In this day and age, many people use different materials for a perfect clean and one of the options making the rounds is Vinegar. Vinegar for cleaning has been around for a very long time and you can find it in many homes because of its multipurpose value. However, it comes as a surprise that many are not harnessing its power as well as they should.
It is convenient and easy to use; furthermore, you can use it on different surfaces with no side effects to the surface or users.
In this article, we want to review vinegar cleaning solutions and all you should know about this super cleaner. So keep reading to know more.
Why Use Vinegar For Cleaning?
To begin, it is important to state the benefits of using Vinegar for cleaning and other household maintenance activities. Here is why.
A Great Disinfectant
First and foremost, vinegar is a great disinfectant because it contains acetic acid. This acid is colorless and contains an organic compound that gives it a pungent odor. It will interest you to know that many branded household cleaners contain vinegar as well. Acetic acid can dissolve dirt, deposits and grease quickly and is also strong enough to kill many types of bacteria. If you want to rid your living space of bacteria, there are different types of vinegar you might want to go for such as
- White distilled vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Red/white vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
Best Type Of Vinegar For Cleaning
Above are the different types of vinegar but which is the best option for household cleaning?
In our opinion and as well as the opinions of cleaning and environmental experts, the best type of vinegar for cleaning should be one that has no color as coloring agents will stain your surface. Overall, the best vinegar for cleaning is white distilled vinegar with roughly 5% acidity which is also ideal for all forms of household cleaning.
Dealing With Vinegar Smell
Many worry about the pungent smell of vinegar so they refrain from using it for cleaning. If you have a light stomach and are easily upset by strong odors you may want to use Apple cider vinegar instead. This one has the same properties as white distilled vinegar but with a pleasant apple odor gotten from fermented apple juice. Furthermore, it is darker in color so you will have to dilute it with water to lighten it before use.
After cleaning with vinegar, the odor may last for up to an hour or more so you should always keep your windows open for proper cross ventilation. Another option is to mask the smell by diluting it with a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon oil. Peppermint oil is also a very effective option.
Items/Areas You Can Clean With Vinegar
Here are a host of items or areas you can clean with vinegar for best results.
Glass: If you have glass objects that are beginning to lose their shine and crystal clear look, vinegar will do a great job due to its restorative effect. Simply combine two parts of vinegar and one part of water in a spray bottle. Spray on the surface and wipe clean afterwards.
Countertops: Due to its disinfectant properties, vinegar is a great option for cleaning areas where food is prepared. Use it to eliminate stains and food droppings. Besides removing dirt and germs, it can also eliminate odors from countertops; however, avoid using it on marble and granite tops. For granite and marble use a natural cleaner as the acetic acid in vinegar may damage the surface luster. This cleaner will also deter insects like ants from invading your countertops.
Faucets: Vinegar is a great option for removing water, soap and paste marks from faucets. Just two teaspoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of salt will work the magic to remove deposits like calcium from your fixtures and faucets. If the stains are proving stubborn, simply spray it with vinegar then place a bag around the faucet and leave it in place throughout the night. When day breaks, scrub and rinse with water.
Tubs/Showers: Tubs and showers are constantly exposed to soap and mildew which may be difficult to remove after a while with normal cleaning agents. You can spray them with vinegar and leave for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. This will do the trick. Another option is to combine the vinegar with baking soda to create a paste then apply on the affected areas and leave for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Toilets: Toilets are prone to stains and bacteria but with vinegar yours can remain sparkling clean and bacteria free. With just two or three cups of vinegar emptied into the bowl and allowed to simmer for three hours, your toilet will be as good as new.
Floors: No area needs thorough cleaning more than floors. You can use it for certain kinds of floors, not all kinds of floors. Using vinegar for hardwood is not advisable as it can destroy the surface and leave watermarks behind. The acid in vinegar may also damage floors made with natural stone so avoid vinegar for cleaning stony surfaces. However, for other floor types, this cleaning solution works quite well. Just half a cup of vinegar in half a gallon of water can be used for floor cleaning.
Dishwasher: Do you have a dishwasher in your home? You can break the soap scum down with a cup of vinegar. Just pour it into the rinse compartment and switch the washer on to run its course.
Appliances: Appliances like microwaves need regular cleaning so as not to lose form. A bowl of water mixed with one quarter of a cup of vinegar will do the trick. Leave inside the microwave and switch it on for the heat to loosen stubborn stains. You can also use it to clean external areas of appliances by soaking in a cloth, squeeze out excess liquid then scrub across the surface.
Laundry: You can use it to remove stubborn stains and odors from your fabric but make use of only white vinegar not dark coloured options. Just add a cup into your washing machine before turning it on.
How To Clean With Vinegar
To perform a perfect clean with vinegar there are steps you need to take. The steps will depend on the surface you are working on. It also determines the water to vinegar ratio. You may choose to use a sprayer, sponge or a rag to perform the application.
Here are the steps.
Apply The Solution
Start by applying your vinegar solution on the target area. You want to make sure that every area is covered.
Scrub Surface
Scrub the surface with a non abrasive sponge or rag to remove stains and bacteria. Do this in a circular motion for best results.
Wipe
Finish by wiping off the surface with a rag. For floors, your mopping stick will absorb the fluid to leave it in a semi dry state.
Common Mistakes About Cleaning With Vinegar
Vinegar is a very good cleaning agent but many use it wrongly. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
Vinegar & Baking Soda Mixture: Many believe that if they combine both the solution will become stronger but this is not the case. Combinations will only neutralize both and render them ineffective. It is always best to use them separately.
As A Disinfectant: Using it as a disinfectant is not a bad idea but it doesn’t work for all forms of bacteria. It is advisable to use a stronger disinfectant for areas like kitchen and bathrooms.
Stone Surfaces: Options like white vinegar should never be used on natural stone surfaces like marble, granite or quartz as it may damage them. Use a neutral PH cleaner instead.
Mix With Bleach: Mixing vinegar with bleach is an ill advised move that will release toxic gas like chlorine. Chlorine can cause serious respiratory issues so avoid this practice.
Final Thoughts
A vinegar cleaning solution is a smart move as it is a cheaper but yet effective option against stubborn stains and bacteria. You can use it for different types of items and surfaces but consult our list on the areas never to use vinegar on. We believe that if you use it properly, the results will be worth the effort.