11 Things You Can Wash With Vinegar
Beyond its culinary applications, vinegar is a multifaceted gem that excels in the realm of household cleaning. Its acidity makes it an potent natural solution for tackling a wide range of tasks, from laundry to appliance maintenance and stain removal, without relying on harsh chemicals. This eco-friendly and budget-friendly approach to cleaning offers numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact and healthier living spaces.
With its versatility and effectiveness in keeping your home spotless, discover 11 surprising ways vinegar can be used as a natural cleaning agent.
Washing Machine
To give your washing machine a thorough cleaning and eliminate any lingering odors or residues, try running a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar. This simple trick can help break down mineral deposits, remove built-up soap scum, and leave your machine feeling refreshed and smelling clean. By tackling these common issues head-on, you’ll be able to enjoy better wash performance, reduced maintenance needs, and a fresher overall experience.
Kettle
For effortless descaling and cleaning, combine equal parts water and white vinegar in your kettle and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to simmer for 60 minutes, allowing the acid in the vinegar to break down any limescale buildup. Once the hour has passed, thoroughly rinse your kettle with fresh water to remove any remaining impurities, restoring its efficiency and functionality.
Coffee Maker
To give your coffee maker a thorough cleaning, combine one part white vinegar with one part water in a reservoir or water tank. Then, brew the mixture through your machine using its built-in cycle. This solution will help dissolve any mineral deposits and coffee oils that may have accumulated inside the device. After completing the brewing process, run a few cycles of plain water through the machine to rinse it thoroughly and remove any remaining vinegar taste.
Grease Stains on Light Coloured Shirts
When dealing with stubborn grease stains on light-colored shirts, consider applying a small amount of vinegar directly to the affected area before tossing them in the washing machine. The acidity in the vinegar works to break down the grease, allowing it to be more easily removed during the wash cycle and leaving your clothes looking their best.
Dishwasher
To give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning and elimination of odors, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a complete cycle without any dishes. This simple trick not only cleans but also deodorizes the interior, removing any stubborn buildup that may be affecting its performance and overall freshness. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy a cleaner, fresher dishwasher and improved results in your daily cleaning tasks.
Windows
Achieve crystal-clear windows without streaks by combining equal measures of vinegar and water to create a potent cleaning solution. Simply spray this concoction onto the window surface, then gently wipe it away using a soft cloth or paper towel. This effective blend effortlessly breaks down dirt and grime, resulting in sparkling clean windows that shine like new.
Microwave
Microwave steaming is a surprisingly effective way to deep clean your oven’s interior without resorting to harsh chemicals or elbow grease. To do it, start by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, heat the solution for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a rolling boil and steam starts to billow out of the window.
As the steam fills the oven cavity, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the interior surfaces, paying special attention to any stubborn food residue or lingering odors. This simple yet powerful technique is capable of loosening even the most tenacious grime, leaving your oven sparkling clean and fresh.
Shower Head
To tackle lime scale buildup and enhance water flow in your showerhead, try this simple yet effective technique. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, ensuring the showerhead is fully submerged. Secure the bag around the showerhead using a knot or twist tie. Allow it to soak for some time, then thoroughly rinse the showerhead with warm water. This process should leave you with a cleaner, more powerful spray.
Refrigerator
To give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. The acid in the vinegar not only breaks down dirt and grime, but also neutralizes any lingering odors or spills within the appliance’s interior surfaces. As you wipe down each surface with the solution, the vinegar will effectively eliminate any residue left behind by previous cleaning methods.
Floors
When it comes to keeping your floors clean and disinfected, incorporating vinegar into your mopping routine can be a game-changer. Simply add half a cup of vinegar to your solution to effectively sanitize and polish most types of flooring surfaces, all while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals that can leave residues or damage certain materials.
Cutting Boards
To effectively sanitise your cutting boards, try soaking a cloth in vinegar solution and wiping down the surfaces thoroughly. This tried-and-true method not only eliminates lingering bacteria but also neutralises any unpleasant odours, leaving your cutting boards ready for their next culinary task.
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