Ready to find out how to clean with vinegar? Cleaning with vinegar is an awesome way to help the earth, save money and stay healthy! That’s why we created the ultimate guide on how to clean with vinegar in this post. Keep reading to learn more!
There are numerous benefits when it comes to vinegar. It’s so good at cleaning that companies have created a whole line of products just to work alongside vinegar.
Everything from homemade cleaners (no harsh chemicals and they won’t ruin your septic system) as well as odor removing products (strong odors like cat waste or cigarette smoke can be eliminated with vinegar).
1. Scrubbing the tub
Vinegar can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, from freshening up coffee cups to loosening a rusty screw. It’s an inexpensive, nontoxic household staple that deserves a place in every cleaning kit.
Here’s your ultimate guide to using vinegar for everyday household tasks:
Fill the tub with warm water, then add one cup of distilled white vinegar. Let it sit overnight, then drain the tub. Afterward, wipe the bathtub with a sponge and rinse with fresh water. Voila! A clean tub!
Bonus tip:
If you have soap scum on your shower doors or other surfaces, mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the problem area and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Wipe the solution away and rinse off any remaining residue with water.
2. Tackling dirt and grime on walls
One of the most common tasks when cleaning your home is tackling dirt and grime on walls. You’ll find that most dirt tends to be in high traffic areas, such as hallways, light switches, or even in kitchens where cooking oilst may have splattered up the walls.
Before you begin, it’s important to test an inconspicuous area of your wall first to make sure it won’t be damaged by cleaning. If the paint comes off then you might want to consider repainting instead.
To clean walls with vinegar, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket and dip a soft cloth into the solution. Wring the cloth out so that it is damp rather than wet and gently rub the wall.
To protect your floors you could use a plastic sheet or dust sheet underneath you as you work. Once you’ve finished cleaning, buff the walls dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
3. Taking stains off your carpet
You can use vinegar to clean up red wine spills on your carpet. It’s important to blot the area as soon as you can, then mix one teaspoon of mild detergent or dishwashing liquid with two cups of water and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply this directly to the stain using a spray bottle, then wipe it away with a damp towel.
4. Cleaning stainless steel appliances
It’s easy for stainless steel appliances to get fingerprints and smudges, but you can remove them by wiping the surface with a mixture of equal parts olive oil and white vinegar. Rinse with warm water and buff dry. Repeat if necessary.
You can also make a paste from one part baking soda, one part salt, and one part white vinegar and use this to scrub away tarnish from brass, copper, or silver.
5. Removing old wallpaper
Vinegar is one of those things that most people have in their pantry. It’s a staple ingredient in many recipes and it can be used as a sanitizing agent, a deodorizer, and even as a cleaning product.
Removing old wallpaper is a tedious and time-consuming task. You don’t have to do it by hand though! Just mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar, 1 gallon of warm water, and 1/4 cup of baking soda.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the wall to soak the paper. Let it sit for several minutes then gently scrape away with a putty knife or scraper. Keep going until all of the wallpaper is gone.
6. Washing windows and mirrors
The acidity in white distilled vinegar helps clean glass surfaces without leaving streaks behind. You can use vinegar on windows, mirrors and glass surfaces around the house.
To wash windows or mirrors, mix a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. Soak a microfiber cloth in the solution and then wring out the excess liquid from the cloth before wiping the surface with it.
If you have particularly dirty windows or mirrors, you may want to use a little more elbow grease and rub the surface with a crumpled piece of newspaper once you’ve cleaned it with your microfiber cloth. Finish by drying any remaining moisture from the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.
7. Cleaning leather furniture
Cleaning leather furniture can be a bit of a challenge since you want to avoid soaking the leather.
Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth and mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dip the cloth in this solution, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe down your leather furniture.
If you have any stains on the leather, treat them first with lemon juice. Then allow the stain to dry completely before going over it with a vinegar solution.
And if you’re hesitant you can use vinegar to clean leather furniture. It’s a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first, but it’s generally fine. Just don’t use too much or you’ll risk damaging the finish.
8. Shining silverware
When it comes to cleaning with vinegar, you can use the same balsamic vinegar that you cook with. But if you want to save money, go with the white version. It’s just as powerful, and a little goes a long way.
Start by filling a bowl with two cups of water and one cup of vinegar (you can double or triple this recipe for larger objects).
Submerge your silverware in the water-vinegar mixture and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove items from the bowl and rinse them under clean running water. Dry them afterward with a soft cloth.
Conclusion
Vinegar is a great tool – so great that it might even become your new best friend when it comes to keeping your home clean and tidy.
Now you can clean your home without worrying about harsh chemicals that could potentially hurt you or harm the environment.
Though this guide is extensive, we know there are other cleaning services you may need us for. PCT Clean is always happy to help you.
For house cleaning and office cleaning queries, you can reach us today at (770) 422-5326.
