Today's homes contain an alarming variety of harmful household cleaners. More and more people are finding they are sensitive to chemical products they were once able to use, causing increasing concern about long term exposure. In my search to find effective substitutes I found one product to be universal and reliable... White Vinegar.
White vinegar can be used to disinfect, clean and shine nearly every surface in and around your home without a lingering vinegar smell. It can clean as well as most chemical products without giving off dangerous toxins, it is highly competent and cost far less than name brand cleaners. It is possible to do nearly every household cleaning chores by simply using white vinegar and water.
Bathroom: Grout can be whitened by applying full strength, let stand, then scrub with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar and soap scum is removed using two-thirds vinegar and one-third water. Use undiluted for hard water stains on fixtures, tiles, shower doors and porcelain.
Kitchen: Full strength vinegar will cut grease and de scale coffee makers. To disinfect wood cutting boards, use one- third water to two-thirds vinegar and wipe with the grain. Clean and shine appliances using a spray bottle of half vinegar and half water. Use in the dishwasher to deodorise and leave your dishes streak free by simply adding vinegar to the rinse cycle. Use on no wax vinyl, wood and tile floors with 1 cup vinegar in a gallon of water. For quick clean ups keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water solution in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
Laundry: Spray water and vinegar solution on stains before washing. Add a cup of vinegar to your final rinse, this will soften and sweeten your laundry and break down detergent residue. If you prefer using fabric softener in the dryer, pour a little vinegar onto an old face cloth and throw it into the dryer with the rest of your clothes.
Pet messes and odors: Two-thirds warm water and one-third vinegar can be used to clean pet messes. Pour mixture on the area and scrub with a sponge or brush. Soak up excess and let dry. If using on carpet or upholstered furniture, make sure it is colour fast and shrink resistant first.
Walls: Vinegar and water removes dirt on walls using half warm water and half vinegar. Nicotine, stains, and grease are removed easily and crayon will dissolve with a little perseverance. (if grease or oil stains are heave, use warm vinegar full strength)
Hair rinse: For soft and shiny hair, use one-third cup vinegar and two-thirds cup warm water. This same solution can be used on kid's hair during the dreaded head lice season. Vinegar closes the shaft of the hair making it too slippery for eggs to be attached. The same solution will also dissolve the glue like substance used to attach their eggs for times when head lice have already begun to nest.
White vinegar is a natural air cleaner. Wherever the cleaning solution is used, it will neutralize airborne odors and leave the room smelling fresh and clean.
