Do you have a go-to cleaner you always find yourself reaching for when it’s time to clean around your house? Before you reach for a bottle of chemicals from the store, consider the contents of your pantry. You may find some rather effective cleaners sitting on your shelves. Vinegar is one of them and has multiple uses around the house.
Disinfect Surfaces
Did you know that vinegar can disinfect surfaces? This is because vinegar is a solution made up of 4-7% acetic acid in water. This allows it to break down different things including bacteria. To disinfect a surface using vinegar, you’ll need to leave it on the surface for up to 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
You may be able to use it on your kitchen counters, stove, and fridge. Just make sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first–some surfaces may be harmed by the acid. It’s also important to keep in mind that vinegar isn’t as effective at disinfecting as a bleach and water solution. Don’t use it to disinfect high-contamination surfaces.
Remove Stains
Stain removal is another benefit that comes from vinegar’s acetic acid content. You can remove tough stains in your car by mixing white vinegar and baking soda. Tackle hard water deposits on fixtures with a 4:1 ratio of vinegar to salt.
Soak a sponge in vinegar and use that to clean off scummy shower doors before allowing them to air dry. Be extremely careful in areas with granite, marble, or stone tiles, as the vinegar could damage them.
Deodorize
Have you ever walked into your home and wrinkled your nose because something smelled funny? Vinegar can help! Warm it up and pour it down your kitchen sink to fix a stinky drain. Wipe your hands or food keepers down with vinegar to remove any lingering onion scent. Pour some vinegar into a small bowl and let it sit out to eliminate general room odors. If you have a cat, pour half an inch of vinegar into the litter box while it’s empty and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing and letting it air dry.
If you have pets or small children, using a natural cleaner like vinegar could be a safer way to clean your house. Other effective cleaners you may have on hand include things like lemon juice, baking soda, and even something as simple as salt. Try these the next time you need to clean before you reach for a bottle of more dangerous chemicals.
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