5 Things You Didn't Know You Could Clean With Vinegar
Keeping harsh cleaning chemicals out of the home
Distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar can be a great alternative to using harsh chemicals when cleaning. Because of it's high acid content vinegar can tackle all sorts of tough jobs from breaking up the minerals that build up on tea kettles, to softening the gunk in your microwave. *Never mix vinegar and chemical cleaners which, when combined, produce toxic fumes*
1. Windows, Counters, Fixtures
- 1/2 tsp Dawn dishwashing liquid
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar (fornd in the cleaning products isle)
- 2/1/2 C water
- Spray Bottle
Spray the solution on the soild surfaces, then wipe away. Simple as that!
2. Soap Scum Remover
- Equal parts white or cleaning vinegar, dishwashing liquid, and water
- Spray bottle
Spray the solution on the soiled surface, allowing it to sit for about 1 minute, then scrub with a soft bristled brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel to prevent water spots.
3. Floor Cleaner- vinegar can be used on floors, including most hardwood floors, vinyl tile, and laminate wood floors, but check with the manufacturer if you have concerns about whether vinegar is safe for your specific floor.
- Bucket filled with 1 gallon of warm water
- 1/2 cup white or cleaning vinegar
- Sponge or microfiber mop
If you rinse the mop head often and keep your water clean, you will not need to rinse the floor as the solution will not leave residue or streaks.
4. Tea Kettle
- Pour enough vinegar in the kettle to cover the area with scale on it.
- Let soak overnight.
- Rinse with water.
- Done!
5. Microwave
- microwaveable bowl
- 2 C water
- 1/4 C white or cleaning vinegar
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 1-2 minuites or until the mixture boils and steams up the interior of the appliance. Leave the door closed for 10-15 minutes so the steam can loosen the splatters on the inside of the microwave. When the steam has disipated, open the door and use a sponge to wipe off the interior of the microwave and the glass turntable.
While vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent for many items int the home, there are some things you just shouldn't clean with vinegar. Electronics, natural stone countertops and flooring, cast iron, stainless steel kitchen knives and appliances, waxed and unfinished wood surfaces, and rubber gaskets and hoses all can be damaged by the acid in vinegar. If you have a question about whether or not vinegar is safe to use on an item, test it on a small area that is not going to show if it does causde damage.
Using vinegar can be a wonderful alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and is great way to help keep your home clean and healthy.
