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An Environmentally-Friendly Home Cleaning Solution: White Distilled Vinegar

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Real Estate Agent with CONLON/Christie's International Real Estate

White Distilled Vinegar : An Environmentally-Friendly Home Cleaning Solution

September 13, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

 

White distilled vinegarSupermarket aisles are filled with specialty cleansers — some for the kitchen, some for the bathroom, some for the carpets. Loaded with chemicals, these cleansers can be tough on the environment and costly, too.

If you’re in search of an alternative, consider white distilled vinegar.  It’s inexpensive, safe to store, and highly effective as a household cleanser.

White vinegar’s strength comes from its acidity, roughly 8%. It’s acidity kills most mold, germs, and bacteria, and can remove minerals deposits from coffee makers and glass surfaces.

Some uses for white distilled vinegar include:

  • Cleaning the garbage disposal : 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar + 1/2 cup baking soda. Pour down drain and let sit for 5 minutes. Run hot water to flush it.
  • Removing lunch box odors : Soak bread slice in white distilled vinegar. Place it in lunch box overnight.
  • Remove dark spots on aluminum pots : Mix 1 cup white distilled vinegar + 1 cup hot water.  Boil in pot.
  • Brighten carpets : Mix solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar + 1 gallon water. Test on inconspicuous area first.
  • Remove water rings from wood : Mix solution of 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar + 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.

White distilled vinegar is extremely versatile, but it can strip finish from counter-tops and floors if left to soak. Be sure to exercise care, therefore, when using vinegar at home.

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Comments (4)

Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I use this as an all purpose household cleaner...mixed with water in a spray bottle. I also add essential oils to increase the germ fighting power and make it smell good. It works and costs pennies, instead of dollars, for a bottle.

Sep 14, 2010 01:46 AM
John Franc
John Franc Realtor ABR Vandyk Group - Manahawkin, NJ
Honesty & Integrity in all I do!

Thanks Michael for the tips, I've been using vinegar for years and find that it not only saves you money, it does a great job.  I know of a tip that will keep chickens from pecking each other by adding cider vinegar to their drinking water!  And no I don't have any chickens so I can't confirm that this will work :)

 

Sep 14, 2010 02:03 AM
Phil Hillerman
Crye-Leike Realtors® - Rogers, AR
Crye-Leike Realtors®

I even pour it in the dishwasher to help keep it lime free and the glasses come out spotless to boot!

Oct 28, 2011 07:28 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It is good for anything: cooking, cleaning, body and hear reinvigorating. It is must have in any house. 

Nov 18, 2015 07:01 AM