5 Vinegar Based Cleaning Hacks

Homemade cleaning products are not only safe and natural, they are surprisingly cheap to make! From pet accidents to shower-heads, white vinegar provides a robust and strong cleaning agent for some of the most tough to clean accidents. Because vinegar is acidic, it works to break down tough build ups around the house, and even on our pets! The chemicals in vinegar kills around 80% of germs, found around the house.

Here are five easy ways to start cleaning with vinegar around the house! Remember to dilute the vinegar with water if the smell is too strong or as you see fit:

1. Pet ear cleaner:

Our pets, especially ones with long ears, are prone to ear infections. You can tell your pet is suffering from an ear infection if there is a distinct odor protruding from their ears, or if there is dark discharge when you clean the canals. If you suspect infection, put 1 tablespoon of vinegar into 4 tablespoons of water and pour it onto a clean rag. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before you wipe the inside of your pet’s ears.

2. Window Cleaning:

We’ve been conditioned to think that Windex was the only solution to window cleaning. But, what most people don’t realize is that vinegar is just as effective in cleaning windows! To get rid of streaks and all sorts of prints follow this easy recipe: Mix ½ cup of water with ½ cup of vinegar in a spray bottle – and voila! Spray the solution just as you would with Windex. This is most effective using a squeegee.

3. Shower Heads:

Our shower-heads often get overlooked and can get clogged easily with built up residue from usage day after day. Vinegar is a great remedy for this. Grab any bag, such as a sandwich bag, and pour vinegar into it. Place the bag over the shower-head so that it can soak easily. Use a rubber band to tie the opening of the bag to the neck of the shower-head. Let the solution sit overnight. The shower-head will be clean and ready to use in the morning.

4. Dishwasher: 

Putting vinegar in the dishwasher does two things at once: 1) it effectively cleans your dishes and makes it sparkling clean, 2) it can be used to clean your dishwasher. To do this, pour one cup of 5 percent acetic acid vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher when it’s in the rinse cycle. (Make sure it’s 5 percent because highly acidic vinegar can ruin your dishwasher.

5. Sticker Residue:

For stubborn sticker residue left on your products, use vinegar to fight the adhesive! Grab a washcloth, dip it into white vinegar for a minute, then place the cloth on the adhesive area. Let the cloth sit on the area for 30 minutes and check on it occasionally. The sticker should come off more easily as you begin to wipe.

These are just a few items you can easily clean with vinegar. Vinegar can also be used to clean up stains such as red wine, pet stains, sweaty armpit stains, grass stains, and much more! And best of all, the solution is safe and natural. Vinegar is inexpensive and a common household item, so using it as a cleaner is efficient and convenient.