It smells sour and tastes bitter. It’s not as appealing as conventional cleaners like Lysol or Simple Green. However, when it comes to green cleaning solutions, vinegar should be the top ingredient in your arsenal. It is so versatile, in fact, that you can use vinegar as a key component in a large number of green cleaning mixtures.

We recommend using green cleaning products whenever possible, today we are exploring all of the different ways you can use vinegar in your everyday cleaning routine.

Dishwasher Cleaning

Your dishes are clean and spotless thanks to your dishwashing machine, but what cleans the dishwasher? You have to periodically clean out the inside of your machine to maintain its performance as well as to prevent the growth of mold. Since the inner workings are delicate and you don’t want to risk breaking your machine, you can instead use vinegar to clean it.

Simply measure 1 cup of vinegar and pour it into the bottom of your dishwasher. Make sure that you don’t have any dishes inside of it, then run a full cycle. Your dishwasher will thank you later.

Wash Your Washing Machine

If you’ve ever had a load of laundry smell a little funky after washing and drying them, then it is time to clean out your machines. Much like your dishwasher, your washing machine needs to be cleaned at least once every 2-3 months to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Here’s how to do it: measure out a half cup of vinegar and mix it evenly with water. Pour the mixture into the wash basin and then run a normal cycle with hot water. When the cycle is completed, wipe down the seal and lid with a clean, damp cloth. Leave the lid open so the basin air dries.

The Ultimate Floor Cleaner

For your hardwood floors, look no further than vinegar and water. You will need a mop bucket. Fill it up with 1 gallon of hot water and then pour in a half cup of vinegar. Use two mops when you clean your floors; one to wash the floor and one to dry it off. Start with the farthest corner of the floors, away from the entrance, and work your way to the entrance of the room. That way you can avoid leaving footprints on your freshly mopped floor. Say goodbye to those pungent and nauseating conventional cleaners!

Coffee Maker

You’ll need to clean the inside of your coffee machine regularly to keep the flavor of your morning brew fresh and tasty. Once every couple of months, pour a mixture of 50/50 water and vinegar into the water dispenser. Run a pot of coffee like normal. After this first cycle, pour out the mixture down your drain and then run another cycle with only cool water to rinse it out.

Garbage Disposal and Drain

The great thing about cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar and water is that you eventually have to pour it down your kitchen sink. The same mixture you used for the coffee machine will double down and clear out your drain. If you have a garbage disposal as well, you can use undiluted vinegar to blast away the gunk. Just use a little bit, about a ¼ cup or so, and let the vinegar sit for up to 5 minutes. Then, run cold water down the disposal and turn it on for a minute.

Stainless Steel Appliances

You can restore the shine in your steel appliances and clean them at the same time. Just fill up a spray bottle with one ounce of vinegar and 16 ounces of water. Spray your mixture onto a clean rag and then give your appliances a butt. Work lightly and when you rub, make sure to rub along the grain, not against the grain. This will prevent you from accidentally causing any unsightly scratches.

Bathroom Tiles

The biggest thing about cleaning your shower tiles is that you need a scouring solution to help scrub away the grime. Mix a half cup of vinegar with water and then add baking powder until you have a paste with thick consistency. You don’t want for this solution to be too runny. Now you can scrub the tiles with this solution and rinse down with warm water.

Toilet, Tub, and Sink

For stronger stains, you can use undiluted vinegar to soak and break up the accumulation of grime and sediment. Simply pour vinegar onto the surface of your fixtures and let soak for 10-15 minutes. Follow up with a non-abrasive sponge and cut through the stains like magic.

Carpet Freshener

Lift your carpet odors away with a solution of 50/50 vinegar and water with a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. My personal favorite is lemon. The citrus scent will send the musty carpet smells running for the hills.

These are just a few examples of the different ways you can use vinegar to clean your home. If you have any suggestions on your formulas and areas, let us know about it. Thanks for reading!