Zimpapers Logo

Home and Garden Correspondent

Vinegar is a magic cleaning agent!

Cleaning with vinegar has never been more popular – and with good reason.

This kitchen staple is one of the most versatile and affordable household cleaners, but some of us are yet to learn all about its superpowers, sometimes in the most unexpected of situations.

Vinegar is for much more than just your windows.

It’s true that vinegar won’t replace all of the best cleaning products you use around your home.

You’ll still need dishwasher tablets for your dishwasher and laundry liquid for your washing machine, but that cleaning spray?

Why buy one when you’ve got vinegar?

Here are some of our favourite ways to clean with vinegar all around the home, from your kitchen to your patio.

When it comes to cleaning, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly products.

What better way to do so than to use what you already have in your house?

We’ve recently explored the multiple uses of bicarbonate of soda in and around the home.

Today we will have a look at the wonders of vinegar.

Believe it or not, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. With its acidic properties and natural disinfectant abilities, vinegar is a cost-effective and gentle alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

The vinegar used for cleaning is white vinegar; not apple cider or wine vinegar – just cheap white vinegar.

Here are the many uses and benefits of using white vinegar for cleaning.

All-purpose cleaner

White vinegar serves as an ideal all-purpose cleaner, suitable for a wide range of surfaces.

Dilute equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create a budget-friendly cleaning solution.

This mixture can effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains from counter-tops, tiles, glass, and even stainless steel appliances.

Windows

Sometimes you can use the most expensive window cleaner and still not achieve the results you desire, which is streak-free sparkling windows.

Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and transfer the solution into a spray bottle. Spray onto the surface and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for best results.

Get rid of carpet stains

Spills and stains on carpets can be a real pain and usually take a whole lot of elbow grease to get them out.

Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with a cup of warm water and gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth or sponge. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone, ensuring to rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Deep clean microwaves

Microwaves so easily become filthy with food and grime getting stuck on the insides and cleaning it can be a nightmare.

However, using vinegar can make it so much easier.

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts of white vinegar and water.

Place it in the microwave and heat for a few minutes until the steam helps loosen the debris. Then simply wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.

Deodorize the kitchen drain

Additional vinegar uses: keeping drains fresh. Just pour a cup of white distilled vinegar down the drain once a week. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes then flush with cold water.

 Shower doors

To prevent soap scum buildup, wipe shower doors with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar. There’s no need to rinse.

Clogged showerhead

Use vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup in showerheads. Add a cup of vinegar to a plastic storage bag. Position the bag so the showerhead sits in the vinegar. Allow it to soak overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and turn on the shower to rinse.