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I remember having my mind blown when a housecleaner told me that all she used to clean my hard floors was vinegar and hot water. Like…they looked great, the germs were gone, and it was surely way cheaper than the cleaners I’d been splurging on for years.
That revelation sent me on a question to learn what else I could clean with that simple solution, and let me tell you – if it’s strong enough to descale your Keurig, you probably want to keep a big bottle of it on hand at all times.
If you’re curious, here are 6 household items that vinegar will clean as well as anything else.
6. Your kitchen cabinets.
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If you’re a responsible adult who generally tries to makes sure their home is sort-of clean, chances are you wipe down the outside of your cabinets from time-to-time, but what about the inside of your cabinets?
If you’re like me, thinking about emptying and then re-filling them is enough to make you put that off, then put it off again, but listen – it’s worth it.
Grab a bottle of white vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle with equal parts water, empty your cabinets, and start spraying.
Wipe it away with a clean cloth and see the fruits of your labor immediately.
5. Your window blinds.
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Listen, I know that window blinds look nice and all, but who among us hasn’t seen the dust build up, struggle with the best way to keep them clean, and regret our stylish nature?
Well, no more – a bowl of white vinegar and a clean pair of cotton gloves or socks are all you need to tackle the task!
You put your hand in the gloves or sock, dip your fingers into the bowl, and then run them along each slat to remove dust and grime.
Depending on how long its been since you’ve cleaned them, you may need to rinse your sock or glove during the process, so maybe keep a few handy.
Even if you have wooden blinds, this shouldn’t cause any damage if you keep your glove damp and not wet, but you can add some water to the bowl if you’re feeling worried.
4. Your microwave.
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The microwave is the bane of my existence – it always seems to be dirty, and even if you wipe it down, is it really clean?
Vinegar can clear up those worries for you, and quickly and easily, too – just fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water, add a few tablespoons of vinegar (white or apple cider, your choice) and a lemon or lime if you want to cut the vinegar smell.
Set your microwave to high power and heat the vinegar and water solution for four minutes, or until it boils.
Leave the bowl in the microwave to steam for a couple of minutes, then use a potholder or towel to remove it. Then, take out the turntable and any other removable parts (be careful!), wipe down the inside with a damp cloth, and wash the removable pieces separately.
Clean and sanitized. Woot!
3. That grubby grout.
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Who doesn’t hate looking at nasty grout? We all do!
Luckily, Bob Vila says that vinegar can handle that, too. Just grab that same vinegar-and-water spray bottle, douse the grout, wait 5 minutes, then use a stiff brush to wipe it away. If you’ve got some stubborn gri,e, try adding a little baking soda to the mix.
Sprinkle it on the grout, then spray the vinegar and wait until the bubbles stop foaming to scrub.
2. The toilet.
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Ew, right?
Vinegar can tackle that ew, and with minimal scrubbing, too.
Martha Stewart recommends adding 1/2 c of vinegar to the boil, waiting a few minutes before giving it a once-over with your brush, and then flushing.
If you’ve got hard water stains or other troublesome ick, let the vinegar sit longer, up to an hour, before scrubbing or changing the water.
1. Your own piggies.
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Never underestimate the relief that comes from taking good care of your feet, people – and if your piggies tend to get stinkier than most, a deodorizing soak in vinegar might be the answer.
You should dilute it before soaking your feet – 1-part vinegar to 2-parts water – though you can use a stronger soak if your feet aren’t responding.
This can do double duty if you have warts, callouses, or even dry, cracked skin. Just always make sure to wash with soap and water before and after your soak.
I’m going to buy another jug now, how about you?
What else do you clean with vinegar? Share your tips with us in the comments!
