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Vinegar is an item that is nearly
always on hand. It is cheap, made of natural and non-toxic properties, and has
such a variety of uses. Cooking, cleaning, random household tasks- vinegar can
do it all. It can be used as an alternative to harsh chemicals to clean a lot
of surfaces in your home, but there are also a few things that vinegar should NOT
be used for. Keep reading for some tips on what you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT clean
with vinegar!
Things to clean with vinegar:
Appliances- Your dishwasher,
washer, microwave, coffee maker, and more can all be cleaned with vinegar. A
mixture of vinegar and hot water can be used to safely clean the outer and
inner surfaces of your appliances. For most appliances, vinegar can be run
through for an empty load or cycle instead of water, to freshen the unit and
help remove stubborn smells and gunk. Vinegar can even be run through the
coffee pot once a month to get rid of stuck on grime and give you a better cup
of coffee!
Drains- Have a stubborn clog
in your sink, garbage disposal, or tub drain? Pour a pot of boiling water down
the clogged drain. Dump a half cup of baking soda down the drain, and let it sit
for a couple minutes. Follow it up with a cup of vinegar. Immediately follow
that up with another pot of very hot water. This vinegar and baking soda solution
should break down and get rid of whatever is stuck in the drain.
Windows- A mixture of two
tablespoons of vinegar in one gallon of water, put into a spray bottle, gives
you an effective window cleaner. Just squirt on the glass surface and wipe off
with a dry cloth for streak-free clarity.
Bathroom surfaces- A
straight or slightly diluted vinegar solution can be used for stain and odor
removal on most bathroom surfaces. For areas that need more intensive cleaning,
such as the tub and toilet, baking soda and vinegar can be used together to
deep clean and really break down stubborn grime.
Germy surfaces- Use a half and half vinegar-water mix to wipe down
telephones, doorknobs, faucet handles, and other frequently handled surfaces
that are breeding grounds for germs in your home.
Things to NOT clean with vinegar:
Marble, soapstone, or quartz
counter tops- Acidic substances can cause all natural stones to lose their
shine, and cause them to etch and pit. This is also the case for natural floor
tiles. A mild cleaning mixture that is specifically meant for these surface
types is a better option to clean these surfaces.
Hardwood floors- Some use
vinegar to clean hardwood, and as long as it is properly sealed, it is most
likely fine. However, as with the natural stones, hardwood is more susceptible
to pitting and becoming scraped from highly acidic solutions. Particularly if
the hardwood is not finished or if it is old flooring, you will be better off
using a cleaner specifically meant for hardwoods. It is a good idea to check
with a professional whether you should or not, and always test out any mixture
in a small, inconspicuous area first.
Wooden fixtures- The wooden
furniture in your home should never be cleaned with pure vinegar, as the acid
can quickly leave spots and eat away at certain finishes. Wood should be taken
care of with wood-specific cleaning agents for the best results. A little
vinegar mixed with olive oil can be used as a wood buffer, but the ratio should
always be less vinegar than oil.
Metal utensils- Vinegar will
dull knives in particular and make them look older quicker than other cleaners.
It effectively cleans them, but the acid wears them out faster than other
options. Instead, use dish soap and hot water.
Egg related messes- Vinegar
quickly coagulates egg material, so if eggs are spilled on a surface in your
home, vinegar will actually make it more difficult to clean up. Opt to use soap
or a chemical-based cleaner instead.
Thank you for reading! Visit the rest of our blog to see weekly posts for more information and tips
for your household appliances! Browse our main website to
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OEM parts for your major household appliances!