How to Use Vinegar To Clean

White vinegar cleans by itself and boosts the cleaning power of other homemade solutions.

Vinegar is a great natural formula you can use to clean many areas of your home. Mildly acidic white vinegar dissolves dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits from smooth surfaces. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, and it absorbs odors instead of covering them up (the vinegar aroma disappears when dry). With no coloring agents, white vinegar won't stain grout on tiled surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Water
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle for a general household cleaner. Use this solution to clean countertops, tabletops, messy spills, the bathroom sink, and outside of the toilet.

2. Clean your shower with the 1-1 vinegar-water solution, but instead of just spraying it, heat up the solution in the spray bottle for about 40 seconds. Then, spray in the shower. It will take off all soap scum and grime in seconds.

3. Use undiluted vinegar (without water) for frequently used areas like the toilet and for hard water and rust stains in the bathroom or kitchen. Apply straight vinegar to the surface with a spray bottle, then wipe.

4. Wash clothes with vinegar and baking soda, adding 4 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the wash water. This helps soften fabric and removes odors from clothes. For stained clothes, use your favorite a stain-remover before washing.

Tips & Warnings

• Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar makes a great fabric softener substitute for families with sensitive skin: Add vinegar to a rag or bath towel and throw it into the dryer with the clothes.