Cleaning With Vinegar
When we typically think of cleaning we tend to gravitate to brand name household cleaners that we find at our supermarket. But did you know that you have one of the oldest used cleaning products right in your pantry that is commonly used in salad dressings? If you guessed white vinegar you are right.
White vinegar is a staple in most households and can do so much more than help dress up a salad. Here we will outline 12 ways you can use white vinegar to clean your home and kill germs.
In the kitchen:
Sink pipes. If you noticed your sink is draining slower than usual there is no need to call a plumber. Pour down 1 litre of boiling water followed by a mixture of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar (1 cup each will do). Cover the drain with a stopper and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Finish off by flushing down some boiling water and your sink will be as good as new.
Food spills in the fridge. There is no reason to pull out the harsh cleaner when it comes to a dirty fridge. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar to create your own safe and all natural food stain remover.
Cutting boards. They are a staple in the kitchen but are a pain to clean. If you have a wooden cutting board, spray the board with pure white vinegar and wipe clean.
In the bathroom:
Tiles and grout. White vinegar is safe to use in a diluted or pure form. Keep vinegar in a spray bottom and spray directly on tiled walls, the walls of your slower, and the grout to remove dirt and meldrew build up.
Shower head. Have you noticed that your shower head has a trickle instead of a steady stream? Pour some white vinegar into a plastic bag and secure it to your showerhead with a rubber band or some tape. Be sure to make sure there's enough vinegar so the whole shower head is submerged. Leave the bag overnight. Remove the next morning just before showering.
General build up. If you have build up around your sink faucet or toilet of soap scum or dirt, spray pure white vinegar onto the surface. Let the solution sit for 5 minutes and wipe clean.
In laundry:
Stinky odours. Put away the harsh laundry detergent and add half a cup of white vinegar to your load of laundry to eliminate the odours in mildew-ridden towels and stinky gym clothes. Your clothes will not smell like vinegar but if you are worried you can always add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Make those whites white. Ever notice how after a few wears your favorite white shirt is not as bright any more? Well, there is no need to visit the dry cleaner. Boil a pot of water and add a cup of white vinegar. Let fabrics soak overnight (and toss into the washer) for the best results.
Cleaning your washing machine. It is probably one of the most overlooked appliances in your home. Soap scum and mineral deposits can build up in the hoses of your washer if they are not cleaned properly. 4 times a year, run a full cycle of hot water and 1 cup white vinegar.
In every room of your home:
Hardwood floors. Want your hardwood floors to shine and look brand new? Fill a bucket with one gallon of water and one-half cup of white vinegar and start scrubbing. Be sure to do a patch test before doing the entire floor.
Glass. Move over, glass cleaner! Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray on the glass you wish to clean, wipe down with a cloth or paper towel and all your glass surfaces will shine.
General disinfectant. Cleaning and sanitizing are all the rage these days, but harsh cleaning products can be harmful to your skin and even hard to find these days. Mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar to wipe down commonly used surfaces such as phones, doorknobs and light switches.
Now that you know the wonders of white vinegar and how it can help make cleaning easier, cleaning should not be as daunting. Happy disinfecting!
