13 Ways to Use Vinegar to Clean Tricky Areas at Home
I wasn’t always a fan of cleaning with vinegar, but it works.
I once had a housekeeper who used vinegar just about everywhere in the house. Yes, the smell stuck around for a little over an hour, but she was a professional and the house always looked amazing.
Cleaning gurus always have vinegar on hand for a range of applications. Whether it’s tackling grimy windows or that musty corner in your laundry room, diluting this powerful tool into a water-based solution handles even the toughest messes and odors.
For those looking to up their use of vinegar-based solutions around the house, here are some areas that could be cleaned without turning to chemical-based cleaners.
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Windows
A mix of equal parts water and vinegar cuts through the grime that accumulates on windows. This solution is a staple for eco-friendly cleaning enthusiasts- and is basically akin to homemade Windex. It also leaves a streak-free shine that enhances light and removes any smudges or dirt on reflective or transparent glass.
Washing Produce (Fruits and Veggies)
A gentle rinse in a vinegar-water solution can help remove pesticides from produce. This method is more effective than water alone.
Once you’re done cleaning and cutting your fruits or vegetables, you could use the same mixture to sanitize the cutting boards.
Wood cutting boards are known to absorb harmful bacteria over time. A thorough rinse afterwards ensures it’s ready for your next meal prep.
Kitchen-Based Splatters
A vinegar solution is excellent for wiping down the interior of your refrigerator or cleaning splatters from the inside of your microwave. This not only cleans and naturally disinfects, but also neutralizes odors. Regular cleaning prevents mildew and maintains a fresh environment for your food.
Unclog Drains
Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain, followed by a half cup of baking soda and a vinegar-water mix. Cover the drain; the ensuing reaction helps break down clogs. After five minutes, flush with more boiling water for clear pipes. This tried-and-true method works wonders for refreshing clogged kitchen drains.
Coffee Pot and Mugs
Coffee and tea stains don’t stand a chance against a scrubbing of baking soda and vinegar. This concoction is gentle on your mugs but tough on stains. Rinse them well to see your cups return to their former glory.
Enhance Laundry Colors
Adding half a cup of vinegar to your laundry can brighten colors and whites. It acts as a natural fabric softener and prevents lint from sticking to clothes. The acidic nature of vinegar also breaks down detergent residues, making your clothes softer.
Polish Silverware
To restore the shine to your silverware, soak them in a mixture of 2 cups of warm water and half a cup of white vinegar. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to initiate the fizzing action that pulls tarnish away from silver. Rinse under cold water and dry immediately to see a pristine finish.
Shower Heads
Soaking your shower head in a bag filled with vinegar overnight can remove hard water deposits. This simple trick improves water flow and extends the life of your bathroom fixture. It’s an easy fix for a common problem.
Carpet Stains
Applying a mixture of vinegar and dish soap to carpet stains can lift them without professional cleaning. Blot, don’t rub, to get the best results. This is particularly effective for pet accidents or spilled wine or delicate items.
Garbage Disposals
Running vinegar ice cubes through your garbage disposal cleans and sharpens the blades. This helps break down food debris more effectively.
Additionally, flushing drains with vinegar can help quell unpleasant smells that form from beneath the plug. It’s a natural method that avoids the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products and keeps the kitchen and bathroom smelling fresh.
Plastic Containers
Soaking stained and odorous plastic containers in vinegar can help remove smells and discoloration. It’s particularly effective for containers used to store leftovers. This simple soak can extend the life of your containers.
Extend the Life of Flowers
Adding a tablespoon of vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in a flower vase can prolong the life of cut flowers. This solution mimics the flowers’ natural environment. Change the water every few days to keep blooms vibrant for longer.
Bathroom Tiles
Scrubbing tiles with a vinegar solution is an effective way to remove soap scum and hard water stains. It’s safe to use on most tile materials. This leaves your bathroom looking cleaner and brighter.
In the event, mildew is starting to form, let the scrubbed area sit for about an hour. Scrub lightly with a brush to remove stubborn mildew. This not only cleans but also prevents future growth with regular treatments.
Theresa Bedford is a minimal-ish advocate, storyteller, and wellness enthusiast who believes that simplicity is the key to wellness and a more intentional, fulfilling life. After realizing she was spending too much time searching for things—both physically and mentally—she embraced minimalism, not as a rigid rule, but as a way to create space for what truly matters.
