Natural Cleaning with Vinegar

I have worked towards eliminating harmful chemicals in my home.  Vinegar can be a great biodegradable and green alternative. The acidity in the vinegar is what is doing the work while you are cleaning and cuts through grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, etc.  Here are some of the ways I use vinegar in my home.

Multipurpose Cleaner –

Mix together in a ratio of 1:1 vinegar and water. You can use straight vinegar and skip the water for a stronger cleaner. If you do not like the smell of vinegar you can soak citrus peels in the vinegar for a few weeks, strain it out, and the vinegar will have absorbed the citrus scent. You can also add some drops of essential oil as well.

Use the multipurpose cleaner to clean your counters (not safe on granite or marble counters), & tile and grout back splashes, showers, bathtubs, & sinks.

Use it to clean the shelves in your refrigerator and freezer.

Clean Your Microwave –

Pour 1 cup vinegar & 1 cup water in a bowl. Add 2 TBSP lemon juice. The acidity again is the cleaning agent in this mixture. Place the bowl in the microwave cook for approximately 7-10 minutes (depends on strength of microwave).

Clean Your Dishwasher –

Place a cup full of vinegar in a cup on your top rack and run the dishwasher. It’ll clean the soap scum and other junk out of it.

Spray Your Fruits & Vegetables –

Spray your fruits and vegetables to clean them, and rinse with water before eating.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal –

Freeze vinegar in ice cube trays. Place the ice cubes in your garbage disposal, run water and your disposal.

Odor Remover –

Spray some in smelly shoes, bags, or as an air freshener to remove odors.

Clean Your Shower Curtain –

Place your shower curtain in your washing machine, and add 1 cup vinegar. Set your washer to large load, warm, and hand wash cycle. The vinegar will remove any soap scum and mold build up.

Clean your Tile Floors –

Mix a ratio of 1:10 vinegar and water (1 being the vinegar). Use a deck brush to lightly scrub the mixture onto the floor.

After scrubbing, mop with a warm water rinse.

Soften Your Towels –

Wash your towels with 1 cup of vinegar, it’ll soften your towels.

Re-usable vinegar wipes & dryer sheets –

Place some washcloths in a container and pour vinegar over the cloths – you can dilute with water as you made the multipurpose cleaner from above if you like. Use to wipe up surfaces, launder, and use again. You can also throw these in the dryer to soften clothes.

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