How to Clean with Vinegar

Vinegar is not only anti-bacterial and anti-viral, but also completely natural and very cheap! We are all looking for ways to save money and lessen our impact on the environment while still protecting our families. Vinegar accomplishes all three objectives!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• a bowl
• a cleaning rag (I prefer a torn-up cotton tee-shirt)
• a sponge
• dirty laundry

1. Use vinegar, a bowl, and a sponge to clean your microwave (see "How to Clean a Microwave Naturally", below). If you are planning on cleaning your kitchen, I recommend starting with this step.

2. While waiting for your vinegar in the microwave, wet a cleaning rag with tap water. Wipe the surface you plan to clean. Sprinkle baking soda on the wet surface to form a paste (not recommended for wood surfaces). Once you are done cleaning the microwave, dip your clean sponge or cleaning rag in the vinegar you warmed up in the microwave and wipe the surface you sprinkled baking soda on. It will bubble up like the popular "volcano" science experiment you may remember from elementary school.

3. Splash some vinegar into your dishwasher when you wash a load of dishes. Not only will your glass sparkle, but your machine will be cleaned and sanitized. The same goes for your clothes washer- vinegar will sanitize your machine and help to remove stains. Vinegar can be used in conjunction with homemade laundry soap (See "How to Make Laundry Soap or Detergent" below).

4. One cup vinegar can be diluted with one gallon of water to clean glass and natural woodwork. Use a soft cotton cleaning rag to wipe the surfaces, then wipe with a separate dry soft cleaning rag. For natural woodwork, follow with a bit of oil on a dry soft cleaning rag to make your woodwork shine!

5. Vinegar can also be used as an air freshener. Put two tablespoons of vinegar into a small bowl and set on your counter. The vinegar will absorb the odors in your home naturally.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can add a drop or two of essential oil to it.
• Be sure to rinse your cleaning rag or sponge in tap water before dipping it in the vinegar. This will keep the vinegar free of dirt and sediment.
• Use extreme caution when removing hot vinegar from the microwave.
• Do not use baking soda on natural wood surfaces.

Resources

• How to Clean a Microwave Naturally
• How to Clean a Drain Naturally with Baking Soda and Vinegar

[QueenofMisc]

on 12/12/2008 Good info about vinegar! Thank you.