The more people learn about what’s in traditional cleaning products — and the potential health effects they may cause — the more they search for natural alternatives. However, the “greenwashing” of products has made it difficult to discern the truly environmentally friendly, non-toxic stuff from money-making, accountability-skirting ploys (not to mention, “green” products tend to be pricey and, in many cases, sold in plastic bottles). An inexpensive, simple, natural alternative? Using vinegar to clean.
Vinegar is an excellent alternative to traditional cleaners. It is non-toxic, natural, and cheap.
“Vinegar is an inexpensive, natural, and non-toxic alternative to traditional cleaning products,” Lisa Powers, the founder of (NonTox U), a website that provides up-to-date information about toxins from peer-reviewed journals, manufacturer interviews, and nonprofits. “Some of the chemicals in traditional cleaning products, or combinations of chemicals, have been linked to severe health issues, including Naturally Luxury Cleaning, a sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning service located in Kingston, Ontario. It’s also highly versatile. “Vinegar can clean everything: greasy cupboards, soap scum on shower walls, hard water stains in hardware, and dirty microwaves.
Vinegar is a mixture of water with about 5% Acetic Acid. Acetic Acid is a carboxylic acid that has antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
Acetic Acid is a synthetic carboxylic with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How can you not wash with vinegar?
Although vinegar can be used in many ways, it is not recommended for specific areas, like those with natural stone, such as kitchen counters. McMullen explains that the acetic acids will wear down the finish on the counters, and a technician must reseal the counters. Powers add that vinegar can also harm wood as its acidity can eat away at surfaces.
There is no scientific proof that vinegar can kill viruses such as COVID-19.
Warning: Although vinegar has antibacterial and disinfectant qualities, there is no scientific proof that it can kill COVID-19 or other viruses.
Should you rinse your vinegar-cleansed surfaces?
If stated otherwise, it is generally necessary to rinse the surface after cleaning. Although vinegar has an odor, rinsing it with water can leave streaks or watermarks.
How To Clean (Almost) Everything With Vinegar
Are you looking for a DIY toxin-free all-purpose cleaner? McMullin’s go-to cleaner is vinegar and water. She says vinegar and water in a 1:1 mixture is a powerful cleaner for all surfaces. It can clean showers, tubs, sinks, non-stone countertops, walls, and other surfaces.
Are you ready to start? Here are 16 different ways you can use vinegar for cleaning.
Stovetop
Want to use vinegar to remove a lot of stubborn messes? Look at the sauce spilled out of the pan and onto the stovetop (days ago)). McMullin recommends making the vinegar and water cleaner but adding “a dot of Castile” to the mix. She says adding castile soap to the vinegar and water cleaner will help break down dirt and grease even more.
Coffee Maker
Cleaning with vinegar is much easier than making a pot. Pouring a vinegar and water solution into the machine, just as you would brew your morning coffee (minus the coffee), will “descale” any mineral deposits. If your manual specifies a water ratio to vinegar (many do), brew some plain water afterward to avoid your coffee tasting like vinegar.
Keurig
Keurig and Nespresso offer descalers that are made of citric Acid (which is generally considered to be safe). These solutions can be run through the machines to help prevent buildup. It can be used to clean the Keurig using vinegar. Filling half of the reservoir with white vinegar and half with water, then brewing your coffee without a K cup, is more cost-effective and sustainable. Continue brewing for as long as the “add-water” light is on. After a 30-minute rest, brew the machine 12 times using only water to remove any vinegar residue.
Microwave
McMullen says, “Microwave a cup of vinegar in a microwave-safe dish to loosen any stuck-on mess.” This will make it easier to clean up afterward.
Oven
McMullin says to sprinkle baking soda into the oven and then spray it with vinegar and water in a one-to-one ratio. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then clean it with a non-scratch or pumice sponge.
Toilet
This combination can be used to clean toilets. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and seven ounces of heated white vinegar (9%). Pour the solution into the toilet tank and let it soak overnight.
Windows
Powers say that vinegar is excellent for cleaning glasses. Mix one part water with two parts vinegar and spray it in a sprayer. You can reduce the smell of vinegar by adding water.
Bathing and showering
Powers say vinegar can be combined with other natural cleaners, such as lemon juice and baking soda, for deeper cleaning. Mix vinegar and baking soda to remove soap scum from bathtubs and showers.
Showerhead
What other ways can vinegar be used in the bathroom besides cleaning it? Descale the showerhead. Fill the bag with vinegar, secure it so the head of the shower is submerged in the bag, and leave it overnight.
Rusty Tools
Rusted Tools can be cleaned and refreshed by soaking them in a bucket of vinegar.
Carpet stains
According to the Vinegar Institute, a teaspoon of liquid soap mixed with white vinegar in one pint of warm water can help remove non-oily carpet stains. The site says to apply it with a soft towel or brush and gently rub the stain. “Rinse a towel with clean water moistened and then blot it dry.” Repeat the procedure until you remove the paint.
Hard water stains
Powers say vinegar is a great way to remove hard water stains from shower doors. Here are Powers’ instructions:
Rub lemon juice onto the glass with a sponge.
Rub the lemon juice using vinegar, baking soda, and one part.
Let it sit for three hours.
Spray the door with a mix of vinegar and water.
Remove the residue with a squeegee and wipe it off using a towel.