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What can vinegar clean


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.

9 Eco-Friendly, Inexpensive, Multipurpose Uses

Multipurpose cleaners are convenient because they’re usable on many different surfaces. But while effective, some of these cleaners aren’t exactly healthy or environmentally friendly.

Vinegar, on the other hand, is nontoxic and eco-friendly, making it the ultimate multipurpose cleaning solution. And the best part, it’s super cheap.

Keep reading to learn what types of vinegar to use, along with nine ways vinegar can be used to clean and disinfect your home.

You probably have a bottle of vinegar sitting in your cupboard right now. But like so many, you might only use vinegar as a salad dressing or as a marinade for vegetables, meat, poultry, or fish.

Made from acetic acid

Vinegar isn’t only useful for cooking, though. It also makes a great cleaner and disinfectant because it’s made from acetic acid.

Acetic acid is a colorless organic compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. It’s also an ingredient in some store-bought household cleaners.

The acidic nature of vinegar is so powerful it can dissolve mineral deposit, dirt, grease, and grime. It’s also strong enough to kill bacteria.

Different types of vinegar include:

Best type of vinegar to use

White distilled vinegar is the best vinegar for cleaning because it doesn’t contain a coloring agent. Therefore, it won’t stain surfaces. Staining can happen when cleaning with a darker-colored vinegar.

Plus, distilled white vinegar has about 5 percent acidity, which is also similar to the acidity level in many everyday multipurpose cleaners.

About that vinegar smell

The strong odor of white vinegar can be unpleasant, in which case you can use apple cider vinegar instead.

It has the same cleaning properties as white distilled vinegar, but since it’s made by fermenting apple juice, it also has a slightly sweet scent.

Apple cider vinegar is darker in color, so dilute it in water before using it as a cleaning agent.

If you’re using vinegar as a cleaner, the scent may linger for about an hour or so. However, this might be a small price to pay for a cleaner that’s nontoxic, natural, and environmentally friendly.

You can mask the smell by adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lemon oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil, to a spray bottle containing a vinegar water solution.

Or, open a window and let some fresh air in to help remove the scent quicker.

Here’s a look at a few common uses for vinegar around the home.

Use vinegar to make your own glass cleaner. Combine one part water with two parts vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on glass surfaces and wipe clean for a streak-free finish.

Because vinegar is a natural disinfectant, it can clean and disinfect countertops after food preparation. For tough stains, add a few drops of Dawn soap to one-part water and two parts vinegar.

Vinegar can also remove odors from countertops, but it shouldn’t be used on granite or marble. Use a natural stone cleaner instead. The acid in vinegar can diminish the luster of natural stone.

Vinegar can also deter ants that may scour countertops at night in search of food scraps.

Combine 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt to remove calcium deposits on faucets and fixtures. This solution can also remove hard water stains from showerheads.

To get rid of stubborn stains, spray fixtures and faucets with vinegar and then tie a bag around it overnight. Scrub and rinse the next morning.

Thick soap scum and mildew can be challenging to remove. Spray undiluted white vinegar over tub and shower walls. Let the vinegar sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse away.

Or, combine baking soda and vinegar to create a paste and scrub away tough grime.

Pour 2 to 3 cups of undiluted vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for up to 3 hours. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush. This helps eliminate rings around the bowl and deodorizes the toilet.

Vinegar also makes a great floor cleaner, but only on certain types of floors.

You shouldn’t use vinegar on hardwood floors because it can dissolve the finish and leave watermarks. The natural acid in vinegar can also damage natural stone floors.

You can, however, use vinegar on no-wax linoleum.

Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to 1/2 gallon of water. To clean ceramic tile, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.

To break through soap scum in a dishwasher, add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse compartment and let the dishwasher run for an entire cycle.

To eliminate odors in your microwave, place a bowl containing a 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water inside the microwave and heat for a couple of minutes. This solution can also loosen any stubborn stains.

Vinegar is also great for cleaning the inside and outside of appliances, including stainless steel. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray down appliances.

Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the solution. Don’t use abrasive pads, which can scratch the surface of appliances.

Distilled white vinegar is also a great choice for removing fabric odor and stains. Don’t use dark vinegar or you might stain your clothes. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle.

But while vinegar is a great household cleaner, can it help your internal digestive system?

Vinegar — or more specifically apple cider vinegar — has been touted as a natural remedy for digestive issues, although there aren’t any rigorous studies or science to back up these claims.

May relieve bloating

It’s possible, though, that apple cider can improve digestive issues, considering how it may increase the acidity level in the stomach.

This can help relieve symptoms like bloating, which is sometimes due to low stomach acid.

May combat acid reflux

Apple cider vinegar may also help combat acid reflux.

One belief is that the vinegar can balance pH levels in the stomach, which not only helps neutralize stomach acid, but also prevents an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut.

This may help reduce gut inflammation.

May flush toxins from the body

Another purported benefit of apple cider vinegar is its ability to flush toxins out of the body. Some people use it as a natural detoxifier, as well as a remedy for constipation and a weight loss aid.

Dilute with water and drink only 1 glass per day

The only way to know whether apple cider vinegar can improve your digestive health is to try it and then see how you feel. Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and drink.

Use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and only drink one glass per day.

It’s normal to have some sediment floating. This is called the mother. Too much apple cider vinegar can damage your tooth enamel.

Vinegar isn’t only for cooking. It’s also an eco-friendly and inexpensive household cleaner. And in most cases, you only need to mix vinegar with water.

Although, you can add salt and baking soda to create a more abrasive cleaner or a few drops of essential oil for a lighter scent.

What can and should never be cleaned with vinegar

March 9 A 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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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. nine0003

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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. nine0003

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 test it 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. nine0003

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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. nine0003

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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. nine0003

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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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nine0011 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. nine0003

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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. nine0003

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6 Remove stickers and residues

Try dampening the sticker with vinegar and leave for 10-15 minutes.

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