Vinegar: The Multipurpose, Chemical-Free Household Cleaner
Most homeowners prefer multipurpose cleaners because they eliminate the hassle of finding a new product for every surface. They can be used on numerous surfaces and effectively clean each one. This includes everything from whitening laundry and cleaning windows to sanitising germy spots.
However, most of the all-purpose commercial cleaners either pollute the interiors or impact the environment. A better alternative to these toxic products is white vinegar. This kitchen staple helps clean numerous household surfaces without the use of chemicals.
Vinegar is particularly effective due to its acidic properties. Distilled white vinegar has about 5% acetic acid and 95% water, while cleaning vinegar contains 6% acetic acid. Thus, it is 20% stronger than the distilled one. Bond cleaning Sunshine Coast professionals utilise both types depending on the nature of the surface they are cleaning.
Here is why homeowners should also use this multipurpose and chemical-free household cleaner. They must switch to vinegar to maintain a clean and healthy residence.
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]1. The Best Vinegar for Cleaning Kitchen
Focusing on the kitchen is vital for house cleaning and end of lease cleaning. Using an all-purpose cleaner such as vinegar will help individuals get rid of some of the common problems. Here is how to use vinegar for cleaning your kitchen:
Cleaning Floors, Appliances, and Countertops
Rather than using a store-bought multipurpose cleaner or a floor cleaner, utilise diluted vinegar to clean floors, countertops, and appliances. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle to clean the counters. This combination will also work on a few appliance surfaces, such as the refrigerator interior, glass, and plastic. In some cases, it might be better to wipe the surface using a damp cloth and follow up with a dry towel.
Rinsing the Sink and Drain
The combination of vinegar and baking soda is perfect for dealing with a grimy kitchen sink. It is also a natural drain cleaner and deodoriser. Start by sprinkling some baking soda over the sink surface before spraying the mixture of vinegar and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub away stains and grime.
To clean the drain, simply sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda. After that, pour in straight vinegar. In case there are soda remnants, add some more vinegar to ensure it goes away.
Wiping the Microwave
It is normal for microwaves to collect splatters. Expert bond cleaners Sunshine Coast recommend using a water-vinegar mixture to deal with this issue. Just spray and wipe it dry. Steam cleaning is also a very useful option. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts vinegar and water and heat it for a couple of minutes. Next, wipe the interior clean.
2. The Best Homemade Vinegar Cleaning Solution
Even though vinegar is very effective on its own, adding a few other ingredients will make the solution much more powerful and versatile. One such ingredient is your choice of essential oil. Here are a few popular options:
- Citrus
- Eucalyptus
- Basil
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Bergamot
- Lime
- Grapefruit
Prepare the cleaning solution by adding vinegar and water in the desired ratio in a spray bottle. Next, add your preferred essential oil. Shake the bottle well. Clearly label the bottle to avoid any confusion. Store it away from direct sunlight. Sun safety is not only important for people but also for cleaning solutions.
3. How to Mix Vinegar for Cleaning?
While a vinegar solution does work as an all-purpose cleaner, the vinegar-to-water ratio will vary depending on the surface and the type of cleaning required. Mixing both ingredients in equal parts is good enough to prepare a basic solution. Budget bond cleaners Sunshine Coast prefer it to clean appliances, countertops, floors, etc. For a tougher job, mixing vinegar and water in a 2:1 ratio will make the solution much more effective. Utilise it to handle to deal with mineral deposits, greasy messes, and soap scum.
However, only use this strong cleaner on the surfaces that can handle the acid of vinegar. It is best to test it on an unnoticed spot first. Finally, the vinegar and water ratio of 1:4 or more is ideal for delicate surfaces.
4. What Should Not Be Cleaned With Vinegar?
Although vinegar is an excellent cleaner, remember that it is acidic, which means it can wear out some materials. So, ensure it is suitable for the surface you want to clean before using it. A lot of the time, the damage is not instant. It might happen over time, leading to costly repairs. Here are the things homeowners should not clean with vinegar:
Stainless Steel
Since stainless steel comes in different grades, vinegar’s acidic properties might damage one thing while making the other appear visually appealing. This is true for both stainless steel appliances and knives. Using a different cleaner altogether is recommended by professionals who do cheap bond cleaning Sunshine Coast.
Wood or Stone
Refrain from using vinegar to clean stone or wood, including stone or marble counters and hardwood floors. It can etch the surface and cause it to lose its natural shine.
Aluminium, Copper, Cast Iron
Avoid applying vinegar to materials like copper, aluminium, or cast iron utensils, pans and pots because it can cause pitting and discolouration, which is why reliable house cleaners do not recommend it.
How to Use Vinegar as a Multipurpose Cleaner?
Wrapping up
Regular house cleaning is important for maintaining hygiene and improving indoor air quality. Using chemical cleaners will do more harm than good, which is why natural alternatives such as vinegar are worth considering. It can be utilised as an all-purpose cleaner to clean numerous surfaces around the home.