How to Clean With Vinegar

Vinegar can be used to clean just about any household item. Many of the cleaners you see on grocery store shelves contain vinegar as one of their main ingredients. Its versatility, effectiveness and low cost make it a handy item to keep stocked in your pantry-or under the kitchen sink.

Instructions

1. Make an all-purpose cleaner. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 5 cups of water to make a window, eyeglass lens or surface cleaner. It won't kill bacteria though, so be sure to use a disinfectant on contaminated surfaces.

2. Eliminate unpleasant cooking odors. Boil vinegar and water on the stovetop to get rid of nasty food smells.

3. Loosen mineral deposits. Soak a paper towel in undiluted vinegar and place it on sink faucets.

4. Wipe up greasy spots. Oven windows, stovetops, microwave doors and countertops can be wiped down with a vinegar and water solution to get rid of any grease.

5. Wash linoleum. Mix ¼ cup vinegar and one gallon of water to mop linoleum (or no-wax vinyl) floors.

6. Clean a coffee maker. Add vinegar to the water reservoir until it is ¼ full. Fill to the top with water. Run the coffee maker, and then let it set for 10 minutes to cool. Repeat, and then do the same with plain water. Hand wash the entire coffee maker and its parts.

7. Treat carpet spills, like coffee or soda. Dampen a clean cloth with vinegar and dab the spot to remove excess liquid. Dampen another clean cloth with vinegar. Using cold water (never hot) and the vinegar, gently rub the spot until the stain is gone.