10 Tips for THE WIFE: Cleaning with Vinegar

This acidic wonder can wipe out tarnish, soap scum, mineral deposits, and more. Vinegar is all natural, non toxic and eco friendly. Among natural cleaners, it’s the clear champ. Distilled white vinegar creates an environment that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. However Vinegar smell can put you off using it all together, enter The Laundress’s Scented Vinegar is 100% natural vinegar combined with their home scent No247 (Beramot, thyme, lavendar, musk and ylang lyang) 16oz for $12.00 at TheLaundress.com. Continue reading below to learn how incorporate vinegar into your cleaning routine.  – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

1. All Purpose Cleaner: Make your own green multi-purpose cleaner by dissolving one cup household ammonia, one cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda in one gallon of water. Pour some into a spray bottle and use it to clean around the kitchen, especially in greasy areas. Use it to scrub the bathtub or shower. Rinse with warm water. Also be sure to protect your hands with plastic gloves.

2. Windows: Wash all your windows and mirrors with a solution of two tablespoons vinegar and two cups water.

3. Floors: Mop the hard surface floors with a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup liquid soap and two gallons of warm water. For linoleum mix ¼ cup vinegar and one gallon of water to mop linoleum (or no-wax vinyl) floors.

4. Carpet Stains: Treat carpet spills like coffee, wine and pet accidents with vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth with vinegar and dab the spot to remove excess liquid. Dampen another clean cloth with vinegar. Using cold water (never hot) and the vinegar, gently rub the spot until the stain is gone. Let dry.

5. Surface Scrub: Scrub dirty surfaces with a “powder” made from 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda. Leave on surface for 30 minutes and then sponge it clean with plain water.

6. Bathroom: Wipe down shower curtains with vinegar to clean off mold, mildew and soap scum. Do the same to the shower doors to make them sparkle. Pour two cups of full-strength vinegar inside the toilet bowl, using the toilet brush to work it around the sides and the rim. Leave this overnight and flush the toilet in the morning.

7. De greaser:  Get rid of grease spots on oven windows, stove tops, microwave doors and counter tops by wiping down with a vinegar and water solution.

8. Refrigerator: Clean the fridge with a solution of one cup vinegar and one cup water. Use undiluted vinegar for the bins.

9. Dishes: Soak plastic food containers and ice cube tray in hot soapy water with 1/4 cup of vinegar. Also add 1/4 cup of vinegar to your dishwater to cut grease, get rid of lingering odors and add a sparkle to your glasses.

10. Coffee Maker: Once every couple of months clean out your coffee maker with vinegar for better tasting coffee. Add vinegar to the water reservoir until it is ¼ full. Fill to the top with water. Run the coffee maker, and then let it set for 10 minutes to cool. Repeat, and then do the same with plain water. Hand wash the entire coffee maker and its parts. -ehow.com