Vinegar is a mild acid that can be very effective for cleaning many surfaces in your home. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and grime. Vinegar is also antibacterial, killing many types of bacteria and viruses. Using vinegar for cleaning helps get rid of odors and break down stubborn dirt and stains without the use of harsh chemicals. Vinegar is inexpensive, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.
What are the different types of vinegar?
There are several types of vinegar that can be used for cleaning:
- White vinegar – This is the most commonly used type of vinegar for cleaning. It is made through the fermentation of grain alcohol and contains about 5% to 8% acetic acid.
- Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice. It has a milder smell than white vinegar and adds more fruity flavor. Apple cider vinegar contains about 5% to 7% acetic acid.
- White wine vinegar – White wine vinegar is produced from the fermentation of white wine into vinegar. It has a less acidic taste than white vinegar with about 5% to 7% acetic acid.
- Rice vinegar – Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice wine. It has a milder flavor and is slightly sweeter tasting than other vinegar varieties.
- Balsamic vinegar – Balsamic vinegar is made from reduced grape must. It has a rich, sweet flavor and thicker consistency. Balsamic vinegar contains around 5% to 7% acetic acid.
While all these types of vinegar can be used for cleaning, white distilled vinegar is the most commonly used variety because it is the strongest. White vinegar is usually the most inexpensive option as well.
Why is vinegar good for cleaning?
There are a few key reasons that make vinegar an effective cleaning agent:
- Acetic acid – The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits like lime and hard water stains. The acidic properties allow vinegar to break down tough dirt and grime.
- Antibacterial properties – Vinegar is able to kill many types of bacteria, viruses and mold. A 5% vinegar solution is about 90% effective against bacteria.
- Deodorizing abilities – Vinegar helps get rid of tough odors. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly once it dries.
- Non-toxic – Vinegar is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It does not release dangerous fumes or chemicals.
- Versatile – Vinegar can be used to clean a wide variety of surfaces in your home from countertops to floors.
- Inexpensive – Vinegar is an very affordable cleaning solution compared to many store-bought cleaners.
How is vinegar used for cleaning?
Vinegar can be used on its own or diluted with water for cleaning. Here are some of the most common ways vinegar is used:
- Multi-surface cleaner – Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe down surfaces.
- Window/glass cleaner – Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Add a small amount of dish soap. Mix well and use on glass surfaces.
- Disinfectant – Undiluted white vinegar can be used to disinfect areas. Spray or wipe and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Floor cleaner – Add 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Mop floors with the solution.
- Bathroom cleaner – Wipe down bathroom surfaces with undiluted vinegar. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
- Mold/mildew remover – Spray undiluted vinegar on moldy areas. Let sit for 1 hour before scrubbing and rinsing away.
- Laundry – Add 1/2 cup vinegar to a laundry load to help remove odors and brighten clothes.
- Fabric softener – Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes instead of chemical fabric softeners.
- Dishwasher cleaner – Run a cycle with 2 cups vinegar to clean and deodorize the dishwasher.
Vinegar can be combined with other natural cleaning solutions like lemon juice, borax, baking soda and essential oils to increase cleaning power.
What surfaces can be cleaned with vinegar?
Vinegar is safe to use on most surfaces. Here are some of the most common surfaces vinegar can be used to clean:
- Countertops
- Floors – Hardwood, tile, vinyl, etc.
- Sinks
- Bathtubs and showers
- Toilets
- Appliances – Refrigerators, ovens, etc.
- Windows and mirrors
- Trash cans
- Microwaves
- Tables and chairs
- Carpets – Spot cleaning
Vinegar should not be used on stone surfaces like marble or granite as the acidity can damage the stone over time. It should always be thoroughly rinsed off surfaces after use.
Be sure to spot test vinegar in a small inconspicuous area first when cleaning a new surface to check for any discoloration or damage.
Tips for cleaning with vinegar effectively
Follow these tips when using vinegar for cleaning:
- Use white distilled vinegar for the most cleaning power.
