
Cleaning your home with olive oil: Introduction
Cleaning your home can be a daunting task, especially when you’re using harsh chemicals that are not only harmful to your health but also to the environment. But what if we told you there was a simple, natural solution that could not only make cleaning easier but also make your home sparkle like never before? Enter vinegar, the ultimate house cleaning solution that has been used for centuries to clean and sanitize homes.
In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your home like a pro using vinegar. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of using vinegar to the different ways you can use it to clean your home. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge and tools you need to become a pro at cleaning with vinegar. So grab your vinegar and let’s get started!

What is vinegar
Whether used in a marinade or for its disinfecting properties, vinegar is an incredibly versatile kitchen staple whose uses are often underestimated.
Vinegar is made through the fermentation of ethanol alcohol, and different types of vinegar are created by fermenting different types of alcohol.
Vinegar has a variety of uses in the kitchen, including cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, deodorizing, removing stains and odors, and preserving food.
Vinegar can even be used to clean silver and copper, as the acid in vinegar helps to break down tarnish.
In the garden, vinegar can be used to kill weeds and unwanted plants, and to deter animals from eating certain plants.
It can also be used as a fertilizer for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries.
Vinegar is also a natural disinfectant, and it can be used in place of harsh chemical cleaners to help keep your home clean.

Other cleaning products
Are you looking to discover other cleaning products and their use cases? Read our guides on cleaning with lemon juice, baking soda, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, olive oil, essential oils, castile soap, salt and cornstarch. Click the links above and master these great cleaning solutions.
Benefits of using vinegar for cleaning
A major benefit of using vinegar for cleaning is its cost-effectiveness. Most households have vinegar on hand, so you don’t need to buy any special cleaners. Furthermore, vinegar is powerful enough to tackle a range of cleaning tasks, from removing stubborn stains to cleaning and deodorizing countertops. Plus, it’s non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets.
Types of vinegar
There are three main types of vinegar: apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermentation of apple juice. It is a pale yellow-brown color and has a mild flavor and aroma. It is well-known for its many health benefits, but it is also a great cleaner.
White vinegar is a clear and odorless liquid, made from grain-based alcohol. It is a very strong cleaning agent and can be used to remove grease, mold, and mildew.
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, thick liquid made from the juices of grapes. It has a sweet, tangy flavor and is commonly used in cooking. Balsamic vinegar has mild disinfectant properties, and is great for cleaning wood surfaces.

How to make an all purpose vinegar cleaning solution
Making your own all-purpose vinegar cleaning solution is easy. First, you’ll need a spray bottle and white vinegar. Fill the bottle with equal parts water and vinegar.
Next, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the bottle and shake it until the oil is evenly distributed. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that make it perfect for cleaning. For an extra boost of cleaning power, you can add a few drops of lemon essential oil to your cleaning solution.
The combination of vinegar, tea tree oil, and lemon essential oil creates a powerful solution that can be used to clean almost any surface in your home. This all-purpose cleaner can be used to wipe down counters, clean bathrooms, and even remove grease and grime from ovens and stoves.
How to use vinegar for cleaning
Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning solution for many surfaces in your home, and can be used for a variety of tasks. Here are some of the ways you can use vinegar for cleaning:
One of the most common ways to use vinegar for cleaning is to mix it with water in a spray bottle and use it to clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. To do this, simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake it well, and spray the solution onto the surface you want to clean. Use a microfiber cloth or newspaper to wipe the surface clean, and voila! You’ll have streak-free and shiny glass surfaces.
Another way to use vinegar for cleaning is to mix it with baking soda to create a powerful cleaning paste. This paste can be used to clean sinks, bathtubs, and other hard surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom. To make the paste, simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the surface you want to clean and scrub it gently with a sponge or scrub brush. Rinse the surface clean with water, and you’ll be left with a sparkling and fresh-smelling surface.
Vinegar can also be used to clean floors, particularly tile and hardwood floors. To use vinegar as a floor cleaner, simply mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Use a mop or sponge to apply the solution to the floor, making sure to wring out excess water before applying it to the floor. Let the solution sit on the floor for a few minutes before mopping it up with clean water. This method can help to remove dirt and grime from your floors, leaving them clean and shiny.

What solutions can you mix with vinegar to make it a better cleaner
Vinegar is a versatile and effective cleaning agent on its own, but you can combine it with other ingredients to create even more powerful cleaning solutions. One popular combination is vinegar and baking soda. When mixed, these two ingredients create a powerful cleaning solution that can tackle tough stains and grime. Simply mix baking soda and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on the surface you want to clean. The mixture will fizz and foam, breaking down dirt and grime. After letting it sit for a few minutes, wipe the surface clean with a cloth.
Another combination that can boost vinegar’s cleaning power is vinegar and salt. The abrasive nature of salt makes it an effective scrubbing agent, and when combined with vinegar, it can help remove tough stains and buildup. To make this cleaning solution, mix vinegar and salt in a bowl until a paste is formed. Apply the paste to the surface you want to clean and scrub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
Lemon juice is also a great ingredient to combine with vinegar for cleaning. Lemon juice contains natural enzymes and acids that can help break down stains and odors. To make this cleaning solution, mix equal parts lemon juice and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to the surface you want to clean. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a cloth.
What not to mix with vinegar
Below is a list of three things to remember when using vinegar for cleaning:
- Don’t mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia
- Don’t mix vinegar with other cleaning chemicals
- Don’t mix vinegar with anything that will produce dangerous fumes

Does vinegar kill mold?
Vinegar is an effective solution to kill mold and prevent the spread of mildew and eliminate its odor.
To begin, fill an empty spray bottle with white vinegar and spray the affected area. This will provide immediate relief from the pungent smell. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area with a brush and warm soapy water. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a face mask as mold spores can become airborne during the cleaning process.
In addition to killing mold, vinegar can be used to prevent it from growing in the future. Mix two parts water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to clean affected surfaces on a weekly basis. This will prevent mold from taking hold and spreading. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture to help eliminate odors and add a pleasant scent.
Does vinegar disinfect?
Vinegar is known to be effective against a range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a go-to choice for disinfecting surfaces and removing odors, stains, and allergens.
Vinegar’s disinfecting power comes from its acetic acid content.
This acid is effective against a variety of bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.

