Vinegar isn’t just for putting on your chips! This store cupboard staple has lots of uses around the home. While we tend to use malt vinegar as a condiment, its cousin, white vinegar, is a versatile and eco-friendly cleaner. Cleaning with white vinegar is really economical, with a litre costing around £1.50 in most supermarkets. It’s also non-toxic and safe to use around pets.
While the smell of vinegar might not be appealing at first, it soon fades, and you will be surprised at how efficiently it cleans. However, please don’t mix vinegar with bleach. When used together, the two produce toxic chlorine gas, which can be fatal if breathed in. Toilet cleaners also react in the same way with bleach.
So, with the warning out of the way, here are some ways that white vinegar can get your home sparkling clean.
Remove Limescale Deposits in Kettles and around Taps
In many parts of the UK, hard water leaves limescale deposits that can quickly build up in kettles and around taps. Limescale build-up makes your kettle less efficient and can affect the taste of water boiled in it.
Descale Your Kettle:
Fill your kettle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Boil the mixture, then let it sit for an hour before rinsing thoroughly. Your kettle will be limescale-free and ready to brew the perfect cuppa.
Remove Limescale from Taps
Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the base of your taps. Leave it for an hour, then scrub gently with a sponge. Rinse with water for gleaming, limescale-free taps.
Sparkling Windows and Mirrors
White vinegar makes for an excellent, streak-free glass cleaner:
- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto your windows or mirrors and wipe with a microfibre cloth or crumpled newspaper for a crystal-clear streak-free finish.
Deodorise Carpets and Upholstery
Pets, kids, and everyday life can leave your carpets and upholstery less than fresh. White vinegar is a safe and effective deodoriser.
For spot cleaning, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area, then let it sit for a few minutes. Blot with a clean cloth.
For a general refresh, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the carpet or upholstery. Spray with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Eco-Friendly Bathroom Cleaner
Bathrooms attract soap scum, mildew, and bacteria. White vinegar can tackle these issues without the harsh chemicals:
Tiles and Grout: Spray undiluted white vinegar onto tiles and grout. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.
Toilets: Pour a cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for an hour. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush for a clean and fresh-smelling toilet. Remember never to mix white vinegar with bleach.
Freshen Up Your Washing Machine
To keep your washing machine running efficiently and odour-free:
– Once a month, pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum and run an empty cycle on the hottest setting. This helps remove soap residue and musty smells.
All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
The kitchen can be a breeding ground for germs, but white vinegar can clean and sanitise effectively:
Counters and Worktops: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to wipe down countertops, cutting boards, and other surfaces. For extra disinfecting power, add a few drops of essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender.
Microwave: Place a bowl of equal parts water and white vinegar in the microwave. Heat on high for 5 minutes, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The steam will loosen any food splatters, making cleaning a breeze.
Cleaning With White Vinegar is Safe Around Pets
White vinegar is safe for cleaning areas where your pets frequent:
Pet Bedding: Add half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle when washing pet bedding. It helps remove odours and leaves fabrics soft.
Accidents: For pet accidents on carpets or floors, blot up as much liquid as possible, then clean the area with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. This helps neutralise odours and disinfects the area.
White vinegar is a natural, cost-effective solution for many of your household cleaning needs. It’s an excellent alternative to chemical-laden cleaners, helping you maintain a sparkling home while being kind to the environment. If you are interested in eco-friendly cleaning products check out our article on homemade laundry detergent here.
So, next time you tackle your cleaning chores, reach for the white vinegar and watch the magic unfold!
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