- Mix with water to dilute the vinegar for gentle cleaning. Use undiluted for tougher jobs.
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.
- Open windows or use fans while cleaning to keep the vinegar smell from becoming overwhelming.
- Store diluted vinegar solutions in spray bottles for up to 2 weeks.
- Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia, it creates a toxic gas.
- Use vinegar in the rinse cycle of laundry loads to avoid the smell lingering.
- Combine vinegar with baking soda to boost cleaning. The chemical reaction helps remove grime.
Cleaning recipes using vinegar
Here are a few recipes for homemade cleaners using vinegar:
All-purpose cleaner
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 gallon warm water
Mix ingredients together in a bucket. Use on all types of indoor surfaces.
Glass cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray on windows and mirrors and wipe clean.
Tub and tile cleaner
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 cup warm vinegar
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 1 cup warm water
Mix baking soda and vinegar in a spray bottle first. Allow to fizz for a minute. Then add in water and tea tree oil. Shake before spraying on surfaces. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Oven cleaner
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Mix ingredients to form a spreadable paste. Spread onto oven surfaces and let sit overnight before rinsing. Repeat as needed for tough grime.
Common vinegar cleaning questions
Does vinegar really disinfect?
Yes, vinegar has disinfectant properties. The acetic acid in vinegar can kill bacteria and viruses. Undiluted vinegar is about 90% effective against bacteria after 10 minutes of contact time. It’s best for use against easier to kill viruses like influenza, rhinovirus, and rotavirus. Vinegar may not kill tougher viruses like norovirus as effectively.
What ratio of vinegar to water should be used in cleaning recipes?
A typical recommended dilution is 1 part vinegar to 1 part water for most cleaning purposes. For light cleaning, you can dilute up to 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar. For stronger cleaning, use undiluted vinegar. Always spot test dilutions before using on a large area.
Can vinegar remove grease and oil stains?
Yes, vinegar breaks down grease and oil. For small stains, dab undiluted vinegar on the spot and allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping and rinsing. For larger stains, mix 1 cup vinegar with 1/4 cup baking soda and scrub into the grease stain before rinsing.
Will vinegar harm grout when cleaning tile?
No, vinegar is safe for cleaning most types of grout. Its acidity can help eat through soap scum and hard water deposits. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning grout with vinegar. Avoid using vinegar on epoxy-based grout.
Can I clean wood floors with vinegar?
Yes, diluted vinegar is safe for sealed hardwood floors. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon water. Dip a mop into the solution and mop floors. Avoid using vinegar on unfinished wood floors as the acidity can damage the wood over time.
Is it safe to clean electronics with vinegar?
Vinegar can damage electronic screens and devices. Avoid using vinegar on laptops, televisions, smartphones or tablets. Diluted vinegar can be used safely on larger appliances by spraying onto a cloth first before gently wiping down the exterior surfaces.
How does vinegar compare to commercial cleaning products?
Vinegar performs just as well or better than many household cleaners and has the advantages of being non-toxic, eco-friendly and very affordable. Commercial cleaners often rely on strong chemicals and fragrances to cut through grime which can be unhealthy and environmentally damaging.
Conclusion
Vinegar is an effective multi-purpose cleaner that can replace many harsh chemical cleaners. White distilled vinegar has the most cleaning power and versatility. It can be used diluted or undiluted for cleaning almost all indoor surfaces. Vinegar disinfects, cuts through grease and grime and helps remove bad odors safely and naturally.
Follow recipes like those above or get creative with your own vinegar cleaning solutions. Always test vinegar on an inconspicuous area first when cleaning a new surface. Allow vinegar solutions to sit and penetrate before rinsing thoroughly after cleaning. Take safety precautions and never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia cleaners. With some simpledilution and a little scrubbing elbow grease, vinegar can handle most typical cleaning tasks around the home.