Vinegar is an unsung hero in the cleaning world. It’s inexpensive, non-toxic, and incredibly effective at tackling a wide range of cleaning tasks.
Instead of relying on harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought products, you can use vinegar to clean, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
Here are 10 cleaning hacks using vinegar that work better than many store-bought products—saving you both money and time while keeping your home sparkling clean.
1. Deodorize and Clean Your Microwave
Microwaves can easily accumulate food splatters and odors. To clean it naturally, mix a cup of water with a tablespoon of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture on high for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to steam inside the microwave.
The steam will loosen up grime, making it easy to wipe away with a clean cloth. The vinegar will also neutralize any lingering smells, leaving your microwave fresh and clean.
2. Unclog Drains
Vinegar, combined with baking soda, is an excellent natural solution for unclogging drains. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes while it fizzes and breaks down grease, food debris, and soap scum.
Finish by pouring hot water down the drain to flush everything away. This method works well for both kitchen and bathroom drains and is a great alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners.
3. Shine and Clean Windows
Forget store-bought glass cleaners—vinegar is a fantastic solution for streak-free, shiny windows. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your windows and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a spotless shine.
Vinegar cuts through grime, smudges, and dust, leaving your windows gleaming without any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
4. Remove Hard Water Stains from Faucets and Showerheads
Hard water stains on faucets, shower heads, and glass shower doors can be a real nuisance, but vinegar can help. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, tie it around your showerhead, and let it sit for a few hours (or overnight if possible).
The vinegar will dissolve mineral deposits, making it easy to wipe away the stains. For faucets, dip a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the fixture for the same effect. This method works wonders and is much safer for the environment than store-bought descalers.
5. Disinfect and Deodorize Your Trash Can
Trash cans can get dirty, smelly, and grimy over time, but vinegar is a simple solution for deodorizing and disinfecting them. Spray the inside of the trash can with full-strength vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wipe it down with a cloth to remove dirt and bacteria.
You can also sprinkle baking soda inside to eliminate odors and use vinegar as a final rinse. This method will leave your trash can sanitized and smelling fresh without the need for harsh chemicals.
6. Clean and Sanitize Cutting Boards
Cutting boards, especially wooden ones, can harbor bacteria and absorb food odors. To clean and sanitize them, sprinkle baking soda on the board, then spray with vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush to disinfect and remove lingering odors.
The acidity of vinegar works with the abrasiveness of baking soda to lift dirt, food particles, and bacteria from the board, making it safe for your next meal prep session.
7. Eliminate Carpet Odors
Carpet odors, whether from pets, spills, or general use, can be tough to get rid of. Instead of using commercial carpet fresheners, try this natural hack: mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist the carpet with the solution (don’t soak it) and let it dry. The vinegar will neutralize odors without leaving a strong smell behind. This trick can also help refresh rugs and other fabric-based furniture.
8. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers can accumulate fingerprints, smudges, and streaks. To clean and shine them naturally, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the surface, then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to reveal a streak-free shine. The vinegar not only cleans but also helps remove grease and watermarks, leaving your appliances looking new.
9. Remove Soap Scum from Tiles and Shower Doors
Soap scum can build up quickly on tiles and glass shower doors, leaving them looking cloudy and dull. For an effective, natural cleaner, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it generously onto the affected areas, then let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse with warm water. This vinegar solution breaks down soap scum and mineral deposits without using harsh chemicals.
10. Refresh Your Laundry
Vinegar is a great natural alternative to fabric softeners and can even help freshen up your laundry. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine to help soften clothes, remove odors, and break down detergent residues.
Vinegar also acts as a natural fabric softener and helps to prevent static cling. Plus, it’s much cheaper and more eco-friendly than most commercial fabric softeners.
