How to Clean With a Water & Vinegar Mixture

Most of your cleaning products can be replaced by vinegar.

Vinegar is not just for cooking, it's also a well-kept secret to a clean home. Much cheaper and safer than traditional cleaning products, a simple mixture of white distilled vinegar and water can clean nearly every surface in your home. The acidity in vinegar makes it effective in neutralizing odors, bacteria and germs.

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Bucket
• Rag
• Large towel
• Spray bottle
• Newspaper
• Paper towels
• Medium bowl
• Toilet brush
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Mix one cup of white distilled vinegar with one gallon of warm water in a bucket. Use a rag to wipe down linoleum floors with the mixture and dry them with a large towel to make the floors shine.

2. Mix a solution of 50 percent white distilled vinegar and 50 percent water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto windows and mirrors, and wipe them clean with a newspaper or paper towel.

3. Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a medium bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on. Let the liquid boil for at least 30 seconds before removing the mixture from the microwave. Baked-on spills and splatters should now easily wipe away.

4. Pour two cups of white distilled vinegar into your toilet bowl. Let it sit at least three hours, or overnight for the best results. Scrub the toilet bowl with your toilet brush and flush for a bright white, deodorized toilet bowl.

5. Scrub your fireplace doors with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water to remove soot.

6. Wipe the bathtub with full-strength white distilled vinegar using a rag or sponge to remove the soap film. Rinse the bathtub with water.

7. Mix two cups of water with two cups of distilled white vinegar in a bucket. Use a rag or sponge to wipe out the inside of your refrigerator.

References

• The Vinegar Institute: Household Hints
• Vinegar Tips: Cleaning
• The New Homemaker: Vinegar