No matter the room in your home, white vinegar is a go-to solution for a cleaner, fresher space without using harsh cleaning chemicals.
NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — No matter the room in your home, white vinegar is a go-to solution for a cleaner, fresher space without using harsh cleaning chemicals.
If you want to disinfect the kitchen to freshen the upholstery, the acidic property in white vinegar makes the solution achieve several cleaning needs all over the house.
Flooring expert and founder of Ultimate Mats, David Chapman, has expert insight into ingenious ways to use white vinegar as a cleaning regime for a sparkling home.
Here are 10 different ways you can incorporate white vinegar into your cleaning products.
You can use it to scrub kitchen countertops. The pH level makes it a great cleaning solution for cutting through grease and grime. However, it would be best if you didn’t use white vinegar on granite or marble counters. To make a solution, add equal measures of white vinegar and warm water to a spray bottle, give it a quick shake, and it’s ready to go. Make sure to wipe counters with water after each use.
White vinegar is also good for neutralizing pet odors on carpets and rugs. Since the odors are hard to remove, especially after an accident, the smell of white vinegar neutralizes the odor. You need a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. When you’re ready to use it, spray the solution onto the area, leave it to sit for 10 minutes, and blot with a damp cloth.
The third thing is deodorizing the microwave. Food smells can linger and are hard to get rid of. To deodorize the microwave, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of warm water in a microwaveable bowl. Then, microwave the bowl for three to five minutes and leave it to sit for another 15 minutes. After that’s down, take a damp cloth and use the solution to wipe the remaining food stains.
You can also clean windows with the solution for a streak-free shine. Use equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, you can add a few drops of dish soap to cut through grease and grime. Spray onto windows and wipe with a damp cloth or towel.
White vinegar can be used to descale stainless steel pots and pans. The acidity makes the perfect solution to remove traces of food or other marks, leaving them shiny and looking brand-new. Add equal parts water and white vinegar to the pans, add a few drops of lemon juice, and boil the solution. Then, leave it to rest for about 10 minutes before emptying. Wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove excess food.
The sixth use is to kill mold and mildew. The pH level means that it can prevent the growth and kill mold. Spray undiluted white vinegar on the area and leave it to sit for one hour. After that hour, the mold should have fully absorbed the vinegar. You can then create a solution of water water and one tablespoon of baking soda, and spray it onto the mold before scrubbing with a sponge or scouring pad.
You can also use it to mop the floors, but you should be mindful of the materials. The solution consists of white vinegar and warm water. But you should be aware of the acidity since it can damage hardwood floors. To avoid stripping the coating, the solution should be highly diluted, so only use about 1/2 cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. Make sure to not soak the floor, so ring the mop out frequently. For a fresh scent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
White vinegar can also be used to freshen upholstery. You need to mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray your upholstery. No need to worry about the smell because when it dries, the vinegar smell dissipates.
Leave the bathroom sparkling when you use white vinegar. For the toilet, pour a generous amount into the toilet bowl and leave it to sit overnight without flushing, in the morning, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda and scrub with a brush. For the taps, mix equal parts white vinegar with warm water and soak a cloth in the solution. For the showerhead, pour some white vinegar into a plastic bag and tie it around the showerhead, leave it to sit overnight before removing and rinsing thoroughly.
Finally, white vinegar can kill weeds in the garden. Mix one gallon of white vinegar with one cup of salt and leave the solution to sit for a few minutes, then add a small amount of dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray and spray the weeds. Now, this will only kill the exposed part, the root will remain and will need to be treated again.