The Wonder Cleaner
Primarily made from fermented corn alcohol, vinegar has been in use for thousands of years. From turning baking soda into a homemade volcano to removing unwanted smells and cleaning stubborn stains, vinegar does it all. So untuck that bottle from the back corners of your pantry, and explore a sample of this wonder liquid’s myriad household uses.
REMOVE MICROWAVE NASTINESS: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Cook until a rolling boil. The steam will help loosen stuck-on food and deodorize the interior of your microwave.
UNCLOG SHOWER HEADS: Remove your shower head and soak in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. If you can’t remove the fixture, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and hang the bag with a bag tie.
DEODORIZE: Strong odors from smoke or pets can be removed with a spray bottle of diluted white vinegar. You can also add several drops of a disinfecting essential oil like orange or lemon to improve the smell and boost germ-fighting power.
CLEAN OUT YOUR COFFEE MAKER: Get rid of hard water stains and remove leftover coffee oils by filling the water reservoir with 1 cup of white vinegar. Run the machine normally. Follow up with two cycles of plain water.
CLEAN SURFACES: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water. Use as a general cleaning agent to remove spills, smells and mildew, or even to wash your windows and mirrors. If you want a stronger disinfectant, mix together baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils. The mixture will foam up and clean away especially grimy surfaces.
GIVE YOUR DISHWASHER A RINSE: In an empty dishwasher, pour 1 cup of vinegar in the bottom of the machine. Run a full cycle with no detergent.
BRIGHTEN METALS: For chrome or stainless steel, spray undiluted white vinegar and immediately wipe off. For silver, soak items in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Leave to soak for several hours, then rinse clean. Brass and copper can be cleaned with a paste of equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Rub the items until the tarnish disappears, then rinse clean.
REMOVE STICKY, GUMMY RESIDUE: Use a cloth soaked in vinegar to remove sticky reside left behind from price tags or stickers. Vinegar can also be used to clean scissor blades.
