57 Ways to Use White Vinegar for Cleaning

Distilled White Vinegar - The Ultimate Cleaner

White vinegar, a simple and versatile liquid, has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner and tasty condiment. This humble household staple can do much more than add flavour to your dishes. From it's use as a hard surface cleaner to enhancing your health and beauty routine, white vinegar for cleaning proves to be an all-in-one solution. In this blog, we'll explore 57 surprising uses for white vinegar that will revolutionise the way you live!

We gave up at 57, but when it comes to white vinegar, the sky's the limit. Let us know if you come up with any cool uses!

Table of Contents

• White Vinegar for Cleaning the Household
• Personal Care and Health
• Safety Tips for Ingesting White Vinegar
• Miscellaneous
• Common Misconceptions

White Vinegar for Cleaning the Household

• Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to create a non-toxic and effective cleaner for countertops, floors, and more. Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.
• Window Cleaner: Combine white vinegar for cleaning with water and use it to clean windows and glass surfaces, leaving them streak-free. Tip: Use newspaper instead of paper towels for a lint-free shine.
• Deodorise Rooms: Place a bowl of white vinegar for cleaning in any room to absorb odours naturally. Tip: Add lemon peels for a fresh citrus scent.
• Remove Carpet Stains: Blot stubborn stains on carpets and rugs with a white vinegar-water solution. Warning: Test on a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn't affect the colour.
• Freshen Laundry: Add a splash of white vinegar for cleaning to your laundry to remove odours and soften fabrics.
• Fabric Softener Replacement: Use white vinegar for cleaning as a natural fabric softener in your washing machine's rinse cycle.
• Revive Dingy Whites: Soak white clothes in white vinegar for cleaning to brighten them up.
• Remove Clothing Stains: Treat various stains on clothing with a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Warning: Avoid mixing vinegar and baking soda directly for cleaning purposes as they neutralise each other.
• Clean Dishwasher: Run an empty dishwasher cycle with white vinegar for cleaning to eliminate buildup and odours.
• Shine Stainless Steel: Wipe stainless steel appliances and surfaces with white vinegar for a streak-free shine.
• Unclog Drains: Pour white vinegar for cleaning and baking soda down clogged drains to clear them without harsh chemicals.
• Polish Chrome and Brass: Restore the lustre of chrome and brass fixtures with white vinegar for cleaning and a soft cloth.
• Clean Cutting Boards: Clean cutting boards by wiping them down with white vinegar for cleaning.
• Freshen Fridge: Wipe down the refrigerator's interior with white vinegar for cleaning to eliminate unpleasant odours.
• Remove Coffee Stains: Remove coffee and tea stains from mugs with a white vinegar and baking soda scrub.
• DIY White Vinegar Weed Killer: Spray white vinegar directly on weeds to kill them naturally.
• Clean Microfibre Furniture: Remove stains from microfibre furniture using a white vinegar-water solution.
• Prevent Colour Bleeding: Set the colour in new clothes by soaking them in white vinegar for cleaning before washing.
• Remove Wallpaper: Mix white vinegar and hot water to create a wallpaper removal solution.
• Natural Air Freshener: Boil white vinegar on the stove to remove cooking odours.
• Clean Dirty Grill: Scrub grill grates with white vinegar for cleaning to remove grease and grime.
• Keep Pests Away: Repel ants and other pests by spraying white vinegar for cleaning in their entry points.
• Eliminate Fruit Flies: Set out a small bowl of white vinegar to attract and trap fruit flies.
• Condition Wooden Furniture: Polish wooden furniture with white vinegar for cleaning to keep it looking fresh.
• Remove Limescale: Soak faucets and showerheads in white vinegar for cleaning to dissolve limescale buildup.
• Clean Hairbrushes and Combs: Soak hairbrushes and combs in a white vinegar solution to remove residue.
• Deodorant Stain Remover: Eliminate deodorant stains on clothing with a white vinegar solution.
• Clean Sneakers: Wipe sneakers with white vinegar for cleaning to remove stains and odours.
• Clean Wine Stains: Treat wine stains on fabrics with white vinegar and water.
• Sponges: Soak kitchen sponges in white vinegar for cleaning to thoroughly clean and help kill some pathogens.
• Clean Makeup Brushes: Soak makeup brushes in white vinegar for cleaning to remove makeup residue.
• Refresh Musty Closets: Place a bowl of white vinegar in closets to combat musty odours.
• Stain Remover for Upholstery: Treat stains on upholstery with white vinegar and baking soda.
• DIY Hand Sanitiser: Mix white vinegar with aloe vera gel for a natural hand sanitiser.
• Remove Hard Water Stains: Wipe down faucets and shower doors with white vinegar for cleaning to remove hard water stains.
• Prevent Pet Accidents: Use white vinegar for cleaning to deter pets from soiling in unwanted areas.
• DIY Fruit and Veggie Wash: Rinse fruits and vegetables with white vinegar to remove pesticides.

