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Should i dilute vinegar for cleaning


How to Use Vinegar to Clean Your Home

Homeowners may be surprised to learn that one of the most effective cleaning agents is something that they keep in the kitchen. Vinegar offers a number of benefits for people looking to keep a clean, fresh-smelling space that is safe for children and pets. It also avoids the harsh fumes of many other cleaning products. Knowing how to clean with vinegar can give homeowners the information they need to take advantage of this natural and minimally-costly traditional cleaning option. This guide identifies which vinegar to use, a few considerations in creating a cleaning solution, and the best way to clean a variety of surfaces.

Table of Contents

Why Vinegar Is a Great Cleaner

People might stock their homes or apartments with a variety of cleaning products designed for individual surfaces. This is certainly a viable approach, but vinegar may one of the best and most inexpensive. In studies, white vinegar has demonstrated that it can:

These benefits alone would make it a fairly viable cleaning option. It is also harmless when used appropriately. This means that someone who might balk at cleaning with bleach or ammonia in an unventilated space, due to the risk of inhalation, would not have the same problems with vinegar.

Which Vinegar to Use

There is a huge variety of vinegar options, and they are not all made equal. As a general rule, people use white vinegar for cleaning. It is an inexpensive kitchen item with many uses, culinary and otherwise. Colored vinegars, like those made from apple cider or wine, may tint the surface people want to clean.

Some vinegar products are not meant for consumption, but have cleaning applications. For example, cleaning vinegar contains about 6 percent acetic acid, compared to 5 percent for white vinegar. This increase in acidity can improve its cleaning power. More is not always better, however. Industrial vinegar has about 20-30 percent acetic acid and may not be appropriate for cleaning in the home.

How to Make an All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaning Solution

Making an all-purpose vinegar cleaning solution is fairly easy for most people to do with items they have around the house. Experts rely on distilled white vinegar most of the time because it is:

The most common vinegar cleaning solution contains one cup of vinegar mixed with one cup of warm water. Warm water helps to dissolve grease and hard water spots more quickly. People who are filling a spray bottle that they will use over time may want to mix the vinegar with distilled water, not tap water. Since vinegar has a fairly strong odor, some recipes add essential oils to produce a different scent. Homeowners should research the product before using it. Certain extra ingredients may not be safe for surfaces, or could alter the vinegar’s cleaning efficacy.

The high acid content and the distilled nature of white vinegar gives it a long shelf-life. This means that people can often mix a solution that they will use periodically throughout several days or even weeks without worry that it will go bad. People should keep in mind that if they add anything fresh to the cleaning solution to change its scent, like lemon juice, it may not stay safe for use longer than a day or two.

Vinegar/Water Ratios

Most vinegar cleaning solutions use a specific ratio of vinegar to another substance, usually water. The correct ratio depends on the surface and the type of cleaning needed. As a general rule, most natural cleaning experts suggest mixing one part vinegar to one part water. These recommendations typically rely on distilled white vinegar as the cleaning element. If homeowners are using cleaning vinegar, they may want to add a little more water to achieve a similar amount of acetic acid.

Mixing Vinegar and Baking Soda

Many recipes for natural cleaning solutions call for mixing vinegar and baking soda in warm or boiling water before using to clean. Most of the time, people may find this unnecessary. On its own, vinegar’s acidic nature makes it capable of cutting through oils, soap buildup, or even bacteria or viruses. When mixed with baking soda, which is highly alkaline, the acid is largely neutralized.

Baking soda can be a useful cleaning agent with vinegar, but its efficacy is limited. Mixing vinegar with baking soda into a paste may make it easier to clean a vertical surface, like a shower wall. However, baking soda is a solid that will dry hard if not cleared away. This means that the baking soda can eventually dry out and clog spray bottles.

