I hate the chemical smell of many cleaning products (and I sure don’t want them around my kids), so it’s great to know that there are lots of things that are easy to clean with vinegar. Plus, using vinegar to clean is way better for the environment than all those cleaners full of harsh ingredients. If you don’t believe me, read on. I was skeptical at first too. However, give these things that are easy to clean with vinegar a try and I think you’ll be on board.
1 Floors
I always mop my floors with vinegar and warm water and they’re one of the easiest of the many things that are easy to clean with vinegar. The vinegar kills germs, disinfects, cuts grease and doesn’t burn my nasal cavities with its horrible smell. When I peel an orange, I jam the peels into my spray bottle for a yummy citrus smelling vinegar. Simply spray the water and vinegar mixture on the floors, allow it sit for a minute or two, then mop with an absorbent cloth. This works on wood, linoleum and tile so you can clean most of your floors with one solution.
Frequently asked questions
2 Toilets
I’m a bit picky about how clean my bathrooms are, but I also don’t want my kids exposed to the junk in most toilet cleaners. Here’s what I do instead. I spray the toilet with vinegar, then sprinkle with baking soda and let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes. Then I scrub and flush. Not only does the vinegar kill germs, but the mild abrasiveness of the baking soda gives the toilet bowl a good shine too.
3 Drains
It’s just a fact of life that sink drains slow down from time to time. Instead of killing the environment by pouring Draino down yours, try this instead. Mix a solution of half vinegar, half hot water. Slowly pour the mixture down your drain and allow it sit. Rinse and repeat as necessary. For a particularly stubborn drain, try sprinkling some baking soda in there too.
4 Clothes
You know how your whites get that dingy look after awhile? I have a strict no bleach policy in my house, so vinegar is my go-to alternative. Simply pour some in the bleach reservoir in your washer and your clothes will come out looking bright and new without the lingering smell of the swimming pool. You can also run an empty washer cycle with vinegar to give your washing machine a quick clean and fresh scent.
5 The Microwave
If your house is like mine, there are several members who heat food in the microwave, but don’t clean the mess afterward. By the time I find it, it’s crusty and disgusting. Vinegar to the rescue! Heat a cup of vinegar mixed with a cup of water in a glass bowl until boiling. Carefully remove it and use a cloth to wipe out the microwave. The vinegar helps loosen stuck grime, gives the microwave a fresh smell and makes it sparkle – at least until someone heats a bowl of spaghetti again.
6 Windows and Mirrors
I think vinegar is way better at creating a streak-free shine on my mirrors and windows than traditional glass cleaner. Simply spray it on, wipe it with a terrycloth rag and you’re done. Some people swear by newspaper instead of a rag for this, but I read my news online so I never have any. The rag works perfect for me!
7 Gas Stove Burners
I love my gas stove, but the burners aren’t easy to keep clean. Once a week or so, I fill the sink with hot water and vinegar and put the burners in to soak for about an hour. While the burners are soaking, I use a rag dipped in the water to scrub and shine underneath and all around the burners. Then I scrub the burners and replace. Shiny and perfect!
Do you clean with vinegar? It works wonders and it’s so much better for the environment.
