Cleaning Your Bathroom with ACV
For mildew stains in the bathroom, spray undiluted apple cider vinegar on grout, tiles, bathtubs, and sinks. Give it some time—perhaps even a whole night—to settle.
Scrub with an abrasive sponge or scrubber and rinse well with water. The vinegar kills mildew and mold and prevents future growth.
Make a paste by combining equal parts baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Apply this paste to stained surfaces such as tiles, grout lines, sinks, drains, and countertops. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush, sponge, or cloth and rinsing with water.
Apple cider vinegar for stains
Apple cider vinegar can be an effective solution for removing various types of stains. Here are some ways to use apple cider vinegar for stain removal:
- Carpet stains: Mix a few tablespoons of salt with apple cider vinegar and rub it onto the stain. Allow the solution to sit for some time before vacuuming or blotting up the residue.
- Surface stains: To remove surface stains from various items or furniture, warm up enough apple cider vinegar to soak into the stained surface. Apply the vinegar to the stained area and allow it to sit for a while before wiping clean.
- Clothing stains: combine 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stain on clothing and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, wash the garment as per its regular washing instructions.
Remember to always test a small, inconspicuous area when using vinegar on fabrics or surfaces to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Here are a few more helpful tips for cleaning with apple cider vinegar:
- To deodorize carpets and rugs, spray with equal parts water and white vinegar before vacuuming. For stubborn odors, you can rent a carpet cleaning machine and add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse water. The vinegar will absorb and eliminate odors without leaving your carpets smelling like vinegar.
- To clean coffeemakers and kettles clogged with hard water mineral deposits, fill them with equal parts white vinegar and water. Run it through the heating cycle and let it sit overnight. Rinse with plain water before using again. The acid in vinegar dissolves limescale and hard water stains, leaving equipment clean and unclogged.
- For stuck-on food in pots and pans, fill them with equal parts vinegar and water. Let soak overnight before scrubbing and rinsing clean. Even stuck-on messes will wipe away easily after a vinegar soak.
- Clean paint brushes by soaking them in a jar of undiluted white vinegar. Swish the brushes around and let them soak for several hours or overnight. The vinegar breaks down any leftover paint, releasing the bristles. Rinse them with water and let them air dry before storing or reusing them.
- Wipe down walls before painting to remove dirt and grime. In a bucket or spray container, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Clean walls with a sponge or soft cloth, rinsing your tool frequently in the bucket. Let the air dry completely before painting for proper adhesion. The vinegar solution degreases and provides a clean surface for new paint.
- For dog and cat urine odors in carpets, blot up excess liquid and saturate the area with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Let it soak in for 5 minutes, then blot to absorb. Repeat, and then sprinkle with baking soda. Let it dry completely, and vacuum up the baking soda. The vinegar destroys the odors, while the baking soda absorbs moisture.
- For mold and mildew prevention, spray undiluted white vinegar around areas where mold and mildew like to grow, such as windowsills, shower curtains, trash cans, and basements. The acid in vinegar creates an environment undesirable for mold and mildew. Reapply every few months to prevent growth.
- To disinfect and deodorize the microwave, combine 1 cup of water and 1⁄4 cup of apple cider vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes until boiling. Keep the door closed for several minutes after turning it off to allow the steam to fill the microwave. Then open the door and wipe down the inside with a sponge or paper towels. The vinegar disinfects and absorbs odors.
- For stainless steel and chrome fixtures like faucets, sinks, and home appliances, spray undiluted apple cider vinegar and buff with a soft cloth. The acid in vinegar cuts through grease and grime and leaves surfaces sparkling clean.
- To deep clean and deodorize the garbage disposal, pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar down the drain while running the disposal. The vinegar disinfects, deodorizes, and helps break up grease and grime. Chase with a 1⁄2 cup of baking soda to scrub and scrub odors.
- To clean greasy hands, rinse them with undiluted apple cider vinegar. The acid in the vinegar cuts through grease and leaves hands soft and deodorized. The smell will fade when dried.
- For stuck-on hard water stains or limescale in kettles and water heaters, fill with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Let it soak for many hours or overnight. Scrub with an abrasive sponge, and the limescale will come off easily. Rinse well with water to remove the vinegar residue.
- Clean windows and mirrors with a spray bottle of equal parts white vinegar and water. Wipe clean with newspapers or microfiber cloths. The vinegar cuts through grime and leaves glass clean with no streaks. The smell will fade quickly, leaving your glass sparkling.
- To kill weeds and grasses, spray undiluted white vinegar directly on unwanted plants. The high acid content in vinegar destroys plant cells upon contact. For larger weeds, you may need to repeat treatments to fully kill and eliminate the plant.
Conclusion
The many benefits of cleaning with apple cider vinegar make it a valuable addition to your household cleaning arsenal. As a versatile and eco-friendly option, it not only helps keep your home clean but also ensures the well-being of your family and the planet.