What Not to Clean With Vinegar

Although people like to tout the natural and safe use of vinegar for cleaning, it is not ideal for every surface. Homeowners should avoid using vinegar for the following:

These recommendations should lead homeowners to approach any cleaning surface with care. Typically, people may want to test a small amount of the vinegar cleaning solution in a spot that is less visible and let it sit for a few hours. If it does not stain, discolor, or otherwise damage the surface, it is likely safe for use.

Using Vinegar Around the House

Using vinegar to clean the house is a fairly simple prospect. It rarely needs time to activate, so people can usually just mix the cleaning solution and start applying to the right surface. The best tools for cleaning depend on the surface or item that people want to clean. Homeowners who plan to use vinegar to clean the majority of the home may want to have the following tools handy for use:

If people have a new surface to clean or have never used vinegar for cleaning, they should do a little more research to confirm the best approaches. Most of the time they can use the 1:1 ratio. There are times when they should do something else to make the cleaning quicker, more effective, or less damaging.

Countertops

Cleaning non-stone countertops is quite easy with vinegar. Homeowners should start by putting the vinegar solution into a spray bottle or small mixing bowl. They can wipe away food debris or heavy liquid spills to make cleaning simpler. Once the surface is essentially ready, they should spray a fine mist over the countertop, or soak a small amount into a washcloth for wiping. It is not necessary to make the countertop dripping wet for effective cleaning. The surface should be wiped until it is clean and dry.

Flooring

Most flooring types will work with vinegar, although homeowners should always confirm that it is safe for theirs. Cleaning vinyl or linoleum can be done with a spray bottle and washcloth or a mop and bucket. To clean ceramic or porcelain tile, homeowners should mix a cup of vinegar into a gallon of water. Soaking the tiles can make it very slippery, since they are not absorbent. As such, people may want to work on a small number of tiles at a time. An old towel to wipe dry will cut down on the odor and make the surface safer for walking. Recommendations for hardwood flooring usually call for a few tablespoons of vinegar in a half-gallon of water, lightly sprayed on the wood and wiped immediately.

Cabinetry

Cleaning cabinets with vinegar relies on the same 1:1 ratio for most cleaning surfaces. Homeowners can lightly spray on the solution, give it a few minutes, then wipe dry. This approach may not be appropriate for people who have solid wood cabinets, since it could damage the finish. Otherwise, homeowners should keep in mind that vinegar is not as effective at cleaning some types of surfaces, cabinets included. If the cabinetry is extremely grimy, it may take a drop of liquid dish soap in the solution for greater efficacy.

Showers and Bathtubs

People who have showers or bathtubs made out of plastic or porcelain, not stone, may use vinegar to clean it. It is simple for homeowners to leave a spray bottle in the shower that they can mist on the surface after taking a shower, wipe, and let dry for daily cleaning and disinfecting. Vinegar also works well for fixtures. Soaking a rag in pure white vinegar to wrap around the faucet or showerhead for a few minutes will help cut through limescale more quickly than spraying. For layers of hard water buildup, people may want to temporarily remove the fixture and soak it in vinegar for up to an hour. This will make it easier to scrub or get rid of clogs before replacing it.

Toilets

Acetic acid’s ability to eliminate hard water stains is a major benefit for the toilet. Few people want to spend their time scraping away the accumulation, and vinegar can help. Homeowners should start by pouring in a cup of white vinegar and using a toilet brush to spread it over the affected surface. If this is not enough to loosen up the stain for scrubbing, they may add a cup of baking soda to activate foaming. Hard water can build up in layers. This means that people with a lot of staining may need to perform this task several times over a few days before the bowl is completely clean.

Walls and Doors

Vinegar in water can even be used to clean painted walls and doors, as long as homeowners take care. Flat paint calls for careful wiping, to avoid removing the finish. Cleaning with vinegar and water is easier with a semi-gloss or glossy finish. People should put 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar in a gallon of water, mix, and pour it into a spray bottle. They can lighting spray the mist onto the dirty surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or clean sponge. Homeowners should use the least amount of water possible and avoid scrubbing, as this can remove the paint.

