Cleaning kitchen with vinegar
18 Places You Should Be Cleaning with Vinegar in Your Kitchen
The best all-purpose cleaner is probably in your cupboard right now. News flash: You should be cleaning everything in your kitchen with white vinegar. When diluted with water, it is a "miracle cleaner" that our test kitchen uses for almost everything. Vinegar is made of acetic acid, which is a natural disinfectant for killing some common germs like salmonella and E. coli, but is best when used in tandem with antibacterial soap and water to guarantee all germs are killed.
A huge gallon jug of distilled white vinegar from our favorite brand, Heinz, will run you $13 on Amazon, and the vinegar smell will evaporate more quickly than you think. But if you're worried about it, you can always add some citrus peels or essential oils. Most applications call for a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar so the strength of the acid isn't too intense or damaging, and it can be stored in a jar or a spray bottle for easy access. Here's how we use white vinegar to clean 18 things in our kitchens.
1. Kitchen Sink
Use a 1:1 ratio of diluted vinegar and water and store it in a spray bottle. Then you can spritz and disinfect your kitchen sink, counters, or any other spots that you'd normally use bleach but want to be food-safe. To counteract the vinegar smell, you can use soapy water to rinse the sink afterward.
2. Floors
Don't use expensive cleaners—mix 1:1 vinegar to water and mop the floor with it! This will protect your floor from too strong a concentration of acidic vinegar, and will help lift off any grease or dirt.
3. Greasy Stovetop
Vinegar's acidity helps cut through grease easily. Spray some vinegar and water mix onto a splattered stovetop, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub down with soapy water. It should wipe right off. If not, leave it to sit a bit longer.
4. Sheet Pans
Clean your dirty sheet pans by mixing ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar with hot water in the sink.
It will bubble up like a school science project, but that reaction is what helps loosen the residue. Make sure your sink is plugged so they stay submerged, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing away with a scouring pad, the scrubby side of your sponge, or steel wool.
5. Stainless Steel Pots and Pans
If you have a particularly gnarly-looking stainless steel pan that won't get clean, boil together water and vinegar for a few minutes. It will dissolve grease and get rid of any weird stains or water spots. If it's really dirty, you can go longer. The more vinegar you use here, the more quickly the cleaning happens. Then dump the vinegar mixture and wash as normal with soap and water!
6. Enamel Pots and Pans
The same works for enamel or enamed cast iron (like your Dutch oven): boil water and vinegar together to help dissolve stains, and scrub off any remaining spots with soap and water.
7. Microwave
We tried using a vinegar and water mixture in Angry Mama, a funny-looking microwave cleaner, but you could get the same results by combining equal parts water and vinegar in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave it for about five minutes to loosen any gunk with the steam, then wipe clean. Make sure to put a chopstick or toothpick inside the bowl—if not, the water can superheat and make the bowl explode! (Something proven by the Mythbusters.)
8. Coffee Makers and Tea Kettles
Whether you use an electric tea kettle, standard coffee maker, or Keurig, they can all be cleaned in the same way to get rid of mineral build-up. (This process is also known as descaling.) Pour a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar into the water reservoir or directly into the kettle. Run it through the coffee maker or simply boil the water in the kettle, then rinse thoroughly with water. For automatic coffee makers (including those that use pods), you may have to run plain water through a few times to get the smell and taste of vinegar out. You can also use vinegar and water to clean stained tea or coffee cups.
9. Blender or Food Processor
Stuck on food, stains, or weird smells? Again, 1:1 water to vinegar and blitz it in the blender or food processor, then wash as normal.
10. Instant Pot (or Pressure Cooker) Sealing Ring
If your Instant Pot sealing ring smells or is stained, soak it in with a mixture of vinegar and water in your sink, a sheet pan, or any other vessel in your kitchen. Let it soak for as long as you want (an hour is great if you can spare the time), wash it with dish soap, and leave it out to dry and air out. You can also fill the whole pot with white vinegar, water, and lemon rind, then run the steam cycle for a few minutes.
11. Cloudy Wine Glasses
If minerals in hard water are causing your wine or drinking glasses to get cloudy, soak them in the sink with some non-diluted vinegar for a few minutes and wash as normal. The vinegar should dissolve the minerals.