Is vinegar safe on skin?
Studies have shown that vinegar can improve skin health by restoring the pH balance and reducing inflammation for up to 20% of users.
Here are some of the ways vinegar can help keep your skin healthy:
- It can help reduce skin reactions, such as redness and itching.
- It can help to reduce skin allergies, such as eczema and psoriasis.
- It can help to prevent acne outbreaks.
- It can help to balance the skin’s natural oils.
What not to clean with vinegar?
- Dishwashers – Vinegar can damage the rubber seals and gaskets in the dishwasher, causing leaks.
- Stone countertops and floors (Marble, granite, soapstone, limestone, travertine, onyx, quartz) – Vinegar is acidic and can etch the surface of natural stone, leaving dull spots or marks.
- Steam irons – The acid in vinegar can damage the internal components of the steam iron.
- Hardwood floors – Vinegar can strip the finish and damage the wood fibers of hardwood floors, causing them to warp or become discolored.
- Washing machines – Vinegar can damage the rubber seals and hoses in the washing machine, causing leaks.
- TV, tablet, and smartphone screens – Vinegar can damage the protective coatings on electronic screens, causing them to become cloudy or scratched.
- Mirrors – Vinegar can strip the backing on mirrors, causing them to become cloudy or discolored.
- Knives – Vinegar can corrode the blade of knives, causing them to become dull or pitted.
- Rubber – Vinegar can damage rubber seals, gaskets, and hoses, causing them to break down or become brittle.
- Clothes iron – The acid in vinegar can damage the internal components of the clothes iron.
- Waxed hardwood flooring – Vinegar can strip the wax coating and damage the wood fibers of waxed hardwood floors.
- Unsealed or damaged grout – Vinegar can corrode the cement and break down the grout, causing it to become weaker and more prone to cracks.
- Cast iron – Vinegar can strip the seasoning and damage the surface of cast iron, causing it to become rusty or discolored.
- Stainless steel kitchen knives and appliances – Vinegar can corrode the metal and cause discoloration.
- Waxed and unfinished wood surfaces – Vinegar can strip the wax or natural oils from unfinished wood surfaces, causing them to become dull or discolored.

Vinegar cleaning use cases
Vinegar is a great cleaner. Here are few common items that you can use vinegar on.
- Pillows: Vinegar can help remove sweat stains and odors from pillows. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the washing machine to help whiten and brighten them.
- Coffee maker: Vinegar is an effective natural descaler that can help remove mineral buildup inside your coffee maker. Run a cycle with 1 cup of vinegar mixed with water to help clean and improve the taste of your coffee.
- Grout cleaner: Vinegar can help remove stains and grime from grout. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the grout. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.
- Glass and mirrors: Vinegar is a natural, streak-free cleaner that can help clean glass and mirrors. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Sink bombs: Vinegar can help remove soap scum and other buildup from sinks. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of vinegar and form into small balls. Drop the balls into the sink and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with water.
- Showerheads: Vinegar can help remove mineral buildup and improve water flow in showerheads. Remove the showerhead and soak it in a bowl of vinegar for a few hours before rinsing with water.
- Bathroom cleaner: Vinegar can help clean and disinfect surfaces in the bathroom. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Humidifiers: Vinegar can help remove mineral buildup and disinfect humidifiers. Fill the humidifier with equal parts vinegar and water and let it run for an hour before rinsing with water.
- Inside of the refrigerator: Vinegar can help remove stains and odors from the inside of the refrigerator. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Microwave: Vinegar can help loosen grime and stains from the inside of the microwave. Microwave a bowl of vinegar for 2-4 minutes, let it cool for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Countertops and sink: Vinegar can help clean and disinfect surfaces in the kitchen. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Descale coffee pots and tea kettles: Vinegar can help remove mineral buildup and improve the taste of coffee and tea. Fill the coffee pot or tea kettle with equal parts vinegar and water and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing with water.
- Shower doors: Vinegar can help remove soap scum and water stains from shower doors. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a spotless shine.
- Hard water stains on faucets and drains: Vinegar can help remove mineral buildup on faucets and drains. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Toilet bowl: Vinegar can help remove stains and disinfect the toilet bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush and flushing.
Conclusion
You now know that vinegar is an amazing cleaner, and it comes with many benefits!
You can now tackle any mess with confidence, knowing that you’re using a safe and natural product.
Plus, you can say goodbye to harsh chemicals and the lingering smells that come with them.
And, to top it off, you can now tackle any job with ease, knowing that you have a reliable, natural cleaning solution at your fingertips!
Vinegar’s truly the ultimate cleaning companion, so what’re you waiting for? Grab a bottle of vinegar and start cleaning like a pro!
If you still need a hand with cleaning, contact us right away.