Why Vinegar is Your Best Friend

Okay – let’s talk straight. It stinks. But only for a few minutes! Vinegar is one of those household cleaning items that is the ultimate multi-tasker. Using vinegar not only leaves your house sparkling clean, but it’s available in bulk in just about every grocery store, and it’s cheap! I love using vinegar, and it’s one of the staples that Maid In America uses to clean houses. I want to share just some of my favorite ways to use vinegar!

Okay – let’s talk straight. It stinks. But only for a few minutes! Vinegar is one of those household cleaning items that are the ultimate multi-tasker. Using vinegar not only leaves your house sparkling clean, but it’s available in bulk in just about every grocery store, and it’s cheap! I love using vinegar, and it’s one of the staples that Maid In America uses to clean houses. I want to share just some of my favorite ways to use vinegar!

Clean Your Appliances

Stainless steel? Cat paw prints on a glass stovetop? Grease on backsplashes? Mix equal parts vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally on the problem areas, then wipe down. If needed on stubborn spots, spray and let soak for a few minutes before wiping down.

Clogged Drains?

Remember those volcano science projects when you were a kid? Let’s recreate that in your clogged sink. The bubbling brew will take care of your clogs. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down your drain, then add 1 cup of vinegar. Stand back and watch the action! When the bubbling is finished, run hot water down the drain, and it should run free and easy! Bonus – the vinegar will help keep your drain and sink area smelling better.

Microwave Gunk

Microwaving too much bacon lately? Is spaghetti residue on the walls? Pour ¼ cup vinegar into a glass bowl. Add 1 cup of hot water. Place this in the center of the microwave and run on high for 5 minutes. Let it sit for 1 minute. Remove the glass bowl and wipe clean. A shiny and fresh-smelling microwave is yours to enjoy!

Toilet Bowl

Yep, vinegar works here, too! Pour some vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit (depending on how yukky your toilet bowl is – longer may be a little better!) Swish your toilet brush around and clean the toilet! It’s much more economical than the blue squirt bottles full of chemicals! It’s better for the fishies, too!

Bird Droppings

We love to bird watch, and inviting birds into the backyard brings hours of pleasure watching them. But, they do make their presence known by leaving us presents! Spray vinegar directly on the bird poopy and let it sit for a minute or so. Wipe away! I would test it on your car paint first, just in case, but this is great for car windows. In fact, while you are spraying, clean your windshield!

Windows

This has always been a great tip, but it’s tried and true for a reason! Spray windows with a mixer of equal parts water and vinegar. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth (diapers are great for this!) or squeegee clean. Some old-timers use newspapers to wipe up their windows. This does work, but be careful not to smear ink on your moldings. The new water-based inks are better and don’t leave the ‘black hands” that used to be so prevalent in newspapers. Me, I still prefer my old cloth diapers! You can also use “flour sack towels” from Walmart.

There are also some great food hacks for vinegar – marinating meat and getting rid of fruit flies are two great uses for it. It can also be used to sterilize – toothbrushes and baby bottles are just two great household items that can be sterilized with vinegar.

My favorite thing about vinegar? It’s completely natural and healthy. I can use it confidently, knowing that I’m not harming my family or myself when I use it to clean or “de-smell” my husband’s running shoes!

Pinterest is just full of hacks and tips for everyday household use. I’d love to know YOUR most unique way to use vinegar!