Something You Should Know About Using Vinegar for Cleaning

In this day and age, many people use different materials for a perfect clean and one of the options making the rounds is Vinegar.   Vinegar for cleaning has been around for a very long time and you can find it in many homes because of its multipurpose value.  However, it comes as a surprise that many are not harnessing its power as well as they should.

 It is convenient and easy to use; furthermore, you can use it on different surfaces with no side effects to the surface or users.

 In this article, we want to review vinegar cleaning solutions and all you should know about this super cleaner.  So keep reading to know more.

 Why Use Vinegar For Cleaning?

 To begin, it is important to state the benefits of using Vinegar for cleaning and other household maintenance activities.  Here is why.

A Great Disinfectant 

 First and foremost, vinegar is a great disinfectant because it contains acetic acid.   This acid is colorless and contains an organic compound that gives it a pungent odor.  It will interest you to know that many branded household cleaners contain vinegar as well.  Acetic acid can dissolve dirt, deposits and grease quickly and is also strong enough to kill many types of bacteria.  If you want to rid your living space of bacteria, there are different types of vinegar you might want to go for such as 

•  White distilled vinegar 
•  Apple cider vinegar 
•  Red/white vinegar 
•  Balsamic vinegar 

Best Type Of Vinegar For Cleaning 

There are many different kinds of vinegar, but which one is best for cleaning the house? Tips of Cleaning with Vinegar

 In our opinion and as well as the opinions of cleaning and environmental experts, the best type of vinegar for cleaning should be one that has no color as coloring agents will stain your surface. In general, white distilled vinegar, which has an acidity of about 5% and is ideal for all types of household cleaning, is the best vinegar for cleaning. 

Dealing With Vinegar Smell

Many worry about the pungent smell of vinegar so they refrain from using it for cleaning.  Apple cider vinegar might be a better option for you if you have a light stomach and are easily agitated by strong odors. This one has the same properties as white distilled vinegar but with a pleasant apple odor gotten from fermented apple juice. Furthermore, it is darker in color so you will have to dilute it with water to lighten it before use. 

After cleaning with vinegar, the odor may last for up to an hour or more so you should always keep your windows open for proper cross ventilation.  Another option is to mask the smell  by diluting it with a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon oil. Peppermint oil is also a very effective option.

Items/Areas You Can Clean With Vinegar 

 Here are a host of items or areas you can clean with vinegar for best results.

• Glass: If you have glass objects that are beginning to lose their shine and crystal clear look, vinegar will do a great job due to its restorative effect.  Simply combine two parts of vinegar and one part of water in a spray bottle.  Spray on the surface and wipe clean afterwards.
•  Countertops: Due to its disinfectant properties, vinegar is a great option for cleaning areas where food is prepared.  Use it to eliminate stains and food droppings.  It can get rid of germs and dirt as well as odors from countertops; however, marble and granite countertops should not be cleaned with it. For granite and marble use a natural cleaner as the acetic acid in vinegar may damage the surface luster.  This cleaner will also deter insects like ants from invading your countertops.
• Faucets: Vinegar is a great option for removing water, soap and paste marks from faucets. Just two teaspoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of salt will work the magic to remove deposits like calcium from your fixtures and faucets.  If the stains are proving stubborn, simply spray it with vinegar then place a bag around the faucet and leave it in place throughout the night.  When day breaks, scrub and rinse with water.
• Tubs/Showers: Tubs and showers are constantly exposed to soap and mildew which may be difficult to remove after a while with normal cleaning agents.  Before scrubbing and rinsing, you can spray them with vinegar and let them sit for a few minutes. This will do the trick. Another option is to combine the vinegar with baking soda to create a paste then apply on the affected areas and leave for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• Toilets: Stains and bacteria are common in toilets, but you can keep them spotless and free of bacteria by using vinegar. With just two or three cups of vinegar emptied into the bowl and allowed to simmer for three hours, your toilet will be as good as new.
• Floors: No area needs thorough cleaning more than floors.  It can be used on some types of floors, but not all types of floors. It is not recommended to use vinegar on hardwood because it can damage the surface and leave watermarks behind. The acid in vinegar may also damage floors made with natural stone so avoid vinegar for cleaning stony surfaces.  However, for other floor types, this cleaning solution works quite well. Just half a cup of vinegar in half a gallon of water can be used for floor cleaning.
•  Dishwasher: Do you have a dishwasher in your home? You can break the soap scum down with a cup of vinegar. Just pour it into the rinse compartment and switch the washer on to run its course.
•  Appliances: Appliances like microwaves need regular cleaning so as not to lose form.  A bowl of water mixed with one quarter of a cup of vinegar will do the trick.  Place inside the microwave and turn it on so that the heat can remove stains. You can also use it to clean external areas of appliances by soaking in a cloth, squeeze out excess liquid then scrub across the surface.
•  Laundry: You can use it to remove stubborn stains and odors from your fabric but make use of only white vinegar not dark coloured options. Just add a cup into your washing machine before turning it on.

 How To Clean With Vinegar 

 To perform a perfect clean with vinegar there are steps you need to take.  The steps will depend on the surface you are working on. It also determines the water to vinegar ratio. The application can be carried out with a sponge, rag, or sprayer, depending on your preference. Here are the steps.

 Apply The Solution 

 Start by applying your vinegar solution on the target area. You want to make sure that every area is covered.

Scrub Surface 

 To get rid of bacteria and stains, scrub the surface with a rag or sponge that isn’t too rough. For the best results, do this in a circular motion.

 Wipe 

Finish by wiping off the  surface with a rag. For floors, your mopping stick will absorb the fluid to leave it in a semi dry state.

Author Details: 

This is Anil, I am a professional SEO Expert & Write for us technology blog and submit a guest post on different platforms- technootech provides a good opportunity for content writers to submit guest posts on our website. We frequently highlight and tend to showcase guests.