One of the most versatile, chemical free, home cleaning products to use is white vinegar. (If the smell is a concern, don’t worry, it disappears when the vinegar evaporates). There are many numerous uses for vinegar. Here are some of them:
All purpose cleaner: mix four parts water to one part vinegar, then add a teaspoon of liquid Castile soap. 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil such as mint, eucalyptus, orange, lemon or lavender can be added. Pour solution into a spray bottle and keep it as an all purpose spray.
Cabinet cleaner: spray with one part vinegar and one part water wipe clean with a microfiber cloth (for tough spots use a non-scratch sponge).
Car windows: keep car windows frost free by spraying with a solution of one part water and three parts vinegar.
Carpet stain remover: sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum it up. After that mix 1 to 2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon mild detergent. Dab mixture on stain spot then wipe off with a damp cloth.
Coffee maker: for coffee machines follow the manufactures instructions using white vinegar.
Drains and sinks: deodorize drains and sinks by sprinkling 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, let it fizz, then scrub and rinse with hot water.
Floors: add to a bucket of warm water 1/2 cup of vinegar and mop to clean wood floors.
Flowers: keep cut flower’s fresh longer, mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar with a quart of water. Put cut flowers with freshly trimmed stems in a vase of the water mixture. Remember to trim the ends of the stems every 2 to 3 days.
Furniture: to polish wood furniture mix equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil. Apply to a dry soft cloth. Use the cloth to rub with the grain of the wood furniture and polish for the best results.
Iron: clean your clothes iron by filling the water reserve with undiluted white vinegar. Switch
the steam setting to on and let it steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Empty out, if any, remaining vinegar and refill with clean water and pour out. Repeat rinse with cold cold water.
Scorch marks on your iron can be removed by scrubbing with a paste of salt and white vinegar.
Laundry: 1) add 1 cup vinegar to your wash cycle to brighten your wash load.
2) To get yellow stains out of clothes let soak overnight in 10 parts warm water to one part vinegar. 3) Brighten whites such as cuffs, collars and armpits: make a paste out of 2 parts vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Scrub discoloration with the paste and let sit for one hour. Then wash.
Residue: remove sticky, oily residue from jars. Use 1 part soapy water to 1 part white vinegar.
Pour into jar and let sit for 15 minutes or so. Then scrub with a bottle brush and rinse out.
Toilet: Disinfect and remove stains and water marks from the toilet by pouring 2 cups of undiluted vinegar into the toilet and let sit overnight. To clean the toilet use equal parts vinegar and baking soda mixed together. Let fizz. Then scrub the toilet with toilet brush.
Wooden cutting boards: sprinkle baking soda and spray with vinegar, scrub and rinse.
By simply using UNDILUTED VINEGAR the following can be cleaned and sanitized:
Ant Deterrent: wash countertops cabinets and floors with vinegar to deter ants.
Bathroom cleaner: wipe clean all waterproof surfaces with vinegar. Then dry with a microfiber cloth.
Can opener: Use a clean cloth, dip it in vinegar, wipe clean. Then dry.
Computer screen, keyboard and mouse, tablet and phone: Dampen a cloth with vinegar. Make sure the computer is off. Wipe down, let evaporate.
Garden tools:Use a clean cloth, dip it in vinegar, wipe clean. Then dry.
Grease stains: spray vinegar to clean kitchen stove and garage/shop tool benches.
Grout: whiten grout by scrubbing with undiluted vinegar.
Mirrors: Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar, spray on the glass. Wipe clean and off with a microfiber cloth.
Mold remover: Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar. Let it sit at least 10 minutes. Scrub over it.
Pet stains: Blot wet spot with a paper towel. Pour vinegar on the spot. Use a dry towel to blot up. Allow to dry.
Refrigerator: wipe down the interior shelves, seals and exterior handles and surfaces.
Scissors:Use a clean cloth, dip it in vinegar, wipe clean. Then dry.
Stain Remover: To treat tough stains, Like red wine, tomato sauce, blood, etc. Use a sponge with vinegar and sponge on stain. (Best to do this within 24 hours) Launder right away.
Tea Kettle: bring 3 cups vinegar to a full boil for five minutes, pour into tea kettle and leave the vinegar in the kettle overnight. Rinse out with cold water the next day.
Tiles: Just spray vinegar on the tiles and wipe clean with a scrubby sponge and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Windows: Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar, spray on the glass. Wipe clean and off with a microfiber cloth.
Windshield wipers: Dampen a microfiber cloth with vinegar. Wipe over the full length of
Wiper blades 3 times. Let dry.