t have to do the cleaning yourself to avoid introducing harsh chemicals to your space. At Tidyhere, we offer green home and commercial cleaning services throughout the Boston area. Book your first cleaning with us today!
