Simple vinegar cleaning exchanges that actually work

Many years ago, I went to natural cleaning products. Since then, I have found a lot of large recipes, tips and shortcuts. They not only removed toxins from daily life, but made our house cleaner, cooler and faster to clean!

One of the simplest cleaning hacks I have found is something you probably already have in your pantry.

Distilled white vinegar (also available in organic versions) is a cleaning power. I know, I know, you don’t want your house to feel pickles. Do not worry, the smell fades when it dries and you can easily hide it with a few drops of essential oil.

How to clean with vinegar

There are so many things around the house that you can clean with vinegar. However, there are a few things that vinegar can damage. Since vinegar is acetic acid, it has a weak pH which can dissolve certain substances.

Things you should Not Vinegar

Although vinegar is a weak acid, it is always powerful enough to damage certain surfaces. Here are some things around the house that could be damaged by cleaning with vinegar.

• Finished wood – I found that adding a little vinegar to my vadrouille bucket made my hardwood floors very well. However, using too much or on certain types of wood can damage the finish. The same goes for furniture.
• Mold – Yes, vinegar kills mold and I used it for it. However, the danger is that you could simply scrape the surface of a more important problem. See more below.
• Dishwasher and washing machines – Once again, it is controversial. Adding too much vinegar to them or use it too often can damage the rubber components over time.
• Stone counters – Vinegar can damage granite, marble and natural stone counters.
• Tiles – The use of vinegar diluted on occasion is an excellent way to give the sealed coulis a thorough cleaning. Too often and too often can erode the coulis.

Here’s how I used vinegar to clean around the house:

Tasks

With many children, I had a lot of practice with stains. White clothes seem particularly to attract spots like a magnet. The most effective treatment I have found so far is to pour non -diluted vinegar on stain and washing as usual. It also works very well for wine, tomato sauce or other spills on the carpet. Immediately pour vinegar into the area, wait a few minutes and wipe with a damp cloth.

If you are dealing with really stubborn spots, here is my DIY coloring and a guide to eliminate natural stains.

Cleaning with window and mirror

Are you looking for this spotless shine? Vinegar is much more efficient than Windex or other window cleaners for windows and mirrors. Here’s how I use it:

1. Mix 1 part of 3 parts of water in a spray bottle
2. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil (optional, my favorite is lemongrass)
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of natural flat soap (optional)
4. Use to clean windows and mirrors

Dissolving

A game of borax mixed with four parts of the white vinegar in a spray bottle does wonders for mold. Simply spray it on non-porous surfaces, wait for about an hour and wipe. The mold wipes right away. It works better for small mold areas.

If you notice molds at home, it may indicate a more important and more serious problem. The mold you see maybe the tip of the iceberg. Here are more toxic molds, how to know if you have it and what to do.

Hardwood floors

Our last house had all the hardwood floors, and that meant a lot of cleaning for me. I found that 1/3 to 2/3 cup of white vinegar in a gallon of hot water cleans hard woods very quickly and easily. Be careful because vinegar can damage certain wooden finishes. Check with the manufacturer if possible before using vinegar on your floor.

Toilet cleaning

Vinegar is ideal for decomposing minerals on hard surfaces. Regarding the cleaning of the toilets, I like to associate it with baking soda. Pour a little soda bicarbonate in the toilet, add 1 cup of vinegar and let it boil. Rub and admire the shine. These toilet cleaning strips are also fun to use.

Cleaning cabinets

If you have food stains, an accumulation of oil or spots on your cabinets, vinegar works here too. Mix 1 part of vinegar with 3 parts of water and rub with a cloth or sponge. The vinegar will cut all fat, leaving the cabinets clean and shiny.

Cleaning all use with vinegar

For everything else, you can easily make a very useful house spray with vinegar. Here’s how to do it

1. Add 1 part of white vinegar and 4 parts of water to a spray bottle
2. Add 10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
3. Add 1 teaspoon of natural flat soap

This spray does wonders on counters, high chair platforms, plinths, walls, household appliances, floors and everywhere else, things can be thrown away or overturned.

More ways to clean with vinegar

• Taps, showers and baths
• Add 1-2 cups of vinegar to rinsing cycle for a softer laundry room
• Use it to shine the kitchen sink or the stove
• Clean and deodorize trash cans
• Use to go down a coffee maker (here are my healthy ways preferred to prepare coffee)
• Rinse store products with vinegar before eating
• Make a DIY sprinkling spray with diluted vinegar and oil

What are your favorite ways to use vinegar around the house? Let a comment and let us know!