Many people want to avoid the toxic and abrasive substances found in commercial cleaning products. Distilled white vinegar, whether used alone or in other natural blends, can be an effective substitute for chemical household cleaning products. Mix the solution to clean delicate surfaces, such as cabinet or counter tops, kitchen utensils, glass surfaces, and floors. Make and scrub a paste of vinegar when you need a more abrasive cleaning product. You can also use a vinegar solution as a furniture and metal polish.
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Method 1 of 3: Making a Liquid Cleansing Mix
Step 1. Mix equal proportions of water and vinegar in a spray bottle
Use distilled white vinegar and, if possible, distilled or filtered water. If not available, you can also use plain tap water. Place both ingredients in a spray bottle, attach the nozzle, and shake the bottle to mix the two ingredients.
- Spray this mixture on kitchen and bathroom countertops/cupboards, stovetops, stove or sink backsplashes, toilet surfaces, tiles, floors, and any other surface you wish to clean. After that, wipe using a paper towel or sponge.
- The vinegar and water solution can remove dust, soap stains, sticky spills, and limescale residue.
Step 2. Add lemon juice to disinfect the surface of the object
Mix lemon juice, vinegar, and water in a spray bottle in a 1:1:2 ratio. Replace the nozzle and shake the bottle. Spray the mixture on a smooth surface that you want to clean, such as a countertop or kitchen or bathroom fixtures. This mixture usually kills 99% of the bacteria attached to the surface of the object making it ideal for cleaning.
Step 3. Add dish soap to remove stubborn stains on the carpet
If the vinegar and water solution isn't effective enough to remove the stain from the carpet, add a teaspoon of mild dish soap to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, then spray the mixture directly on the stain. Let sit for two minutes, then dab a clean towel or sponge over the stain to remove the stain and any spilled solution.
Step 4. Fight stubborn stains and dirt with undiluted vinegar
To remove stubborn soap and mineral suds, pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and this time, do not add water. Put the nozzle back on the bottle. Spray vinegar on the stained area, scrub with a brush or sponge, and rinse with water.
- Use undiluted vinegar to remove soap suds on bathroom walls or any remaining lime water. To clean the toilet bowl, pour the vinegar directly on the toilet bowl.
- Try disinfecting the cutting board with undiluted vinegar.
Step 5. Pour vinegar and water into a bowl to clean the inside of the microwave and oven
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and place in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave or regular oven. After that, turn on the microwave or oven and heat the solution long enough to boil. Allow the mixture to cool down before you open the microwave or oven door.
Odors on the inside of the microwave or oven can be removed and food residue adhering to the inner walls becomes loose and easier to wipe off
Step 6. Mix vinegar, alcohol, and water to make a glass cleaning solution
Prepare 120 ml of alcohol, 120 ml of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Put all three ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on glass, mirror, ceramic tile, and chrome finishes, then wipe with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
- This mixture can clean and polish the glass surface effectively.
- For a sweet citrus scent, add a drop or two of citrus essential oil to the mixture.
Method 2 of 3: Making Scrub Cream and Vinegar Paste
Step 1. Use a mixture of vinegar, salt, and borax in equal proportions to clean the stains on the carpet
For stubborn carpet or fabric stains, combine equal proportions of vinegar, table salt, and borax in a large bowl to form a paste. Apply the paste directly on the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes before you wipe it off with a clean towel. Rinse the cleaned area with water.
Step 2. Clean the clogged drain with baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda is a mild abrasive. When mixed with the acid in vinegar, these two ingredients can effectively clean clogged kitchen sink drains. Put 60 grams of baking soda into the drain hole. After that, pour 60 ml of white vinegar. The combination of the two will produce foam. Once the mixture stops foaming, pour hot or warm water down the drain.
Step 3. Clean the brass object with a scrubbing cream of salt and vinegar
Dip a sponge in white vinegar, then squeeze to remove excess vinegar. Sprinkle table salt evenly on one side of the sponge. Carefully rub the surface of the brass object with the mixture. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then dry with a soft textured towel.
Step 4. Clean the metal surface with a paste of vinegar, salt and flour
You can use this paste to clean silver, tin, copper, or brass surfaces. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 120 ml of vinegar. Add 30 grams of flour and mix all the ingredients to form a paste. Apply the paste on the metal surface and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and scrub the surface with a clean cloth.
Method 3 of 3: Polishing the Surface with a Vinegar and Oil Mix
Step 1. Mix equal proportions of vinegar and olive oil to make a furniture polish
Prepare equal amounts of vinegar and olive oil, then mix the two in a large bowl or jar. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous part of the wood furniture before applying it to the entire surface. If there is no negative reaction, dip a soft cloth in the mixture and rub the cloth against the furniture surface. Polish the wood surface by rubbing it in a gentle circular motion.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to remove excess mixture from the surface of the furniture.
- This mixture works effectively on wooden furniture surfaces such as coffee tables, work desks and wardrobes. In addition, this mixture can also remove stains or circle marks left by cold drink glasses.
Step 2. Remove the stains on the stainless steel surface using vinegar and olive oil
Apply a tablespoon of olive oil to one side of the washcloth or sponge. Rub the side against the stainless steel surface to remove the stain. After that, dampen the other side of the washcloth or sponge with white vinegar. Use that side to remove excess olive oil and polish the steel surface.
Step 3. Use a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and water to clean and polish the wood panels
Mix 240 ml of warm water with 60 ml of white vinegar and 60 ml of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the wood panels using a fine-textured washcloth. Scrub the wood surface carefully. Use a clean dry cloth to remove any remaining mixture while cleaning and polishing the wood panel surface.
