While it may not be exactly news, did you know that vinegar isn’t just a cooking ingredient, but a surprisingly effective all-purpose cleaner? Yes, it is true. Vinegar is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and relatively inexpensive, powerful cleaning agent.
The main benefit? It is extremely versatile. From kitchens to bathrooms, windows to laundry, vinegar can replace many different products. In this article, we are going to discuss 11 amazing vinegar hacks that will help you utilize vinegar in the best possible manner. So, let’s get started!
Why is Vinegar a Powerful Cleaner?
Studies have proven that white vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which means it has a low pH of about 2.4. So, because of its acidic nature, vinegar can easily dissolve mineral deposits (limescale and soap scum) and cut through grease in no time. Some other reasons why many people love using vinegar as a cleaner are because vinegar is:
- Non-Toxic – safe around kids, pets, and that great-aunt’s antique table
- Super-Inexpensive – costs me practically pennies per use compared to expensive cleaners
- All-Purpose – 1 bottle replaces about 10 specialty products
- Environmentally Friendly – no harsh chemicals flowing down your drain.
All in all, vinegar is a simple, inexpensive solution that works, naturally. Now let’s go through our 11 amazing vinegar hacks one by one.
11 Amazing Vinegar Cleaning Hacks
With a better understanding of why vinegar’s acidity makes for such an excellent cleaner, let’s put its cleaning power to work around the house. Just follow the following 11 amazing vinegar hacks because each tip is a do-it-yourself way to clean, deodorize, or freshen up your home with this simple, eco-friendly liquid.
1 – Eliminate Odors:
The ultimate solution for getting rid of odors is by using straight vinegar. Just mix ½ cup of white vinegar into ½ cup of water and boil on the stovetop for 10–15 minutes and then open your windows. Boiling vinegar will get rid of all the ador. Moreover, you can simply place a bowl of white vinegar in a stinky room (kitchen, pet area, musty basement) and let the acid of vinegar eliminate odors rather than masking them.
2 – Clean Glass and Mirrors:
Even a wipe with straight vinegar (not mixed with water) can leave glass sparkling because the acid breaks down residue for a streak-free shine. But if you want an exact recipe, just mix 1 part distilled white vinegar and 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray your solution on windows, mirrors, or glass tables, and wipe with a lint-free cloth. The vinegar’s acid cuts through fingerprints and grease, and won’t leave streaks.
3 – Fight Mold with Vinegar Scrub:
Vinegar is also a great tool for mold and mildew. Pour undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray wherever you see the mold (shower tile, grout, window sills, etc.). Allow it to sit for 30-60 minutes, scrub, and rinse with water. The mold will go away.
4 – Unclog Drains:
It is an old trick in the kitchen to use vinegar and baking soda to clear a slow drain. Here is the process:
- Start by boiling a pot of water and pouring it down the drain.
- Dump 1 cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Immediately pour in 1 cup of vinegar (you may dilute in 1 cup of water if desired).
- Cover the drain, and let it fizz for 5–10 minutes.
- Flush the drain again with another pot of boiling water to wash the loosened gunk through.
Keep in mind, you may still need a plumbing snake or another commercial product for very tough clogs if this homemade cleaning solution doesn’t work.
5 – Soothe Insect Bites:
If you have an insect bite, soak a cotton ball or washcloth in vinegar and hold it against the bite area for a few minutes. The acid in the vinegar will neutralize irritants and reduce the swelling and soothe the sting.
As always, stop using altogether if your skin reacts or irritation worsens.
6 – Freshen up the Laundry:
Vinegar is a wonderful laundry booster. Just add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar either to the rinse cycle (or detergent compartment) of your washer. The vinegar will neutralize odors and help clear away soap residue, leaving your laundry fresh as new.
7 – Clean Microwave with Vinegar:
Vinegar steam-cleaning is the best method to remove splatters and smells when microwaving. Just take a microwave safe bowl and fill it with 1 cup of water, and about 1 -2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Put in the microwave and turn on the microwave on high power for 2 minutes. Keep the microwave door closed for another 5 minutes. After that, open the microwave and use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe it clean.
8 – Disinfect Cutting Boards:
Disinfecting a cutting board with white vinegar is definitely a smart move.
- If you have a plastic or silicone cutting board, pour undiluted vinegar on the cutting board or soak in some vinegar in a solution for about 5 minutes. After that, scrub or rinse and dry the cutting board.
- If you have a wooden cutting board, just wipe it with vinegar, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and rinse thoroughly. It will be as good as new.
Bonus: It also removes minor stains.
9 – Remove Rust Stains:
If you are trying to clean rusty pans, sinks, or fixtures, just soak a rag or a paper towel in white vinegar and lay the rag over the rusty stain. Leave it for several hours and scrub the area with a brush or sponge to get rid of the rust. Repeat the vinegar application and soak overnight if the rust is particularly stubborn.
10 – Clean Kettles with Vinegar Cleaner:
If you want to remove mineral scale from a kettle, use this descaling trick that uses vinegar only:
- First, ensure the kettle is unplugged.
- Fill the kettle approximately ¾ full of equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Bring to a boil, turn the kettle off, and let it sit and cool for 30 minutes.
- Finally, pour out the vinegar and rinse the kettle out several times with fresh water.
The acid in the vinegar will break down the limescale deposits of hard water from the inside of the kettle.
11 – Disinfect Toys:
Vinegar is also a very good disinfectant and sanitizing agent for many toys. For soft plastic or hard-surface toys, just wet a cloth with white vinegar and wipe them off. The vinegar will take off sticky residue and may kill some of the germs naturally. After wiping, rinse them off or wipe again with water and air dry.
Conclusion – 11 Amazing Vinegar Hacks
It is safe to say that now you can forget about all of the fancy cleaning products because your best cleaner is in your pantry. Vinegar’s acetic acid is a miracle worker. It neutralizes odors, kills mold, softens laundry, and removes grease without any of the harsh chemicals or extra load on your budget. So, try these 11 amazing vinegar hacks today and let us know what worked best for you.