12. Plastic Cutting Board
After cutting raw meat, it's good to not only wash your cutting board, but also disinfect it with a mixture of water and vinegar. Wipe it down thoroughly with a mixture of vinegar and water—this is a great time to store the 1:1 mixture in a spray bottle for easy cleaning.
It's always best to use plastic cutting boards with meat, but if you use wood, make sure to follow these wooden cutting board cleaning rules.
Cleaning Your Kitchen With Vinegar
As much as you may love working in the kitchen, the reality is that there's always something to clean. A non-toxic alternative to commercial cleaners, white vinegar can handle the majority of your kitchen cleaning tasks. Vinegar is a brilliant low-cost cleaner that will remove dirt, grime, and stains, and it's incredibly simple to make a scented DIY cleaner that leaves your kitchen extra fresh and sparkling. While it is a cleaning powerhouse, vinegar is not the all-natural miracle solution that some people claim. Vinegar's acidity can cause irreversible damage, so it's critical to understand which surfaces vinegar should never touch.
How to Use Vinegar as a Cleaner
White vinegar has the ability to clean multiple things in your home, but you rarely want to use it at full strength.
Instead, fill a spray bottle with an equal mix of white vinegar and water, and use it as an all-purpose cleaner. Don't worry about the vinegar smell because it disappears as soon as the surface dries.
There are several types of white vinegar, distinguished by the acetic acid content:
- Distilled white vinegar is typically diluted to around 5 percent acidity. It's primarily used for cooking but can make a decent light cleaner if that's the only bottle around the house.
- Cleaning vinegar is around 6 percent acidic. This is the best choice for household cleaning, but you definitely don't want to cook with it.
- White (or spirit) vinegar is the strongest, and the acidity can reach 25 percent. Since it varies so much, carefully examine the bottle. If it's considerably higher than cleaning vinegar, it's for outdoor and industrial purposes and too strong for indoor use.
No matter the strength, vinegar is not on the EPA's list of approved disinfectant cleaners because it will not kill all types of germs and bacteria.
For the cleanest kitchen, use vinegar for regular cleaning and a commercial anti-bacterial cleaner on surfaces that need to be germ-free.
Don't Mix Vinegar, Bleach, or Hydrogen Peroxide
Combining vinegar with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide can produce toxic fumes. Avoid mixing these liquids or alternating their use directly on surfaces.
Boost Your Vinegar Cleaner
It's easy to add scent and extra cleaning power to your vinegar solution. For instance, a few drops of tea tree, grapefruit, and lemon essential oils will give your homemade cleaner a bright scent that lingers after the vinegar smell dissipates. Just be careful to use essential oils in moderation, particularly if you have children or pets (generally, five to 10 drops of each oil is enough). While some essential oils have antimicrobial properties, studies are not conclusive, and these additives do not make vinegar cleaners a replacement for disinfectants.
You can also infuse vinegar with natural citrus peel: Before juicing a lemon, lime, or orange, remove the peel with a vegetable peeler, let it steep in your bottle of cleaning vinegar for two to three days, then strain out the peel.
Kitchen Counters, Floors, and Appliances
Instead of an all-purpose or floor cleaner, use a diluted vinegar mix to clean countertops, floors, and other kitchen surfaces. For counters, use the 1-to-1 water and vinegar in a spray bottle. It works on most appliance surfaces as well, including refrigerator interiors, plastic, and glass. Sometimes it's good to follow up by wiping the surface with a water-soaked cloth then a dry towel. While it will work for minor spills, vinegar is not an effective degreaser for the stovetop, and you'll have better luck with a mild detergent (even just a sink filled with soapy water).
Mixing 1 1/2 cups of water with 1/2 cup each of distilled vinegar and isopropyl alcohol makes a brilliant spray cleaner for vinyl and laminate floors, particularly if you have a microfiber mop.
Kitchen Sinks and Drains
Kitchen sink a little grimy and stinky? Turn to that dynamic duo of vinegar and baking soda. The combination works wonderfully on most sink surfaces and is a natural drain cleaner and deodorizer.
To clean the sink basin, sprinkle baking soda over the surface then spritz it with your vinegar-water solution. Give it a few minutes, and any grime and stains should easily scrub away.
