As you read this, chances are you’ve got a bottle of vinegar lurking in the depths of your pantry. And while it’s often associated with cooking up a mean stir-fry or adding some zing to your salad dressing, did you know it can also be a powerful cleaning agent? In fact, using natural products like vinegar is a fantastic way to keep your home sparkling without breaking out the harsh chemicals.
I’ve been on a mission to find the best ways to clean efficiently and sustainably, and today I’m excited to share some of my favorite vinegar-based cleaning hacks with you. From banishing stubborn stains in the kitchen to tidying up your bedroom and bathroom, these eco-friendly solutions will show you that there’s no need to reach for the chemical cleaners when you’ve got a bottle of vinegar at hand.
Remove Carpet Stains
The perpetual struggle with carpet stains can be a source of great frustration, especially when the solution seems as elusive as a quick and easy fix. However, fear not! A simple yet effective hack lies in wait to rescue you from the trenches of stain-related stress. By combining ¼ cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and warm water, you’ll be well on your way to banishing those unsightly blemishes from your carpeted domain.
Simply mix the concoction, apply it to the affected area using a sponge, and allow it to work its magic for approximately 10 minutes before gently drying with a microfiber cloth. And if you’re looking to maintain a pristine carpeted environment, be sure to check out these vacuuming hacks for added peace of mind.
Steam Out the Microwave
Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a small bowl or cup. Place the mixture inside the microwave and set the heating mode to its maximum temperature for a duration of 5 minutes. Allow the contents to steam the interior surfaces of the microwave. Once the process is complete, use a sponge to wipe away any stubborn stains that may have surfaced during the steaming process. The stains should readily come off, leaving your microwave’s interior looking clean and refreshed.
Clean Your Stove Tops
Combine equal parts white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl to create a paste-like consistency. Add a few drops of dish soap, mixing well to incorporate. Next, apply the mixture evenly onto your stopper top, taking care to add a bit extra to areas with particularly stubborn stains. Allow the solution to sit for 10-20 minutes before wiping it off with a cloth. Simple and effective! For more clever uses of baking soda, explore our collection of cleaning tips.
Renew Your Brushes
When it comes to makeup, we often get so caught up in applying our favorite products that we forget to give our brushes a little TLC. After all, they’ve been working hard to help us achieve those flawless finishes! But the reality is that our brushes can harbor a surprising amount of dirt and dust. The solution? A simple cleaning routine! Start by mixing warm water with a splash of white vinegar in a bowl. Then, gently swirl your brushes through the mixture to loosen any built-up grime.
Next, rinse them under running water to wash away all the yucky stuff. And just like that, your brushes are good as new!
Clean Your Mirrors Like a Pro
You don’t necessarily need specialized glass cleaner to keep your mirrors sparkling. Instead, repurpose a spray bottle – regardless of its size. To create a homemade cleaning solution, combine one part white vinegar with four parts water and pour the mixture into the bottle. Afterward, give it a thorough shake and use it to spray the mirror evenly. Once you’ve applied the solution, simply wipe it off with a paper towel, allowing your mirrors to regain their original shine.
For even more lazy cleaning hacks, explore our previous posts.
Clean the Fridge
When it comes to keeping your kitchen tidy, repurposing household items can be a great way to get the job done without breaking out the heavy cleaning artillery. Take your trusty spray bottle, for instance. Typically used to water your plants or give your furniture a quick dusting, this humble hero can also be enlisted in the battle against fridge grime. And the best part?
Its natural antimicrobial properties make it a safe and effective way to banish any lingering bacteria that might be lurking inside your refrigerator.
Keep Your Washing Machine Sparkling
The humble washing machine often requires a bit of TLC to maintain its efficiency. One area that can easily be overlooked is the rubber seal around the door, which can quickly become clogged with dirt and debris. A simple yet effective solution is to create a cleaning solution and apply it directly to the affected area using a microfiber cloth. This will help remove any built-up grime, leaving your washing machine in top working order.
Clean Your Computer and TV Screens
To remove any residual streaks or smudges from the previous cleaning method, simply spritz the specially designed solution (if you still have it) evenly across each screen. Alternatively, grab a clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe down every surface to eliminate any remaining dirt or debris. Be sure to use a fresh, lint-free cloth to prevent transferring unwanted particles onto your screens.
Disinfect Your Sponges
When your trusty sponges start to look and smell like they’ve seen better days, don’t rush to replace them just yet. With a simple trick, you can breathe new life into your old sponges and reduce waste in the process. The key is a vinegar-based solution that’s gentler on your sponges than harsh chemicals. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl, then submerge your dirty sponges for about 20 minutes.
Next, heat the mixture in the microwave until it starts to simmer, allowing the acid in the vinegar to break down any stubborn stains or odors. After the treatment, simply rinse your sponges under running water and they’ll be good as new, ready to tackle another day of cleaning tasks.
Get Rid of Weird Smells in the Blender
If you’re like many of us, you’ve probably encountered the unpleasant odor emanating from your blender at some point. But fear not, dear reader, for this common issue has an easy solution. Combine equal parts water and vinegar in your blender, then close the lid and blend until the mixture is fully incorporated. Once you’ve finished blending, simply pour out the liquid and give your device a thorough rinse to remove any lingering remnants of the concoction.
By doing so, you’ll be saying goodbye to that pesky smell and hello to a fresher, more pleasant aroma emanating from your trusty blender.
Disinfect Cutting Boards
One common issue with cutting boards is their tendency to develop unpleasant odors despite regular washing. A simple solution is to clean the board with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water. This can be easily prepared in advance using a spray bottle or created on the spot as needed. After applying a small amount of this solution, your cutting board will regain its freshness, leaving it feeling like new.
Freshen Up Your Instant Pot
After devoting some quality time to cooking in your Instant Pot, don’t forget to show it some TLC too! To maintain its performance and hygiene, simply combine equal parts of water and white vinegar within the device. Allow this mixture to sit for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the acid in the vinegar to help break down any stubborn food residue.
Use Vinegar for Washing Dishes
When faced with the inconvenience of running out of dishwasher tablets, I discovered a simple yet effective hack that’s been a game-changer for me. By combining baking soda with vinegar in my dishwasher, I’ve been able to get my dishes sparkling clean without breaking the bank. To use this method, simply pour a generous amount of baking soda into your dishwasher and then add equal parts water and white vinegar.
Close the door and let the mixture work its magic to leave your dishes spotless and residue-free.