Keeping your home fresh and tidy doesn’t need lots of harsh chemicals. Cleaning vinegar is a natural, affordable, and powerful option that offers many uses all over the house. This strong vinegar has about 6% acetic acid, which makes it stronger than the kind used for cooking. It removes stains, cuts through grease, and leaves surfaces sparkling.
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.
Fill is sold in glass boxes with cardboard refills.
Keep cleaning vinegar away from children and pets (don’t use to ‘kill weeds’ as it will also kill beneficial insects).
Never mix vinegar (or lemon) with any kind of bleach, it causes toxic gas. 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).
Multipurpose Surface Cleaning
Cleaning vinegar’s extra strength helps lift dirt and grime from almost any surface. Wipe kitchen counters, sinks, and even greasy hobs with a mix of vinegar and water.
For glass, spray undiluted cleaning vinegar and polish with a soft cloth for a streak-free finish. It also works on tiles and bathroom fittings, helping tackle soap scum and limescale.
Freshening Laundry
Add half a cup of cleaning vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle for softer, fresher clothes. It breaks down residue from detergent and hard water, which can build up over time.
Vinegar can also help get rid of musty smells in towels and gym clothes. It’s safe for most fabrics and won’t leave behind that strong vinegar scent once dry.
Descaling Kettles and Coffee Makers
Hard water can cause limescale to build up in kettles and coffee machines, affecting taste and performance. Fill your kettle halfway with cleaning vinegar, top with water, bring to a boil, then let it sit for thirty minutes.
For coffee machines, run a brewing cycle with a vinegar solution, then flush several times with clean water. That keeps appliances running well and drinks tasting fresh.
Tackling Bathroom Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew thrive in damp bathrooms, especially around tiles and shower curtains. Spray cleaning vinegar directly onto the affected areas and leave for an hour before scrubbing away.
Its strong acid helps break up mould at the surface, and regular use can slow its return.
Removing Stubborn Stains
Cleaning vinegar loosens many stains that are tough for normal cleaners. It works on spilled drinks, ink, grass, and even rust on some surfaces.
Dab the area with vinegar, let it soak for a few minutes, then blot or scrub to lift the mark. Always test on an out-of-sight spot first for colour-fastness.
Cleaning Windows and Mirrors
Foggy windows and mirrors often show streaks after cleaning. Use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle, then wipe dry with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. The acid in vinegar cuts through greasy fingerprints, leaving glass spotless and clear.
Deodorising Drains and Bins
Strong odours coming from drains and bins can be stubborn. Pour a cup of cleaning vinegar down sinks, baths, or kitchen waste pipes. Let it work for 30 minutes before running hot water.
For bins, spray inside after every empty and wipe down. Vinegar breaks down bacteria that cause smells, keeping things fresher for longer.
Reviving Taps and Fixtures
Taps covered in water spots or limescale come back to life with vinegar. Soak a cloth in cleaning vinegar and wrap it round the affected area for an hour. Wipe away the loosened deposits with ease, leaving fixtures shiny and clean.
All-Natural Floor Cleaner
Cleaning vinegar diluted with water makes a safe, streak-free mop solution for most hard floors, including tile, vinyl, and laminated wood. It removes sticky marks left by footsteps, food and pets. Avoid using on stone floors (like marble or granite), as vinegar can dull the surface.
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.
Pet Smell Neutraliser
Vinegar works on both new and old pet smells. Blot dry any recent accidents, then pour on a little diluted cleaning vinegar. Dab up the excess, let it dry, and the odour will fade. This works best for hard floors and most carpets but always check the manufacturer’s care advice.
Keep pets away, until rinsed and dried.
Miniml white vinegar is also sold in refillable packs. Just return your empties to either company, to send back with refills.
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.
