The people of the world have been using vinegar to clean their homes for centuries. With its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, vinegar is just as effective as using bleach. In addition, vinegar is non-toxic and safe for ingestion, making it unnecessary to lock away in your cleaning cabinets to keep your children safe.
Making your own vinegar cleaner to use throughout the house is as simple as combining 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water. If you prefer a scented household cleaner, add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to the mix. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and use your homemade vinegar cleaner to make virtually everything in your house sparkle.
Boost the Laundry
The acetic acid in vinegar helps to remove excess soap scum and residue on your clothing from harsh laundry detergents. Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to brighten whites and boost colors. To remove stains, spray with white vinegar before placing in the washing machine.
Clean Fruits and Vegetables
The anti-bacterial properties in vinegar make it the perfect solution for removing fungi and bacteria from your produce. Simply, rinse fruits and vegetables in a 1 part vinegar to 3 part water mixture before use.
Clean Plastic Toys
Place the children’s toys in the bathtub to disinfect the germs and bacteria. Add 1 cup of white vinegar, then fill the bathtub with hot water. Soak for several minutes, wipe down toys, as needed, then rinse clean.
Deodorize
Spray stinky, upholstered furniture with white vinegar to reduce the stench. Clean litter pans and pet cages using a 1 part vinegar to 3 part water mixture.
In the Bathroom
Pour 1 cup white vinegar into the bathtub and fill with hot water. Dip a cleaning cloth into the mixture and wipe down the mirror, sink, counters, shower and toilet to sterilize the bathroom.
In the Kitchen
Pour 1/4 cup white vinegar into the sink and fill with hot water. Soak a cleaning cloth in the mixture and wipe down the kitchen table, the countertops and the appliances. The anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties in vinegar make the cleanser perfect for use on wood cutting boards, too.
Kill Weeds
Spray annoying weeds with a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 2 teaspoons dish soap. Be careful not to spray near plants you would like to keep, as the vinegar and soap solution is likely to kill any surrounding vegetation.
Repel Fleas
Fleas and ticks dislike the sour smell of vinegar. To repel fleas on cats, just add 1 cup of vinegar to the shampoo, as you later. Then, rinse clean. Repelling fleas on dogs, is as simple as adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar to his drinking water daily.
Restore Wood Furniture
Clean and restore wood furniture with a mixture of 3 parts vegetable oil and 1 part vinegar. Dip a cleaning cloth into the mixture and wipe onto the furniture, no need to rinse. Continue to rub the mixture into the wood until dry.
As you can see, vinegar is an extremely effective household cleaner that you can safely use throughout your home. The next time you find yourself in need of a cleaning agent, reach in the pantry instead of under the sink. Your health and home will thank you.
