Many people know vinegar can be used to make a variety of DIY cleaning products, but it's still surprising just how versatile this mild acid is. As an inexpensive, widely available, and natural cleaner, switching from cleaners derived from harsh chemicals to white or distilled vinegar is a great way to start trimming a household budget. A little goes a long way as well, and it is advisable to dilute even 5%* concentrations with a bit of water to prevent skin irritation, or damage to the surface being cleaned. Described in this article are three, everyday uses for vinegar as a cleaning solution that we at Cheap and Cheerful utilize in our own home.
Surface cleaner
Vinegar makes an excellent all-purpose surface cleaner, capable of removing dirt, residue, stains, and grease from a variety of surfaces including: tile, glass, stainless steel, counter tops, linoleum, vinyl flooring, Formica and hardwood surfaces. For an easy-to-use and convenient cleaning product, combine water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle (these are widely available at dollar stores, 1 pound stores and other discount outlets). Spray and wipe surfaces, just as you would with a conventional surface cleaner. This solution will easily remove stains, grease and residues, without damaging the surface, exposing you to toxic chemicals or requiring you to scrub really hard.
Vinegar is also useful for eliminating many varieties of molds, and effectively kills about 80% of mold species. In addition to killing mold, vinegar also kills a fairly high percentage of bacteria and germs, making it a great cleaning solution for kitchen surfaces as it is also non-toxic. However, be advised that vinegar does not kill 100% of bacteria, and after handling foods such as raw eggs, raw poultry or raw meat, it is best to clean any surfaces these substances may have come in to contact with a cleaner containing an antimicrobial agent or disinfectant. Take care when using harsher cleaners on kitchen surfaces, as they can be be toxic if ingested.
Vinegar can also be combined with water in a bucket or other container for mopping and scrubbing floors, showers, baths, etc. In addition to removing residues, grease and stains, vinegar is also effective at removing soap scum and mild limescale build-ups.
Deodorizer
Vinegar is a versatile air freshener and deodorizer, and can be used to neutralize odors in drains, carpets, lunchboxes, refrigerators, upholstery, car interiors and rooms.
To deodorize a sink drain, put a couple tablespoons of baking soda in the drain. Then pour in some vinegar. The vinegar will react with the baking soda; allow the baking soda and vinegar to stand for a couple of minutes and follow with less than one cup of boiled water. In addition to deodorizing your sink drain, the fizzing action will remove minor clogs.
To deodorize carpets and upholstery, combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle as mentioned before. Mist the vinegar and water solution over these surfaces to neutralize odors in fabric and carpet fibers.
To deodorize a fridge, wipe it inside and out with a cloth soaked in a vinegar and water solution. Wiping down all the surfaces of the fridge with vinegar will also help to kill and prevent certain types of mold from growing.
To deodorize a car interior or room, place a bowl or pot filled with vinegar and leave for several hours to overnight.
Descaler
In addition to using vinegar to remove limescale from taps, shower heads, tiles, and toilet bowls by either scrubbing or soaking, distilled vinegar can be used to clean all the crud crusted to the bottom of your electric kettle in just the few minutes it takes to boil water. To remove limescale from an electric kettle just add one or two tablespoons of distilled vinegar to the minimum amount of water required for boiling(this should be indicated by a measuring meter on the side or on the handle of the kettle), and boil the water. Leave the boiled water and vinegar to sit overnight. Pour out the boiled water and vinegar in the morning, and rinse out the kettle.
There are certain things this mild acid just doesn't do, like killing 100% of bacteria, so it may not be a substitute for every cleaning product and purpose. However, hopefully these three suggested uses will prove practical for you, and provide you with an inexpensive, natural cleaner to be used in the place of some other harsher cleaning products.
*Most vinegars sold in supermarkets have an acidity level of 5%. Stronger concentrations are available from some retailers, but require careful handling. Concentrations of just 11% acidity can cause burns to the skin and injury to the eyes.
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