All-natural vinegar is a great way to add big flavor to your cooking, but did you know it's also a powerful household cleaning agent? The mild acids in vinegar give it lots of cleaning oomph, and because it's non-toxic, you can use it without worrying about the nasty chemicals that are in so many cleaners. Before commercial cleaners and detergents were available, vinegar was the standard (just ask your grandmother!). Nowadays, many of us have forgotten that this natural wonder can do so much heavy lifting around the house. Here are 7 ways to use clean with vinegar!
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1. Clean and Disinfect Kitchen Surfaces
Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe down your sink, faucet, and counters for a naturally disinfected and fresh-smelling kitchen.
2. Clean Produce
Make sure your produce is clean by dipping fruits or vegetables protected by a skin (such as citrus, tomatoes, apples and pears, root vegetables, tropical fruits, blueberries, stone fruits or squash) in a mixture of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 gallon water.
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3. Clean Your Drip Coffee Maker
For coffee pots, swirl straight white vinegar in the pot, soak for a few hours, and wash. For the coffee maker itself, run a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water through the machine as though you are making coffee. Next, allow the mixture to sit in the coffee maker for 15 minutes. Run it through two full cycles of plain water, then wash the coffee pot and basket, and use as normal.
4. Cut Through Grease on Surfaces
Straight-distilled white vinegar works wonders on greasy kitchen surfaces like stove tops, ovens, cabinet doors, and the top of the refrigerator. Just dip your sponge or cleaning rag in undiluted vinegar and go to it!
5. Clean the Microwave
To get the inside of your microwave squeaky clean, combine 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwavable bowl. Set inside the microwave and heat to a rolling boil for several minutes. Carefully remove bowl and wipe down microwave with a sponge. Use straight distilled white vinegar on any leftover tough stains.
6. Remove Mineral Deposits
Glassware, shower doors, and coffee makers can all be prime targets for tough mineral deposits. For glassware, soak in straight white vinegar or wrap glasses with a vinegar-soaked towel for 2 hours and then wash as usual. For shower doors, spray with straight white vinegar, let sit for a half hour, and then wash as usual.
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7. Clear and Clean Drains
Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then 1 cup of hot vinegar, and let sit for 15 - 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water (just use hot tap water if you have PVC pipes). If used regularly, this method can prevent clogged drains, and keep your drain clean.
- By Elizabeth Stark and Brian Campbell
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