How to Mix Vinegar for Home Cleaners

Vinegar isn't just for your salad.

White distilled vinegar is a mild acid with multiple uses. It is inexpensive and a favorite with environmentally conscious consumers seeking nontoxic alternatives to cleaning. Vinegar cuts through hard water mineral deposits and sanitizes surfaces. In many cleaning projects, you can use it straight. Yet diluted vinegar effectively cleans while using less of the product. For some cleaning projects, combine vinegar with other household ingredients to boost its effectiveness.

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Essential oils (optional)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Liquid dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Bucket

Instructions

All-Purpose Cleaner

1. Combine equal amounts water and white distilled vinegar.

2. Pour into a spray bottle.

3. Add one or two drops of essential oil to the bottle (optional), to add a fragrance. Use on glass, mirrors and hard surfaces.

Quick-Drying Glass Cleaner

1. Combine 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 cup water.

2. Add 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar.

3. Pour into a spray bottle and use to clean glass. The rubbing alcohol speeds the evaporation of the solution, allowing the glass to air-dry quickly.

Cleaner for Greasy Windows

1. Combine 2 parts water and 1 part white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Add 1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap.

3. Place the lid on the bottle and shake to mix. Spray on windows to cut through greasy dirt and remove with a squeegee.

Floor Cleaner

1. Fill a bucket with hot water.

2. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar for every gallon of water if washing laminate wood flooring. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions, as some may discourage washing their product with vinegar.

3. Add 1 cup of white vinegar instead of 1/2 cup for every gallon of water if washing no-wax flooring.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak glassware in equal amounts water and vinegar to remove hard-water stains.

• Never use vinegar on marble or stone, as vinegar can etch the surface.

References

• "Houseworks"; Cynthia Townley Ewer; 2009
• "Household Cleaning: Self-Sufficiency"; Rachelle Strauss; 2009
• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organic Living"; Eliza Sarasohn, et al.; 2009