Introduction
White vinegar is a versatile and effective ingredient that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. In addition to being inexpensive and easy to find, vinegar is also safe for use around children and pets, making it a popular choice for many households. Here are ten surprising ways to use vinegar in your cleaning routine.
1. Clean Your Microwave
If your microwave is looking a little worse for wear, vinegar can help. Simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl and heat it in the microwave carefully. The steam will help loosen any built-up grime, making it easy to wipe clean with a cloth or sponge.
2. Unclog Your Drain
Clogged drains can be a real pain, but vinegar can help. Simply pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then flush it with hot water. This will help dissolve any clogs and leave your drains running smoothly.
3. Remove Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains can be unsightly and difficult to remove, but vinegar can help. Simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a cloth or sponge.
4. Clean Your Dishwasher
Your dishwasher may look clean, but it can still harbour grime and build-up. To clean it, simply place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run the dishwasher on a normal cycle. The vinegar will help dissolve any build-up, leaving your dishwasher looking and smelling fresh.
5. Shine Your Stainless Steel
Stainless steel can look great when it’s clean, but it can easily become dull and smudged. To get it looking its best, simply wipe it down with a cloth or sponge soaked in white vinegar. The acid in the vinegar will help remove any smudges and leave your stainless steel shining.
6. Clean Your Windows
Dirty windows can be a real eyesore, but vinegar can help. Simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray it on your windows. Wipe away with a squeegee or cloth to get them looking crystal clear.
7. Deodorise Your Carpet
Carpets can easily become musty and smelly, but vinegar can help. Simply mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water in a spray bottle, then spray it on your carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum up. This will help remove any odours and leave your carpets smelling fresh.
8. Get Rid of Rust
Rust can be a real pain, but vinegar can help. Simply soak a cloth or sponge in vinegar, then place it on the rust spot. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away. Repeat as needed until the rust is gone.
9. Clean Your Coffee Maker
Your coffee maker may look clean, but it can harbour bacteria and build-up. To clean it, simply fill the water reservoir with equal parts water and white vinegar, then run it through a brewing cycle. Once the cycle is complete, run a few cycles of just water to remove any remaining vinegar.
10. Remove Stickers and Adhesive Residue
Stickers and adhesive residue can be difficult to remove, but vinegar can help. Simply soak a cloth or sponge in white vinegar, then place it on the residue. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away. Repeat
Vinegar Warning
Whilst we are talking about the uses of vinegar it’s also worth noting that it is an acid and isn’t suitable for all surfaces. For example, you shouldn’t use it on quartz, granite, marble, natural stone etc… You should always test your vinegar solution on a discreet part of any material you are looking to use it on to make sure it doesn’t damage the material.
You should always use white vinegar for cleaning. Brown vinegar has colouring in it which can stain.