The Power of Vinegar for Cleaning and Housework

Not just for cooking anymore, vinegar is a great aid, if not the best aid, for cleaning. Four around $7 dollars I can buy two five gallon jugs of white vinegar and it will last me at least six months. Vinegar is friendly to the environment, safe for consumption and effective at killing most mold and bacteria because of its high acidity, and it acts as a deodorizer. And do not worry; the smell goes away once the vinegar evaporates.

Vinegar and Baking Soda:

Beware, it foams! I sprinkle baking soda on our kitchen sink then using a spray bottle, spray vinegar, scrub and rinse. The shine is fantastic and it breaks through all the minerals very quickly.

Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda in your garbage disposal; add �¼ of a cup to a �½ cup of vinegar. Let foam and sit for about ten minutes then run with warm water.

Vinegar and Water

Hard water stains: Spray either a mix of vinegar and water (equal parts) onto surface. Wait about fifteen minutes and wipe away gunk, leaving a streak free shine.

Spot free drinking glasses: Fill a sink with very hot water and at least a cup of vinegar. Place glasses in water and let sit a half an hour. Rinse and let dry. Another option is to put the glasses in the dishwasher and run with one cup of vinegar only.

Showers: Have a spray bottle in the shower filled with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray after each shower to prevent mineral build up.

Vinegar is great at removing stains, try soaking stained clothing in a mix of cold water and vinegar before washing. I have even used vinegar to get rid of wine and blueberry stains.

Straight Vinegar

Coffee pot/ Tea kettle: Fill coffee pot with vinegar and run full cycle. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before emptying so that the vinegar and heat can get as much cleansing as possible done. For the teapot, fill half way with vinegar and bring to a boil. Let sit for ten minutes and then dump and rinse.

Dishwasher: If your dishes have started to come out less than clean, try running the dishwasher empty with at least a cup of vinegar (no detergent).

Since Vinegar is a food product it is safe to consume, I use it as my main cleaning solution and I do not have to worry about little hands getting a hold of the bottle. Be creative, and see what you can use vinegar for in your home!