For the drain, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of baking soda in the drain and pour in straight vinegar. It will foam and fizz—just like that volcano experiment from science class—as it works its way down the drain, cleaning as it goes. If there's any baking soda leftover, add another splash or two of vinegar until it's gone.
Coffee Pots and Tea Kettles
No matter how pure your water is, coffee pots and tea kettles need to be descaled regularly. Hardened calcium and other mineral deposits are a natural byproduct of heating water, impede water flow, and will make your favorite hot beverages taste not so great.
Whether you have a standard drip coffee pot or single-cup brewer like a Keurig, descale it every three to six months, depending on how much you use it. To do so, pour equal parts of vinegar and water into the machine and run the regular cycle.
Afterward, run two or three cycles of plain water through the machine to rinse it out before brewing your next cup of coffee.
Tea kettles and gooseneck pots for pour-over coffee are equally susceptible to mineral buildup. For a monthly cleaning, bring a kettle filled with equal parts of water and vinegar to a boil, then remove it from the heat to cool completely before rinsing with water. Buildup in the spout is also likely: Heat that vinegar and water back up in the kettle, then pour it into a deep bowl, stick the spout upside down in the hot liquid, and let it soak for at least three hours before rinsing with water.
Pots and Pans
Over time, fats and oils will blacken the surfaces of your metal pots and pans. Cooks often consider this a sign of many fabulous homecooked dishes and think the patina produces better-tasting baked goods. However, there are times when you want to shine up your pans: Cover the surface with a paste of baking soda and vinegar, let it sit overnight, then scrub away the grime.
Microwaves
Microwaves are prone to splatters and splashes. Before they get caked on, take a moment to clean them up with your vinegar-water spray bottle. It works just as well on the microwave's interior as it does on the outside and just needs to be wiped dry. Another option is to steam clean it: Heat a microwave-safe bowl filled with equal parts of water and vinegar for a couple of minutes, then wipe the interior clean.
What Not to Clean With Vinegar
Vinegar is a great cleaner but it's also acidic, so it can eat away at some materials. Before you start spraying and scrubbing, it's important to know when vinegar will do more harm than good. In some cases, the damage may not be immediate, and that's almost worse because it might lead to costly repairs.
- STONE or WOOD: Never use vinegar to clean stone or wood (including marble or stone counters and hardwood floors) because it can etch or compromise the surface and dull the natural shine.
Some manufacturers will even consider your flooring warranty void if you use vinegar. - ALUMINUM, COPPER, CAST IRON: Avoid using vinegar on aluminum, copper, or cast iron utensils, pots, and pans, any of which could become pitted.
- STAINLESS STEEL: Stainless steel is tricky because it comes in different grades, and vinegar's acid may damage the surface of one thing while leaving another looking fabulous. This applies to stainless steel appliances and knives; if you're not sure how it will hold up, it's best to use an alternative cleaner or do a spot test.
- RUBBER: Rubber parts in dishwashers and some small appliances can become worn out from repeated use of vinegar (especially when it's not diluted with water).
- DISPLAY/TOUCH SCREENS: Often used as a streak-free window cleaner, vinegar can compromise the anti-glare or touch properties of digital screens, which are ever-more common in modern kitchens.
It's best to use screen wipes instead.
Small Steps to a Perpetually Clean Kitchen
What can and should never be cleaned with vinegar
March 9, 2022 Life
Check this list before you start cleaning.
You can listen to the short version of the article. If it's more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.
Can be cleaned with vinegar
1. Windows
To make your own window cleaner, dilute half a tablespoon of vinegar in a liter of water (ordinary table 6 or 9 percent will do). Pour some into a spray bottle. Wash the glass as usual, and finally wipe it with a dry cloth. There is no need to rinse this mixture.
2. Dishwasher
Vinegar will help remove accumulated dirt and grease. Pour two cups of vinegar into a large glass bowl and place on the top rack. Run a normal cycle, but without detergent and without drying. The vinegar will mix with the water and clean the car.
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- 20 unexpected things to put in the dishwasher
3. Towels
If the towels become hard, put them in the washing machine and pour half a glass of white vinegar into the powder compartment - do not add the powder itself. Vinegar will remove detergent residue and mineral deposits from the fabric that make it rough.
