Project Summary
- Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
- Output: 8 fluid ounces
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $5
A vinegar-based cleaning solution serves as an effective and potent DIY cleaning agent due to its ability to break down dirt and its disinfecting qualities. This vinegar solution competes with any store-bought cleaner in terms of efficiency and can be utilized in various areas of your home. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare.
Distilled white vinegar is a gentle solution with a 5 percent concentration of acetic acid, making it highly effective in dissolving molds, grease, and bacteria—common culprits of household stains. Alternatively, you can use cleaning vinegar in this recipe or enhance your all-purpose cleaner with a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent.
Contents
What is Vinegar for Cleaning Purposes?
Cleaning vinegar has a higher concentration than standard distilled white vinegar, containing approximately 6 percent acetic acid. This increased acidity makes it more effective at breaking down soap scum, grease, and dirt. However, it is important to note that it is not safe for consumption because of its elevated acidity levels.
Discover how to create and utilize a vinegar-based cleaning solution for your household by following the recipe provided below.
Requirements for Your Task
Devices / Instruments
- Atomizer
- Measuring jug
- Funnel
- Cloths that do not leave lint
- Labels
- Pen
Materials
- 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 12 to 24 drops of essential oil
Instructions
Creating a Cleaning Solution with Vinegar
Select Your Oils
Choose widely-used essential oils for your vinegar-based cleaning solutions, such as basil, bergamot, cinnamon, citrus, clove, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lime, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Alternatively, combine lavender oil with tea tree, orange, or peppermint oils.
Incorporate vinegar, water, and essential oils.
Combine vinegar and water in your preferred ratio using a measuring cup and a funnel. Next, incorporate the essential oils and shake the mixture well to blend.
Tag and Store the Container
Clearly mark the bottle to prevent any accidental use with other cleaning products. Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and heat, as these conditions can alter the chemical properties of the essential oils.
Applications of DIY Vinegar Cleaning Solutions
- Mineral deposits: Apply a spray to the fixtures affected by mineral deposits. Allow the spray to sit for a few minutes to take effect, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a scrub brush to clean the area, followed by a thorough rinse.
- For cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces, apply a vinegar-based cleaner and then wipe it dry using a soft, natural, lint-free cloth, like a worn T-shirt or a cloth diaper.
- Tile flooring: Apply vinegar exclusively on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket and use this solution to mop the tiles. Make sure to dry the floor afterward to prevent the vinegar from accumulating in the grout.
- To tackle mold and mildew, apply baking soda to the affected areas, like the shower, then mist the area with a vinegar solution to form a paste. Use a sponge to scrub the mixture away.
- To clean soap scum from a shower stall (not suitable for stone surfaces), create a solution by combining 2 parts distilled white vinegar, 1 part dish soap, and 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture, let it sit for five minutes, and then scrub with a brush or a microfiber cloth. This solution can also be used for cleaning sinks and countertops.
- To clean toilets, pour one cup of white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit overnight. The following morning, scrub the bowl, optionally adding a bit of baking soda, and then flush.
- To clean your showerhead, detach it and immerse it in undiluted white vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes to dissolve mineral buildup. After soaking, use a toothbrush to scrub it and then rinse thoroughly.
- Bathtub and sink drainage solutions: A common method for addressing minor blockages in tub and sink drains involves using vinegar in combination with baking soda. Start by adding a squirt of liquid dish soap into the drain. Next, pour in 1 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes, then pour in 2 cups of boiling water to clear the drain.
- Coffeemakers: Vinegar is advantageous for small appliances like coffeemakers that accumulate mineral buildup. To clean, combine equal amounts of distilled white vinegar and distilled water in the reservoir. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour, then initiate a brewing cycle. Follow up with two additional brewing cycles using only distilled water for rinsing.
- To clean the inside of a microwave, fill a bowl with a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, then heat it until it boils. Let the bowl sit inside the microwave for 15 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen any grime. Afterward, wipe the surfaces with microfiber towels to clean and dry them.
- To clean a carpet or rug, create a spot-cleaning solution by combining 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and 2 cups of cool water in a small bowl. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the mixture and gently blot the stain.
- Air freshener: Vinegar serves as a natural deodorizer, making it a perfect choice for a homemade air freshener. Simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted distilled white vinegar. Incorporate 10 to 20 drops of your preferred essential oil. Shake thoroughly and spray it into the air. The vinegar scent will vanish within a few minutes.
- Hardwood flooring: It’s advisable to use vinegar sparingly for cleaning hardwood floors and furniture. Before applying a homemade vinegar cleaner, conduct a test in a hidden spot to ensure that the finish won’t be harmed. For the cleaning solution, combine 1 gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar and, if desired, add 2 to 3 drops of your preferred essential oil. Lightly moisten a mop with the mixture or use a spray bottle to apply it to the floor. Avoid soaking the floor during the cleaning process. This technique can also be applied to luxury vinyl flooring.
Items You Should Avoid Cleaning with Vinegar
There are several items and surfaces that should not be cleaned with vinegar, as the acids can harm the finish or material. Below are some areas where vinegar should be avoided.
- Acids can cause dullness and etching on the surfaces of marble, granite, and various stone countertops, flooring, or furnishings.
- Egg Spills: When vinegar is applied to raw egg spills, it causes the egg to solidify, which makes the cleanup process more challenging.
- Raw wood surfaces, such as unsealed flooring, cabinets, and furniture, can rapidly absorb vinegar, which may lead to swelling or cracking of the material.
- Irons: While clothing irons tend to accumulate mineral deposits, many manufacturers advise against using vinegar or vinegar-based cleaning solutions to eliminate this buildup. It’s important to consult the user manual to find the most effective method for cleaning mineral deposits from your iron.
- Electronics: Vinegar can damage or degrade the protective layer on the screens of electronic devices, including televisions.
- Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils: The acidity in vinegar can cause pitting on stainless steel surfaces. If you choose to use vinegar on stainless steel, it’s essential to apply it and then rinse it off right away.
- Cast iron cookware can be damaged by the acidity of vinegar, which can corrode the surface and compromise the seasoning of pots and pans.
- Vinegar’s acidity can damage rubber, so it’s important to keep it away from seals, such as those found on appliance doors.
- Grout that is dirty, in bad shape, or not sealed may dry out and break apart when it comes into contact with a cleaning solution that contains vinegar.
Warning
Avoid combining vinegar and bleach. Mixing these substances can be extremely hazardous as it produces chlorine gas.
