Cleaning with white vinegar
Chances are, you’ve got a big bottle of vinegar stashed away in your cupboard. While you may use it for cooking, did you know it’s actually one of the most powerful, cheap, and 100% natural cleaners on the market?
Top Household Vinegar Hacks
White vinegar is strong enough to kill bacteria and dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and dirt. Here are my favourite ways to use it:
- Windows & Mirrors: Mix half white vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Wipe with a lint-free cloth for a sparkling finish.
- Descaling the Kettle: Fill with half water and 30ml vinegar. Sit for 30 mins, boil, and rinse. It keeps limescale at bay without harsh chemicals!
- Laundry Brightener: Add 20ml to your wash to brighten colours and whiten whites. It also works wonders on armpit and grass stains if sprayed neat before washing.
- The Dishwasher & Fridge: Use it to wipe down fridge shelves or run a cup through the dishwasher to dissolve grease.
- Shower Heads: Soak them in a bag of vinegar to shift stubborn hard water build-up.
Carpet Stains
Mix white vinegar with a little washing up liquid in a bottle. Scrub with a soft bristle brush and blot dry with a white cloth.
Fruit & Veg Wash
Remove pesticides and bacteria by soaking produce in a bowl of water with 20ml of vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse and dry!
What NOT to clean with Vinegar
With great power comes great responsibility! Avoid vinegar on:
- Natural Stone: It can dull and damage granite, marble, and quartz.
- Hardwood Floors: Over time, it can strip the shine and void warranties.
- Electronic Screens: It strips protective coatings from phones and TVs.
- Kitchen Knives: The acid can corrode metal and dull sharp edges.
PRO TIP: Don't worry about the smell—white vinegar scents disperse very quickly once dry, leaving nothing but a fresh, clean home!