4. Carpets
To remove stains from carpets such as wine, mix a tablespoon of liquid soap, a tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Dampen a clean sponge in the mixture and apply a little at a time to the stain, blotting occasionally with a dry cloth. Continue the process until the stain is gone.
Vinegar can also remove stains and odors from pet urine. Mix a quarter cup of vinegar with a liter of warm water and wet the stain with the mixture. Leave for a few minutes to absorb the liquid and then pat dry. Repeat as needed.
5. Vegetables and fruits from the supermarket
Vinegar will help remove bacteria and pesticide residues used in stores to extend their shelf life.
Mix three parts water with one part vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Treat vegetables and fruits with this mixture, and then rinse in water.
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there.
Do not clean with vinegar
1. Granite and marble countertops
Vinegar can damage the surface of the stone. To clean these countertops, use a mild dish detergent and warm water.
2. Stone floors
They can also be damaged by acid cleaners like vinegar and lemon. Wash these floors with special stone soap or mild dishwashing detergent.
3. Broken Egg Remains
If you drop a raw egg on the floor, don't reach for the vinegar to collect the egg white. The acid in the vinegar can cause the egg to curdle and make it harder to peel. It is because of the protein reaction that vinegar is added when poached eggs are boiled.
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4.
Iron Vinegar can damage internal parts, so don't pour it into the water container in an attempt to clean the iron. To prevent clogging of the steam holes, empty the iron after use and clean according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Hardwood parquet
Better play it safe and use a special cleaner. If you really want to try vinegar for cleaning, be sure to dilute it with water (half a glass of vinegar per four liters of water) and first check in an inconspicuous area.
6. Stubborn stains on fabric
No matter how hard you try, stains from grass, ink, ice cream or blood cannot be removed with vinegar alone. They are quickly absorbed into the fabric and do not react to acid. It is better to treat them with a stain remover, and then wash them with a powder that contains enzymes.
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7 Vinegar cleaning hacks that will save you money
Listed all the hacks in a short video.
Watch if you don't have time to read 1 Clean the shower head
Hard water often builds up in the holes in the shower head. Surely you haven’t washed it for a long time or tried, but it didn’t work out, because it takes a long time to wash each hole individually. There is a way that all you need is a plastic bag, gum and vinegar. Pour vinegar into a bag, place a watering can in it and tie it up, but so that the vinegar is in contact with the holes in the watering can. Leave the watering can for a few hours, you can overnight. Limescale after this procedure should come off quickly, and you do not have to buy special products.
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2 Remove rust from tools
Rusty tools are very difficult to clean. But there are several ways to get rid of rust stains, including vinegar. Pour white vinegar into a jar or glass (large enough to hold a rusty tool). Then lower the tool and leave it for a few hours, maybe overnight.
Afterwards, you may have to use sandpaper or a hard sponge to scrape off any remaining rust from the blades. Finally, rinse the instrument under water.
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3 Clean the lawn trimmer
When mowing grass, the trimmer blades get dirty. And it is not recommended to clean them with water pressure, as this is an electrical device. The output is a hard brush. For better efficiency and cleanliness, as well as disinfection, it can be soaked in white vinegar, but not so that vinegar flows over the bristles, but lightly.
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4 Make a trap for midges at home
Midges and mosquitoes cause a lot of inconvenience and are especially active in the warm season. If you do not want to buy fumigators, try this recipe. Pour 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a shallow jar and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Put them in rooms.
The insects will smell the vinegar and fly towards it, but they will get stuck in the mixture and be unable to get out. Another plus is that such homemade traps are not toxic, unlike most specialty sprays.
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5 Clean Your Windows
Vinegar and a couple of available ingredients—plain water and cornstarch—make a homemade window cleaner. Dilute equal parts water and white vinegar and add a teaspoon of cornstarch. It is more convenient to dilute the mixture in a spray bottle. The vinegar in this cleanser will help remove any dirt, while the corn starch acts as a mild abrasive. It is best to use a microfiber cloth so that there are no streaks left.
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6 Remove stickers and residues
Try dampening the sticker with vinegar and leave for 10-15 minutes. If you rub it after, there is a chance that it will come off without a trace.
