Vinegar, Vinegar, Vinegar!
Vinegar, Vinegar, Vinegar!
If you’re talking about natural cleaning online, with friends or watching something on TV you’ve likely heard vinegar being talked about. Then the question is “but why” right? Today that’s what we’ll be discussing. The “whys” and the “whats” because it is acidic and we want to be mindful of this.
Let’s get into why would you use vinegar?
1. Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly: Vinegar is a natural substance, making it safe for humans, pets, and the environment. It doesn’t release harmful fumes or residues, unlike some commercial cleaning products.
2. Effective Disinfectant: Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help eliminate germs and bacteria on surfaces, making it a good choice for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Removes Odors: Vinegar is excellent for neutralizing unpleasant odors rather than just masking them. It can be used to deodorize surfaces, garbage disposals, and even fabrics.
4. Cuts Through Grease and Grime: The acidity of vinegar helps break down grease, soap scum, and grime, making it effective for cleaning kitchen countertops, stovetops, and bathroom surfaces.
5. Prevents Mold and Mildew: Vinegar’s antifungal properties make it effective in preventing mold and mildew growth on various surfaces, especially in damp areas like bathrooms.
6. Cost-Effective: Vinegar is inexpensive and widely available, making it an economical choice for cleaning needs.
What about where you can use vinegar?
Vinegar is versatile and can be used to clean various surfaces such as glass, countertops, floors, tiles, mirrors, and appliances. It can also be combined with baking soda for a powerful cleaning paste. Even though it is safe for most surfaces it is particularly effective on glass, stainless steel, and ceramic. It provides a streak-free shine, especially on glass and mirrors. However, vinegar should NOT be used on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as its acidity can damage the stone.
What if you want to make your own cleaner?
Vinegar can be combined with other natural ingredients to create effective homemade cleaners. Here are some - recorded safe - combinations to mix with vinegar for various cleaning purposes:
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda
• Use: This combination is great for unclogging drains, cleaning toilets, and removing tough stains.
• How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda on the surface (e.g., sink or toilet bowl), then pour vinegar over it. Let it fizz and bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse with water.
• Note: This mixture creates carbon dioxide gas, so use it immediately and DO NOT seal it in a container!
2. Vinegar and Water
• Use: A solution of vinegar and water is effective for cleaning windows, mirrors, countertops, and floors.
• How to Use: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For windows and mirrors, spray the solution on the surface and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
3. Vinegar and Dish Soap
• Use: This combination works well for cleaning showers, bathtubs, and greasy surfaces.
• How to Use: Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture on the surface, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub and rinse off.
4. Vinegar and Lemon Juice
• Use: Combining vinegar with lemon juice enhances its antibacterial and deodorizing properties, making it ideal for disinfecting surfaces.
• How to Use: Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part lemon juice and use it to wipe down surfaces like cutting boards and countertops.
5. Vinegar and Essential Oils
• Use: Adding essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus to vinegar solutions can help mask vinegar’s strong smell and add antibacterial properties.
• How to Use: Add a few drops of essential oil to a vinegar and water solution for a fresh-smelling, all-purpose cleaner .
6. Vinegar and Salt
• Use: This mixture is effective for scrubbing and removing rust and tarnish from metal surfaces.
• How to Use: Mix vinegar with salt to create a paste. Apply it to the rusted or tarnished area, let it sit for a while, then scrub and rinse thoroughly .
Important Safety Note:
Never mix vinegar with bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide. These combinations can create dangerous chemical reactions, such as toxic chlorine gas or peracetic acid, which can be harmful if inhaled or touched.
These listed combinations provide a range of effective and natural cleaning solutions for different household needs.
Do you use vinegar in your cleaning routine now? Will you now? Let us know!
