Apple cider vinegar is a delicious and versatile ingredient in cooking, but did you know it also makes a great all-natural cleaner for your home? With its antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, apple cider vinegar can tackle a wide variety of messes. We’ll go over all the different ways you can use apple cider vinegar to clean, and answer some common FAQs. Keep reading for everything you need to know!
Does apple cider vinegar work as a household cleaner?
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which makes it a great choice to clean your home. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To make an all-purpose cleaner, combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this spray to clean surfaces in your kitchen, get rid of soap scum in your bathroom, wipe down windows, and more!
Steps
12 Ways to Clean with Apple Cider Vinegar
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Mix equal parts water and ACV for an all-purpose cleaner. Just combine them in a spray bottle, and voila! [2] X Research source You have an all-natural cleaning solution that’s great at dissolving dirt, grime, grease and soap scum. [3] X Research source And, with its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar can help kill bacteria, too! [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- The spray works well on countertops, floors, mirrors, windows, bathtubs, and sinks. [5] X Research source
- Avoid using the spray on natural stone countertops (granite, marble, etc), wood cabinets, or hardwood floors because it can damage these surfaces. [6] X Research source
- If you don’t like the way apple cider vinegar smells, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to make the scent more appealing. [7] X Research source
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Use ACV to remove soap scum and mildew from bathroom surfaces. Due to its acidity, apple cider vinegar is great at breaking down soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains in your bathroom. [8] X Research source Simply spray your DIY all-purpose cleaner (equal parts water and apple cider vinegar) into the sink, bathtub, and all over the surface of your toilet. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes to break down grime, then wipe the surfaces clean. [9] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Disinfect and deodorize your toilet bowl with apple cider vinegar. To clean the inside of your toilet bowl, pour about 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of straight apple cider vinegar into the bowl, and let it sit for 15 minutes. [10] X Research source
- After 15 minutes, scrub the interior of the toilet bowl with a scrub brush. Flush the toilet, and that’s it! [11] X Research source
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Clean and shine surfaces in your kitchen with apple cider vinegar. To cut through grime and grease, spray your DIY all-purpose cleaner on your stovetop and countertops (as long as they aren’t granite or marble). You can also use the cleaning solution to polish and shine stainless steel appliances, and to wipe away food stains from the interior of your fridge and microwave. [12] X Research source
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Unclog your drains with apple cider vinegar and baking soda. First, pour ½ cup (136 g) of baking soda into the drain. Next, pour in 1 cup (240 mL) apple cider vinegar, followed by 1 cup (240 mL) of boiling water. The mixture will start to bubble and fizz, which helps break down the clog. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush the drain out with more hot water. Your drain should now be good as new! [13] X Research source
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Use apple cider vinegar to get streak-free windows and mirrors. First, wipe down the windows or mirrors with a dry microfiber cloth or a duster. Next, spray them generously with your apple cider vinegar all-purpose cleaner. Wipe the cleaning solution with a dry paper towel or microfiber cloth, and that’s it! You should have squeaky clean windows and mirrors. [14] X Research source
- You can also clean glass shower doors with your apple cider vinegar cleaning solution.
- It will break down soap scum, mildew, and water stains, leaving the surface gleaming and streak-free.
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Add ACV to your washing machine to get rid of mildew, and germs. With its antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, apple cider vinegar is a great choice for cleaning your washer. Simply add 2 cups (470 mL) apple cider vinegar to your empty washing machine instead of laundry detergent. [15] X Research source Next, run the empty washer on the hottest wash cycle.Your washer should now be odor-free and sparkling clean. [16] X Research source
- Mildew, grime, and soap scum can easily build up in your washing machine over time, so it’s important to clean it on a regular basis.
- If you notice a strange odor or mildew-y smell in your machine, it's probably time to give it a wash.
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Use apple cider vinegar to tackle grease and grime in your dishwasher. To clean your dishwasher , simply fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar, and place it on the upper rack. You could also pour the vinegar directly into the bottom of the dishwasher if you prefer. Make sure the dishwasher is otherwise empty, then run it for a full cycle. [17] X Research source
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Remove carpet stains with apple cider vinegar. If you spilled something on your carpet and it left a stain, have no fear. Just mix vinegar with 2 tablespoons (36 grams) of salt, then rub the mixture into the stain. [18] X Research source Vacuum up the mixture, and that’s it! The vinegar and salt mixture should lift the stain right out of your carpet.
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Mop your floors with apple cider vinegar. If your floors are made of a non-porous material, such as ceramic tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP), apple cider vinegar makes a great mopping solution. Simply mix (1 cup (240 mL) apple cider vinegar per gallon of water, and use this mixture to mop as you usually would. [19] X Research source
- Avoid cleaning hardwood floors or floors made of natural stone (marble, granite, etc) with this cleaning solution. Apple cider vinegar can damage or discolor these surfaces. [20] X Research source
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Use apple cider vinegar to descale your tea kettle or coffee maker. Pour 1 cup (240 mL) apple cider vinegar into your tea kettle and set it to boil to remove limescale. [21] X Research source Afterward, rinse the kettle out to get rid of leftover vinegar. To descale a coffee maker, fill the reservoir with half apple cider vinegar and half water, then run a brew or cleaning cycle without any filter or coffee grounds. When it finishes, pour out the carafe and run 2-3 more cycles with plain water to rinse everything out. [22] X Research source
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Make a fruit fly trap with apple cider vinegar. If your home has been invaded by pesky fruit flies, making a DIY fly trap may be the right call. First, grab a small cup or jar. Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into it, and add a small squirt of liquid dish soap. Cover with plastic wrap, and secure it around the rim with a string or rubber band. Finally, poke several holes into the plastic for the flies to get through.
- Leave the jar out in your kitchen. The liquid will attract the fruit flies, and once they fly into the jar, they’ll sink and be trapped inside. [23] X Research source
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- ↑ https://www.totalclean.co.uk/blog/cleaning-advice/clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar/
- ↑ https://www.willysacv.com/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-cleaning/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://www.willysacv.com/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-cleaning/
- ↑ https://www.totalclean.co.uk/blog/cleaning-advice/clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar/
- ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ways-to-clean-your-home-with-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a31407258/how-to-clean-toilet/
- ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-a-smelly-washing-machine.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/kitchen-cleaning/clean-dishwasher-7-simple-steps.html
- ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.totalclean.co.uk/blog/cleaning-advice/clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://tiffscleaningangels.com/natural-cleaning-what-apple-cider-vinegar-can-do-for-you/
- ↑ https://www.kitchenaid.com/pinch-of-help/countertop-appliances/how-to-clean-and-descale-a-coffee-maker.html
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/worlds-easiest-fruit-fly-trap/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- ↑ https://www.willysacv.com/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-cleaning/
- ↑ https://news.engineering.pitt.edu/when-choosing-cleaners-it-helps-to-know-your-chemistry/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/home/cleaning-and-housekeeping/things-not-to-clean-with-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/things-should-not-clean-with-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.eloisecleans.com/4-alternatives-to-white-vinegar-for-your-cleaning-chores/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
- ↑ https://extension.wvu.edu/food-health/cooking/apple-cider-vinegar-myths-facts