Cleaning vinegar is gaining popularity as a go-to solution for many household cleaning tasks. Unlike traditional cleaners laden with chemicals, cleaning vinegar harnesses the power of natural ingredients. It’s eco-friendly and often more effective at tackling dirt and grime.
Fill is sold in glass boxes with cardboard refills. Miniml white vinegar is also sold in refillable packs. Just return your empties to either company, to send back with refills.
Keep cleaning vinegar away from children and pets (don’t use it to ‘kill weeds’ as it will also kill beneficial insects). Never mix vinegar with bleach, and avoid use on natural stone (granite), waxed wood or unsealed grout. Ventilation rooms and wear gloves.
If using essential oils for scent, avoid for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions (or near babies/pets).
Understanding Cleaning Vinegar
Cleaning vinegar is a type of vinegar specifically formulated for cleaning tasks. With an acidity level of around 6%, it is stronger than the typical 5% acetic acid found in table vinegar. This elevated acidity makes it an excellent choice for dissolving mineral deposits, grease, and dirt.
What Can You Do with Cleaning Vinegar?
Many many things! Use with SEEP plastic-free cleaning cloths/scourers/sponges and their Fair Trade rubber gloves (in cardboard packaging).
- Descaling toilets: Add 1/2 cup to warm water, leave for 1 hour, then flush.
- Washing machines. Mix equal parts (50ml) with water and use to clean doors and seals. Then add 450ml directly to the drum and put on hot wash, leave door open to dissipate smell. This will clean and descale.
- Laundry softener: Add 1 cup to fabric softener compartment on rinse cycle (most fabric softener contains palm oil and make clothing more flammable).
- Decale kettle: Pour in cleaning vinegar to cover the element, switch the kettle on and leave overnight (tell others before you do this!)
- Remove limescale & soap scum. Mix 250ml with 1 tablespoon bicarb of soda and 1 cap of biodegradable dishwash liquid.
- Unblock plugholes. Pour boiling water down sink, add 1 tablespoon of bicarb of soda & 250ml cleaning vinegar. It will fizz, replace plug, wait 15 minutes then flush with more boiling water.
- Remove stains & odours: Mix 1 part cleaning vinegar with 2 parts warm water, and dab with a soaked cloth.
- Sparkling glassware: Use instead of glass cleaner in dishwasher.
- Remove sticky goo on labels: Just dab on!
Tips for Effective Use
For routine cleaning and deodorising, a mix of equal parts cleaning vinegar and water will do the trick. However, for tough stains or heavy-duty cleaning, using it at full strength can yield better results.
Just remember, never use cleaning vinegar on natural stone surfaces, like granite or marble, as the acidity can cause damage.
Proper storage will extend the life of your cleaning vinegar. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. When stored correctly, cleaning vinegar can last for several years. Just keep an eye out for any changes in colour or smell, which could indicate it’s time to replace your bottle.
Vinegar as a Fabric Softener
Looking for a natural alternative to fabric softener? Try adding cleaning vinegar to your laundry. Use about half a cup during the rinse cycle to leave your clothes feeling fresh and soft. Plus, it helps break down detergent residues, leaving your fabrics cleaner.
