10 Things You Can Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural alternative to chemical filled cleaners you purchase at stores. It is cheap and versatile, plus you don’t have to worry about your family being exposed to toxins. Cleaning vinegar is effective on many surfaces, capable of killing off bacteria and cutting through dirt because of its acidic nature. Here are some common household items you can clean with vinegar:
1 - Shower Heads
To clean your shower head with vinegar, you can remove the shower head or use a bag to hold the vinegar in place. Put vinegar in a pot or a bag and allow the shower head to soak for 30 minutes or longer, especially if it is very grimy. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub away the grime. Rinse well.
2 - Glasses and Dishware
You can clean your glasses and dishware in vinegar as well! One way is to replace the soap you use in a dishwasher with vinegar. Another method is to use vinegar and baking soda. You can add a few teaspoons of vinegar with your dish washing soap to increases its effectiveness. Also, boiling two to three cups of vinegar and soaking greasy pans in it helps to get rid of the stickiness.
3 - Microwave
Put a bowl of vinegar into your microwave with a few drops of lemon essential oil or lemon juice. Microwave for one minute. Open up the microwave and wipe the interior out. The vinegar helps to loosen up any residues left inside.
4 - Windows and Mirrors
To clean windows and mirrors, mix one-part hot water and one-part cleaning vinegar. Moisten the window with the solution using either a spray bottle or a sponge. Then, wipe with a dry cloth or newspaper. Newspaper is known for streak-free cleaning.
5 - Carpet
Carpet stains are frustrating. One way to get rid of them is to sprinkle baking soda over the stain and pour vinegar on top of the baking soda. Allow the vinegar to set for a few moments, then scrub the carpet.
6 - Toilet Bowl
To use vinegar to clean your toilet bowl, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda into the bowl. Then, pour vinegar over the baking soda. It will cause a chemical reaction. Afterwards, scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet brush.
7 - Washing Machine
Put your washing machine on the hottest water setting, highest capacity and longest cycle. Pour four cups of white vinegar in and allow the washing machine to run. Then, open the lid and allow it to set for an hour. After the hour, close the lid and let the cycle finish.
8 - Dishwasher
Using vinegar to clean your dishwasher disinfects and reduces odors that may be trapped inside. First, make sure you clean away any food inside of the dishwasher with a warm, soapy sponge. Then, put a cupful of vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher. Run your dishwasher on the highest heat setting possible. Afterward, wipe the inside with a clean, dry cloth.
9 - Suede
Take a stiff brush and buff the discolored area. Then, take a dry cloth and pat the area with distilled cleaning vinegar. Don’t mix with water; use straight vinegar! You may have to scrub hard in order to get rid of older stains.
10 - Towels
Towels can get dingy over time and hold odors. To really get them clean, skip the detergent and run the towels through two cycles with hot water and a cup of vinegar in your washing machine. On the second wash, use hot water and a half cup of baking soda. It will kick any odors and bring your towels back to life.