Safety Tips for Ingesting White Vinegar

• Dilution: Always dilute white vinegar with water before ingesting it. Undiluted vinegar can be too harsh and may cause damage to your teeth, mouth, and digestive tract.
• Moderation: Consume vinegar in moderation. Small amounts used in recipes or as part of a salad dressing are generally safe. Drinking large quantities can lead to adverse effects such as stomach upset or a drop in potassium levels.
• Medical Conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux, ulcers, or kidney issues, should be cautious and consult a healthcare professional before consuming vinegar.
• Consultation: Always consult a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you plan to consume vinegar regularly for its potential health benefits.

Personal Care and Health

• Soothe Sunburns: Apply diluted white vinegar for cleaning to sunburned skin for relief.
• Natural Foot Soak: Soak tired feet in a mixture of white vinegar for cleaning and warm water for a soothing experience.
• DIY Deodorant: Create a natural deodorant by mixing white vinegar for cleaning with essential oils.
• Fight Dandruff: Rinse your hair with white vinegar for cleaning to combat dandruff and restore shine.
• Balance pH Levels: Drink a teaspoon of white vinegar for cleaning diluted in water to balance pH levels in the body. Safety Note: Always dilute vinegar before ingesting and consume it in moderation. Consult a healthcare provider before adding vinegar to your diet.
• Soothe Insect Bites: Dab white vinegar for cleaning on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Relieve Sore Throat: Gargle with warm water and white vinegar for cleaning to soothe a sore throat. Tip: Do not swallow the mixture.
• Clean Toothbrushes: Soak toothbrushes in white vinegar for cleaning to thoroughly clean and help kill some pathogens.
• Homemade Energy Drink: Mix white vinegar for cleaning with water and honey for a natural energy boost.

Miscellaneous

• Remove Sticker Residue: Apply white vinegar for cleaning to sticker residue to make it easier to remove.
• Polish Jewellery: Clean and shine jewellery with a white vinegar-soaked cloth.
• Clean Paint Brushes: Soak paint brushes in white vinegar for cleaning to remove dried paint.
• Remove Rust: Soak rusty items in white vinegar for cleaning to dissolve the rust.
• Pet Care: Remove pet stains and odours with a white vinegar and water solution.
• Remove Bumper Stickers: Soften bumper sticker adhesive with white vinegar for cleaning before removing.
• Refresh Cut Flowers: Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the vase water to extend the life of cut flowers.
• Clean Shower Curtains: Wash shower curtains with white vinegar for cleaning to remove soap scum and mildew.
• DIY Fire Extinguisher: Keep a spray bottle of white vinegar for cleaning near the stove to put out grease fires.
• Eliminate Skunk Odour: Wash pets or clothing with white vinegar for cleaning to remove skunk odour.
• Keep Cut Avocado Fresh: Brush cut avocados with white vinegar for cleaning to prevent browning.

Common Misconceptions About Cleaning with Vinegar

While vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner, it's important to be aware of some common misconceptions:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Many believe that combining vinegar and baking soda enhances cleaning power due to the fizzing reaction. However, the reaction actually neutralises both substances, creating a weak saltwater solution that is ineffective for cleaning. It's better to use them separately for different purposes.
• Vinegar as a Disinfectant: While vinegar has some antibacterial properties, it is not effective against all types of bacteria and viruses. For thorough disinfection, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, consider using a stronger, approved disinfectant.
• Use on Natural Stone: White vinegar for cleaning should not be used on natural stone surfaces such as granite, marble, or quartz. The acid can etch and damage these surfaces. Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for natural stone instead.
• Mixing with Bleach: Never mix white vinegar for cleaning with bleach. This combination releases toxic chlorine gas, which can cause serious respiratory issues and other health problems.

DIY Recipes with Essential Oils

Adding essential oils to your white vinegar cleaning solutions not only boosts their cleaning power but also leaves a pleasant scent. Here are a few recipes to try:

• Kitchen Cleaner: Mix 250ml of white vinegar with 250ml of cooled boiled water. Add 20 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops of lavender oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before use. This solution is great for cutting through grease and leaving surfaces sparkling.
• Bathroom Cleaner: Combine 250ml of white vinegar with 250ml of cooled boiled water. Add 20 drops of tea tree oil and 20 drops of lavender oil. This mix works well on tiles and glass, helping to prevent mould and soap scum buildup.
• Fabric Softener: Fill a jar with white vinegar and add 30 drops of orange oil. Use this in place of commercial fabric softeners to leave your clothes soft and fresh-smelling.

Conclusion

White vinegar proves to be an indispensable and eco-friendly asset in our daily lives. Its numerous uses extend far beyond cooking, making it an essential tool for cleaning and even improving health and beauty routines. With its natural, non-toxic properties, white vinegar stands out as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to many commercial products. Embrace the power of this multi-purpose wonder and discover how it can transform your household and lifestyle!

Do you have any unique ways to use white vinegar? Share your tips in the comments below!