Apple cider vinegar is used often in the kitchen and in skincare, but did you know you can use apple cider vinegar to clean your home? Below you’ll find 7 ways to clean your home with apple cider vinegar!
Apple cider vinegar is great for many things, including cleaning! Due to it’s antibacterial properties, it makes a great addition to your apple purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and so many more cleaning recipes.
Vinegar is great for cleaning because it contains acetic acid, an organic compound that breaks down dirt, grease and grim. You can use white vinegar and apple cider vinegar interchangeable in most cleaning recipes. I always have a ton of apple cider vinegar on hand since I make it a huge batch of it every year (it’s easy and cheap to make). I mix it in a spray bottle with water and sometimes add essential oils to create a cleaning spray that can be used on many surfaces. Below are my favorite cleaning recipes using apple cider vinegar!
7 Ways To Clean Your Home with Apple Cider Vinegar
1. All Purpose Cleaner
This recipe is great for cleaning your entire home! Use it to clean countertops, the bathtub, bathroom surfaces, glass surfaces, and to clean kitchen countertops. Note: You should not use this cleaner on Granite or stone surfaces. While you can use this cleaner to clean your kitchen appliances, it’s best to avoid using vinegar to clean stainless steel appliances.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 10-15 drops of essential oils
Instructions: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water in a glass bowl. Pour the water and vinegar into a 16 ounce spray bottle. Add 10-15 drops of essential oils (I like to use pine), secure with a lid and shake before each use.
2. Homemade Soft Scrub
This all-natural soft scrub recipe works just as well as the store-bought scrub! I’ve used this scrub to clean and polish my sinks, bathtub, and toilets. This is one of my favorite swaps from chemical cleaners and it works so well!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 6 tablespoons castile soap
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 4 Tablespoons white vinegar
- Essential oils (Optional)
Instructions: Whisk the baking soda and castile soap together. Slowly add water and essential oils while mixing. Once the mixture is smooth, add the vinegar and whisk the mixture together vigorously. Store the soft scrub in a airtight container. To use: Start with a quarter-size dollop of cleaner and add more as needed to clean your sink, tub or toilet. Use a scrubbing sponge or brush and scrub away! Rinse with hot water, and that’s it!
3. Floor Cleaner
This recipe works on many floor surfaces, but not all! Always do a spot test and research if vinegar is safe for your type of flooring before you try this recipe. For my floors, this recipe works exceptionally well!
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of warm water
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions: Add the ingriendts into a mop bucket. Mix the floor cleaning solution well before mopping. Mop the floors with the warm floor solution and allow them to dry.
4. Laundry Softener
Vinegar is great as a natural laundry softener and helps dissolve grease and grim from clothing.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3-5 drops of essential oils (optional)
Instructions: Pour the vinegar into your washing machine or add to the laundry softener section of your washer if you have one. The smell of the vinegar will dissipate once your clothing is dried.
5. Carpet Stain Remover
Apple cider vinegar helps to break down dirt and grim and can really help with lifting out stains from the carpet. I use this solution to clean the spot then I top it with salt or baking soda and vacuum it up.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoons of water
- salt or baking soda
Instructions: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water and clean the carpet stain with a soft brush of cloth. Once cleaned, pour salt or baking soda on the wet spot and allow it to absorb the liquid. Let it set for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming.
6. Remove Hard Water Stains
The acids in vinegar work to break down hard water stains and can help keep your surfaces looking their best. To do this you will need to soak the surface in pure vinegar for 10-15 minutes. Once soaked, use a scrub brush to scrub the grim away. Then use a soft cloth to wipe away the residue. While you’re cleaning your hard water stains you can also use this cleaner to scrub away soap scum!
Ingredients:
- apple cider vinegar
Instructions: Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the surface with the vinegar. Allow the vinegar to set on the surface for at least 10 minutes, longer if possible. Then, use a tooth brush or scrubber to scrub the hard water away. Clean with a water and repeat as needed.
7. Dishwasher Cleaner
I learned this tip when I was renting. My landlord swore by it and requested that I do this once a month to keep the dishwasher clean. And you know what, it worked!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of ACV
Instructions: Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bottom of your dishwater. Run the dishwasher as usual. Once the cycle completes, open the dishwasher and wipe down the sides and bottom to remove and grim or mineral deposits.
FAQ
Can I clean my hardwood floors with apple cider vinegar?
It is NOT recommend to clean hardwood floors with vinegar. It’s best to use a floor cleaner made for hardwood instead.
What makes apple cider vinegar a good cleaning agent?
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down dirt, grease, and grime. Its antibacterial properties also make it an effective cleaner for various surfaces.
Can I use apple cider vinegar and white vinegar interchangeably in cleaning recipes?
Yes, apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can be used interchangeably in most cleaning recipes.
Is it safe to use apple cider vinegar on all surfaces?
No, apple cider vinegar should not be used on granite or stone surfaces. Additionally, avoid using it on stainless steel appliances as it can damage the finish.
More Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Apple Cider Vinegar For Chickens: Everything You Need to Know
- How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Deodorant (Easy Spray Recipe)
- How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Soap With Just 3 Ingredients!
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