Household cleaning is made easy with this common, inexpensive disinfectant, deodorizer, and degreaser. From your coffee maker to your carpet to your child’s toys, learn how to clean items all around the home with white vinegar.
Just a reminder: no matter what you’re cleaning, never mix vinegar with bleach because it produces harmful and potentially deadly fumes.
1. Coffee Maker
Keep your morning routine fresh with a clean coffee machine. Coffee reservoirs rank as one of the dirtiest places in the home, but you can keep bacteria at bay and help your brew taste as good as it did on day one.
Add four cups of vinegar to your reservoir, allow it to sit for 30 minutes, and then run it through the machine like a normal pot of coffee so it cleans the entire system.
Afterward, run plain water through the coffee machine to eliminate any loosened residue and flush out any lingering vinegar.
2. Floors
Vinegar is great for mopping hard tile and solid surfaces, and it’s an excellent solution for tackling dirt on floors at home.
Use a higher concentration of vinegar to water for porcelain and linoleum, but opt for a more diluted concentration if you’re cleaning hardwoods, ceramics, or stone floors, as too much vinegar can dull these surfaces.
3. Gas Range
Soaking cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels in vinegar for two weeks creates a powerful infused degreaser that’s perfect for the stove.
Keep a spray bottle of this DIY cleaner handy in the kitchen and use it for everyday cooktop upkeep or when you need to treat the toughest grease spots on your gas range.
4. Showerhead
Remove hard water buildup from your bathroom showerhead by slowly mixing 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar in a gallon-sized bag.
Attach the liquid-filled bag around the showerhead using rubber bands and let it soak overnight. The next morning, use a clean cloth to wipe off any remaining residue and rinse the showerhead clean.
5. Dishwasher
Residue and deposits inside your dishwasher build up over time, but a clean dishwasher makes all the difference in having spot-free dishes and glassware. To clean your dishwasher, fill a dishwasher-safe mug two-thirds full with white vinegar and place it upright on the top rack.
The rest of the dishwasher should be empty. Run the dishwasher on the normal cycle with hot water. When the cycle is done, your appliance will be clean!
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Pour 2 inches of vinegar into a microwaveable bowl and heat it for two minutes. The vinegar effectively steam-cleans the inside of the microwave, so once you remove the hot bowl, you’ll be able to use a dry cloth to easily wipe all surfaces clean.
7. Humidifier
Stagnant water left in a humidifier leads to the growth of mold and bacteria. Emptying it frequently and disinfecting the reservoirs is important upkeep. To do this, unplug the appliance and empty all water following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the reservoir and shake for a few minutes to agitate any grime. Empty and rinse it with plain water. Lastly, use a vinegar-soaked rag to clean other areas where water passes or stands still.
8. Washing Machine
Cleaning a washing machine is most effective when using both bleach and vinegar, but it’s crucial not to mix them. (Here, note that they’re used in two different steps.) Use a diluted bleach solution to pretreat the inside of the appliance and allow it to run a full cycle. In a separate cycle, repeat the process with diluted vinegar to leave the inside of your washing machine thoroughly clean.
9. Glass-Top Stove
White vinegar is perfect for everyday or weekly deep cleaning of your glass-top electric or induction cooktop. A microfiber cloth moistened with vinegar makes daily cleaning easy, but if you need more cleaning power, sprinkle some baking soda onto the towel as well. Rub it on the surface, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean microfiber cloth.
10. Butcher-Block Countertops
Scratches on butcher-block countertops can harbor bacteria, so cleaning these highly functional surfaces is important. Wipe down butcher-block countertops with a vinegar-soaked rag and leave it for 15 minutes. Once the vinegar has dried, mix 1 cup of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of salt and rub the paste onto the countertops to remove spots and further disinfect the wood. Finish by wiping the salt off with a clean towel.
11. Iron
Synthetic fabrics and standing water can wreak havoc on your iron. Keep it clean inside and out by replacing the water in the reservoir with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water, running it against an old towel at maximum steam output. The vinegar will clean mineral deposits inside and clear blockages in the holes. You can also use a vinegar-soaked rag to clean the outer plate of the iron and prevent buildup from transferring to your clothes.
12. Laminate Countertops
Make your laminate countertops shine by cleaning them with a diluted vinegar solution. Combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 cups of water and spray it across the countertop. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it clean. While vinegar works well for nonporous countertops, avoid using it on granite, as it can damage the sealant and cause discoloration.
13. Wood Table
A homemade cleaning mixture containing dishwashing liquid, vinegar, and water can help remove buildup on wooden tables. Combine 1 cup of vinegar and 4 cups of water, plus a drop of dishwashing liquid. Use a damp rag to wash the table with the solution, allow it to sit for a few moments, then wipe it clean. Wash the surface again with a cloth dampened with plain water and dry thoroughly.
14. Leather Couch
A 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle can help eliminate smells in leather. Spray lightly into creases or affected areas, taking care not to oversaturate. Promptly use absorbent cloths to wipe away the spray. Always test the mixture in a discreet area first.
15. Carpet
Deep-clean your carpet without renting heavy machinery. Combine 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water to create a disinfectant. Blot it onto tough spots or spray over a wide area. Use a scrub brush or cloth to work the mixture into the carpet, then blot the moisture with a clean cloth or paper towel.