Windows

Having streak-free, clean windows is not particularly difficult with vinegar. Window cleaning experts suggest doing this task when the sun is not shining directly on the window, to avoid streaks. After wiping the window of dust and debris, homeowners should spray a 1:1 vinegar/water solution onto the glass. A cloth or sponge helps to wipe away spots and allow the glass to dry quickly. For very dirty windows, people can use more cleaning solution and a squeegee to remove excess liquid. Hard water spots may call for scrubbing with a soft cloth and pure vinegar to remove them.

Upholstery

The natural de-odorizing capability of vinegar makes it an ideal choice for soiled or smelly upholstered furniture. This may not be appropriate for very old fabrics or those whose colors are likely to run. After vacuuming the fabric to remove dirt, homeowners can spray a combination of cool water and vinegar onto the stains or affected area. If odor is the only problem, they may allow it to dry and reapply as needed. For stains, they may want to scrub using a soft cloth to lift it.

Large Appliances

Keeping large appliances clean requires attention to the interior and exterior. Although almost any appliance can be cleaned with a vinegar solution on the outside, it may take a special approach to clean the inside, including:

People who have stainless steel appliances may need to use a different cleaner for the surface, to avoid streaks or damage.

Small Appliances

Vinegar can be used to clean the interior of small appliances, depending on the type. For example, people may want to run a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar through their coffee machines once a month. This will help to:

Cleaning the interior of the microwave also works better with vinegar. Homeowners can take the same solution and put it into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwaving it on high for about five minutes will loosen food splatters and grease, making them easier to wipe clean.

Cooking Tools/Utensils

Many homeowners hate the way that mixing bowls, food preparation tools, and storage containers take on the color and odors of the food they hold, and vinegar is a viable solution. Soaking the item in a vinegar and water solution is an effective way to remove stains and eliminate odors without damaging it. Homeowners should avoid using boiling water when cleaning plastic, as the surface can warp or leach toxic chemicals. The acid in the vinegar can damage knives or the handle, so people may want to use a different cleaning solution for knives and knife blocks.

Clothing

Heavy detergents can take their toll on even hardy clothing items, but vinegar helps to remove it. Over time, clothing washed repeatedly will start to collect detergent residue. This may make the fabric feel different or fade the color. When homeowners notice this, they can place the clothing items in a bucket or bathtub with vinegar and warm water to soak overnight. This will remove most of the accumulation. To prevent this from becoming a regular problem, people may want to wash their clothes in a washing machine with a cup of vinegar on occasion.

Although vinegar is a safe way to clean virtually any surface, it is not entirely without risk. Acids that are perfect for cleaning can be hard on the hands or face, if people sustain prolonged contact. Mixing cleaning solutions, even traditional ones, may prompt a reaction that homeowners are not prepared to manage. Vinegar and water is a great solution for most cleaning needs, but people should avoid mixing it with anything else until they have confirmed it is safe. This will help to ensure a safe and effective result.

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.

What can and should never be cleaned with vinegar

March 9 Life

Check this list before you start cleaning.

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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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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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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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Vinegar to remove stains and dirt from fabrics and clothing. Instructions for removing rust, paint, coffee, blood, wine and odors

Will tell: Alena Vinogradova

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Vinegar is used to clean furniture, carpets, clothes, toys, shoes. The product effectively removes stains and dirt, helps maintain the brightness of fabrics, removes unpleasant odors and disinfects.

Contents

Suitable for:

Grease stain removers:

Decontamination:

Odor removal:

Surface disinfection:

Removing marks:

Pipe cleaners:

Paint and varnish removers:

Food stain cleaners:

Removal of traces of rust, adhesive tape, chewing gum

Removing gel pen marks from textiles

Remove berry stains from clothes

Brightening rinse

Removing traces of dirt from clothes, furniture, carpets

Paint Removal

Odor removal and disinfection

Tobacco odor removal from woolen garments

Shoe shine

Red wine stain remover

Removing blood stains from fabrics

Coffee, chocolate, cocoa stain removal