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Today we are going to share with you how to clean with vinegar properly.

Vinegar is one of the most versatile, affordable cleaning tools in your home, but it is also one of the most misused household product.

For decades, there have been incorrect articles shared online about vinegar, and it has caused many problems for people when it comes to safe and efficient housekeeping.

Here on Chemistry Cachet, we love to share the science on how things work so you can understand the correct way to use things.

Cleaning with vinegar has  pros and cons. Let’s check it out!

How To Clean With Vinegar Properly

In this article, we will uncover the incredible cleaning powers of vinegar and provide you with practical tips and safety guidelines on how to clean with vinegar to make your routine more efficient and effective.

From tackling hard water problems to achieving streak-free glass surfaces, vinegar has a variety of uses.

Does It Matter What Type of Vinegar?

For the purposes of this article and almost every article on Chemistry Cachet, we are using or referring to 5% distilled white vinegar. This is the most common type of vinegar you find in everyone’s homes. There is higher concentrated vinegars for cleaning which are 30%. Any vinegar you have will follow this information and guidelines, but I recommend always use basic 5% distilled white. I wanted to mention this before beginning the article.

Understanding Vinegar: Not an All-Purpose Cleaner

While vinegar may be hailed as a cleaning revolution, it is important to understand that it is not an all-purpose cleaner. While it does have powerful cleaning properties, it is not suitable for every surface or stain. Before you start pouring vinegar on every nook and cranny of your home, take a moment to familiarize yourself with its limitations and the areas where it shines brightest.

First and foremost, vinegar is an acid. This means that it can damage certain materials, such as marble, granite, and natural stone. If you have these surfaces in your home, it’s best to avoid using vinegar as a cleaner to prevent any potential harm. Additionally, vinegar can strip the finish off some types of wood, so it’s best to test it on an inconspicuous area before using it on your favorite wooden furniture.

Vinegar may not be effective against certain types of stains. While it works wonders on soap scum, hard water stains, and grease, it may not yield the same results when it comes to more stubborn stains like red wine or ink. In these cases, you may need to turn to alternative cleaning solutions.

Another factor to consider is the smell of vinegar. While some may find the scent of vinegar refreshing, others may not enjoy it as much. If you are sensitive to odors or have asthma or allergies, vinegar might now be the best choice for you. Citric acid is another option for those who are sensitive to the smell of vinegar.

While vinegar is an incredible cleaning agent with numerous benefits, it’s essential to recognize that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding its limitations and using it in appropriate situations will ensure that you get the most out of its cleaning powers without causing any unintended damage. 

Vinegar IS a Great Solution for Hard Water Problems

One particular area where vinegar excels is in tackling the challenges posed by hard water. If you have ever noticed mineral deposits or soap scum residue on your faucets, showerheads, or glass surfaces, chances are you have hard water issues.

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave behind stains and build-up that regular cleaning agents struggle to remove. This is where vinegar shines. Its acidic properties make it a fantastic natural alternative for tackling hard water problems. When vinegar reacts with hard water deposits, it will react with the deposit to form a salt. 

To use vinegar as a solution for hard water stains, you can soak a cloth or sponge in vinegar and then apply it directly to the affected areas. The acidity of vinegar breaks down the mineral deposits, making them easier to wipe away. For tougher stains, you may need to let the vinegar sit for a while before scrubbing. Remember to rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any vinegar residue. You can check out our two ingredient hard water remover in this recipe.

Since vinegar is acidic, it’s important to test it in a small, inconspicuous area before using it on delicate surfaces. Additionally, vinegar may not be as effective in extreme cases of hard water or surfaces that have already been damaged due to prolonged hard water accumulation.

The Magic of Vinegar on Glass Surfaces

Glass surfaces can be a pain to clean, often leaving streaks and smudges even after seemingly thorough scrubbing. 

When it comes to cleaning glass, vinegar is a superstar because of its ability to dissolve tough stains and cut through grime effortlessly. Whether it’s the bathroom mirror, windows, or glass tabletops, vinegar can transform these surfaces from lackluster to crystal clear. Its acidic nature helps to break down any residue, leaving a streak-free shine behind.

To achieve the best results, simply mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the solution onto the glass surface and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. For basic maintenance, you can use our vinegar spray for the glass shower door. 

It’s important to note that while vinegar is excellent for most glass surfaces, it might not be suitable for certain delicate glass like antique glass or stained glass windows. Even when it comes to glass, always test a small area first.

How To Clean With Vinegar: Recipes for Every Room

Now that you know about the magic vinegar can work on glass surfaces, it’s time to explore some effective vinegar cleaning recipes for every room. These recipes will not only provide a comprehensive guide for utilizing vinegar’s cleaning powers but will also ensure that you can tackle any cleaning challenge with ease.

For the kitchen, where grease and grime often accumulate, try this all-purpose vinegar cleaner: mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution works wonders on countertops, stovetops, and even cutting boards. Simply spray, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Your kitchen will sparkle in no time. Another fantastic DIY is our vinegar “everything” cleaner from the eBook.

In the bathroom, where soap scum and mildew can be stubborn, vinegar comes to the rescue. Create a powerful shower cleaner by pouring  vinegar into a spray bottle. Mix it with dish soap and borax to create a very powerful cleaner. Get the full recipe in our homemade bathroom cleaner post. Spray it onto the shower walls, tub, and fixtures, then let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and be amazed at the results.

Moving on to the living room, vinegar can be a game-changer for blinds, baseboards, and even fabrics. Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap with a 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2  cup of water. Read more on how this works in our blind cleaning hacks post. Spray the solution onto to the surface, then wipe off with a microfiber. 

Last but not least, you can also use vinegar in the bedroom. Vinegar can be used to freshen up mattresses and remove odors. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of vinegar and water, then spritz the mattress lightly. Let it air dry, and the vinegar will help neutralize any unwanted smells.

Safety Precautions: When and How to Use Vinegar

These effective vinegar cleaning recipes will make your home shine from top to bottom. But before you start using vinegar everywhere, lets first discuss some important safety precautions when it comes to using vinegar.

Vinegar is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent, but it’s important to handle it with caution. While vinegar is generally considered safe for use in most cleaning applications, there are a few key safety measures to keep in mind. Always make sure to properly label your vinegar bottles and clearly indicate that it contains vinegar. This can prevent anyone from accidentally using the vinegar for something.

It’s also crucial to remember that vinegar is an acid, which means it can damage certain surfaces if not used correctly. Before using vinegar on any delicate material or surface, it’s recommended to test a small, inconspicuous area first. This will help you assess how the vinegar will react with the material and avoid any potential damage. Never use vinegar on natural stone surfaces, grout, or finished surfaces. Even if you are using diluted vinegar, overtime it will damage surfaces. Use rubbing alcohol based homemade cleaners instead for all-purpose cleaning. 

As for the application, vinegar is most commonly used in a diluted form. How to clean with vinegar for general cleaning purposes is simple a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. However, for tougher stains and grime, you can opt for a more concentrated vinegar solution. Just be cautious and follow the instructions or recipes carefully to avoid any adverse effects.

Vinegar is Not a Disinfectant

The most misused tip for vinegar is in disinfecting. Vinegar is not a disinfectant. What is a disinfectant? The definition of a disinfectant is a chemical that kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces. 

Sanitizing is the process of killing bacteria on surfaces, but not necessarily viruses. 

Vinegar does show some reaction of killing bacteria, but it does not disinfect. This is an important thing to understand!

Use rubbing alcohol instead for a DIY disinfectant for your home. 

Now you know how to clean with vinegar properly and safely! 

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