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The easiest way to clean your garbage disposal doesn’t involve harsh cleansers. Instead, make vinegar and lemon cubes by cutting up a lemon, placing the pieces in an ice cube tray, and topping it with white vinegar before freezing. When your disposal needs cleaning, drop a few cubes in and turn it on. The vinegar ice will disinfect as it thaws, and the lemon will leave a fresh scent.
17. Glass and Glass Pendants
Cleaning glass is simple with vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar, add some uncooked rice, and shake it well to create a gentle abrasive for cleaning glass items. For heavier cleaning like glass light fixtures, mix water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, moisten a cloth, and wipe down surfaces.
18. Outdoor Umbrella
Regularly maintaining your outdoor umbrella will keep the fabric looking new. For deep cleaning, mix 2 cups of warm water, 2 cups of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Use a scrub brush to wash the umbrella with the mixture, rinse with a hose, and let it dry. Apply a waterproofing spray to the surface afterward.
19. Shower Curtain
To keep your shower curtain mold-free, make a cleaning solution with 1 cup of Borax, 1 cup of vinegar, and 4 cups of water. Use a sponge to wipe down the curtain. For regular maintenance, mix 2 cups of vinegar, 2 teaspoons of dish soap, and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, and spray the curtain frequently.
20. Baby Pacifier
Disinfect pacifiers by submerging them in a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. Squeeze the mouthpiece to circulate the solution through the pacifier, ensuring all areas are disinfected.
21. Grilling Utensils
Keep grilling tools clean by keeping a cloth dampened with vinegar nearby while grilling. It’s a handy way to disinfect utensils that are used for multiple meats.
22. Refrigerator
Commit to cleaning one refrigerator shelf per week with an all-purpose cleaner made from 1/2 gallon of hot water, 1/2 cup of clear ammonia, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/8 cup of baking soda. Spray it on and wipe down all shelves and drawers with a clean cloth.
23. Bath Towels
Soften scratchy towels by running them through the wash with 1/2 cup of vinegar, which will remove excess detergent and restore softness.
24. Vegetables and Meat
Add a teaspoon of vinegar to cooking water to help clean vegetables, preserve their color, and reduce odors. Vinegar can also tenderize meat by breaking down fibers and killing bacteria.
25. Windowpanes and Windowsills
Use a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar with a drop of dish soap to clean windowsills and windowpanes. For tougher stains, add a bit of baking soda before scrubbing.
26. Kids’ Outdoor Playset
Keep outdoor playsets clean with a solution of water, vinegar, and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Use a broom to remove dirt, then spray the mixture and wipe it down to disinfect.
What Not to Clean with Vinegar
Though vinegar is a versatile cleaner, it’s not suitable for everything. Avoid using it on kitchen knives, natural stone countertops, rubber gaskets on appliances, waxed wood floors or furniture, and electronic screens. Its acidity can damage these surfaces, so opt for mild soap or specialized cleaners instead.
1. Kitchen Knives
Investing in a high-quality set of kitchen knives can be quite costly. You’re likely already aware of the importance of regularly sharpening them and the necessity to avoid placing them in the dishwasher. However, did you know that vinegar should also be avoided when cleaning your knives?
The acid in vinegar can gradually corrode the metal on your knives. Therefore, instead of using vinegar, it’s best to clean your valuable knives with mild dish soap and warm water, ensuring their longevity and performance.
2. Natural Stone Countertops
Granite, marble, and concrete countertops are made from porous materials that can be damaged by vinegar. Using vinegar on these surfaces can result in etching and a dull finish over time. Rather than risking this damage, it is recommended to clean these countertops with mild soap and a damp cloth. To disinfect, mix water and rubbing alcohol in equal parts (50/50) and apply it to the surface. After cleaning, immediately wipe the area dry with a soft cloth to maintain the shine and protect the finish.
3. Rubber Gaskets on Appliances
Rubber gaskets, such as those found on dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines, are essential for sealing and preventing leaks. However, repeated exposure to vinegar can cause these gaskets to degrade and corrode.
For cleaning and removing mold or mildew from rubber gaskets, hydrogen peroxide is a better alternative. Use a microfiber cloth or cotton swabs soaked in hydrogen peroxide to gently clean the gasket without causing any harm.
4. Waxed Wood Floors or Furniture
While vinegar is often hailed as a versatile cleaning agent, using it on waxed wood surfaces is a big mistake. The acidic nature of vinegar can eat away at the wax finish, causing the wood to lose its shine and become dull over time. If you’re not sure what cleaner to use, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific type of hardwood floor or wood furniture.
Alternatively, you can try the tea method for cleaning. Steep two tea bags in hot water, then use a damp cloth soaked in the tea to gently clean the surface. The tannic acid found in tea will leave a natural sheen on your hardwood floors or wood furniture, without causing any damage to the finish.
5. Electronic Screens
Cleaning electronic devices such as computer monitors, smartphones, and TVs with vinegar can lead to damage. Vinegar can strip the anti-glare coating from screens and reduce their effectiveness, and it may also cause touchscreens to become less responsive.
Instead of vinegar, clean electronic screens with a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics. This will ensure that your screens remain clear, functional, and free from harmful residue.
Conclusion
White vinegar is an affordable, eco-friendly solution that can be used to clean various areas of your home. While vinegar is an incredibly useful and versatile household cleaning agent, it’s essential to know its limitations. Certain surfaces and materials – like kitchen knives, natural stone countertops, rubber gaskets, waxed wood, and electronic screens – are not compatible with vinegar.