Like most homeowners, you have a collection of cleaning supplies living under your sink. But one of the most effective, not to mention cheapest and most environmentally-friendly, cleaning solutions is hiding in your cabinet, right next to your salad dressings and barbeque sauces. Good old-fashioned white vinegar is a must-have for every home. Powerful enough to bust through tough messes, but gentle enough on high-end fixtures and appliances, this pantry staple has become the go-to for homeowners dedicated to protecting their home and the environment. In fact, because Annointed Hands prides ourselves on our eco-friendly practices, we use our own vinegar-based products on every cleaning job!
Here are eight ways to put vinegar to work so you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier home in-between your housekeeping appointments.
- Take the smell out of your wash.
Forgot about your laundry in the washer and now it smells musty? Add two cups of vinegar and run a hot water wash cycle. Follow up with a normal cycle using your favorite detergent. Besides ridding your clothes of smells, it leaves them softer and brighter. - Shine your microwave.
Removing stuck-on splashes requires harsh chemicals and muscle. For a no-strain clean, mix ¼ cup vinegar and 1 cup of water and heat up the combo in the microwave. Once the window starts to steam, stop the microwave and wipe away the leftovers. - Give your dishwasher a break.
Nothing is worse than the crud that pops up in the bottom of your glasses after you run them through a wash cycle. Add two cups of vinegar during the rinse cycle. You’ll notice your glasses are spot-free, and in most cases, residue-free! Be sure to check your dishwasher manual first before using vinegar on a regular basis! - Clean your drains.
Bacteria and food can build up in your kitchen drains, causing the entire room to smell. Simply pour ½ cup of baking soda down your drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Once the foam dissipates, rinse with hot water to remove the caked-on crud. - Whiten your grout.
Scrubbing is required to release ground-in dirt, grease and stains from your tile grout. Instead, fill the spaces with baking powder and spray with vinegar. The combo will bubble up, taking the dirt with it. Just wipe it clean and give your floor a good clean with a mop. - Remove those coffee stains.
All of us have coffee pots that have seen better days. Instead of replacing it, add vinegar to your coffeemaker and run through a brew cycle. Follow up with a couple of cycles using regular water to remove any leftover scent. You’ll enjoy fresher-tasting coffee and a cleaner machine. - Spruce up your showerhead.
Hard water buildup can clog your showerhead, keeping you from getting the powerful stream you want. Remove your showerhead and soak it in a vinegar-filled plastic bag or container overnight. Give it a quick scrub before putting it back on for a spa-worthy shower. - Get rid of the rings.
Banish toilet rings in minutes by squirting eco-friendly dish soap under the toilet rim and spraying it down with vinegar. Then give it a good scrubbing. The ring disappears, and you’re not sending harmful chemicals down your plumbing system.
While vinegar is key for ending your cleaning challenges, avoid using it on natural materials like marble or stone countertops and hardwood floors. If you have a non-wax floor, use a commercial cleaning product as even diluted vinegar will steal away the shine.
The biggest issue many people have with vinegar is the smell. Yes, it may smell like you’re marinating your house as you clean, but as it dries, the smell disappears. You can also avoid the problem by adding a few drops of essential oil or lemon to any vinegar/water cleaning combos.
Learn more about Annointed Hands’ environmentally-safe practices and products by contacting us today for your next home cleaning!