Using White Vinegar for Cleaning
October 24th, 2006 (Cleaning)
1. Use white vinegar to remove heavy soap scum and mineral deposits from showers, tubs and sinks. Warm the vinegar and put in a spray bottle. Spray on showers, tubs and sinks and let soak for 10-15 minutes. Then use a nylon scrubbing sponge to remove scum. Respray if necessary.
2. To remove mineral deposits from around drains, close the drain, and pour in enough white vinegar to cover the drain area. Let soak overnight, scrub with a nylon scrubbing sponge, drain vinegar and rinse. To remove scum and mineral buildup from shower heads and keep them free-flowing, put undiluted white vinegar in a plastic bag. Tie around the shower head overnight. Scrub head and poke any loosened mineral deposits with a toothpick, rinse and enjoy your next shower.
3. To remove soap scum and mildew from plastic shower curtains and liners, fill the washing machine with warm water, 1 cup of white vinegar and your regular laundry detergent. Add the curtains, along with several old, light-colored towels. Run through complete cycle and rehang curtain immediately.
4. Add 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar to hot water along with your regular dishwashing liquid to cut grease on dishes and crystal.
5. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine during the final rinse to soften clothes and remove lint from dark clothes.
6. Apply, undiluted, to the skin with a cotton ball to deter bugs - they hate the way you taste, but the odor disappears immediately from your skin.
7. Neutralize pet urine odor with diluted white vinegar (25% vinegar to 75% water) sprayed on carpets. Always test in an inconspicuous spot before treating a large area.
8. Clean stainless steel sinks with a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Don’t let the foaming scare you - it works great! Make a window cleaner in a spray bottle with 1/4 cup white vinegar added to 1 quart of water.
9. Make air freshener in a spray bottle with 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. After the foaming stops, put on lid. Shake before using.
10. Keep drains free-flowing with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar poured down the drain on a monthly basis. After pouring in baking soda and vinegar, cover the drain for 15 minutes (it will foam). Then flush with cold water.
11. Clean mirrors with a solution of half vinegar and half water. Wet a sponge, soft cloth or paper towel, wash and then buff dry. Never spray water onto a mirror. Moisture that gets into the edges and behind mirrors ruins the silvering on the mirror, resulting in dark spots.
12. Spray vinegar on the underarms of clothes and let soak 15-30 minutes to deodorize and minimize underarm stains.