How to Clean Your Home with Apple Cider Vinegar: 15 Safe & Effective Ways

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Use apple cider vinegar to clean your kitchen, bathroom, & beyond
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Apple cider vinegar (ACV) 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!

Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaning: A Quick Guide

Apple cider vinegar is a safe and effective cleaner to kill bacteria on most household surfaces. When diluted with an equal amount of water, ACV can be used to clean hard surfaces (e.g., counters and stovetops), glass, faucets, and walls. However, avoid using ACV to clean wood, marble, natural stone, and metals.

Section 1 of 5:

Can you use apple cider vinegar to clean?

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  1. Thanks to its acidic and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar safely and effectively breaks down dirt and disinfects hard surfaces like countertops, stovetops, sinks, faucets, refrigerators, walls, etc. Before using apple cider vinegar to clean these surfaces, however, mix it with an equal amount of water.
    • Some surfaces are not safe to clean with apple cider vinegar. Avoid using ACV on hardwood floors, wood cabinets, waxed wood furniture, and natural stone countertops (marble, granite, quartz, etc). [1]
    • Also, steer clear of metals like copper, aluminum, and cast iron— the vinegar can strip away protective coatings on these metals and cause them to rust. [2]
    • Be careful not to get the vinegar on the areas of your dishwasher or washing machine that have rubber lining. The acid can break down the rubber seal over time, damaging your appliance. [3]
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Section 2 of 5:

15 Ways to Clean with Apple Cider Vinegar

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  1. Just combine a 1:1 ratio of the ingredients in a spray bottle, and voila! [4] You have a DIY all-natural cleaning solution that’s great at dissolving dirt, grime, grease and soap scum. [5] And, with its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar can help kill bacteria, too! [6]
    • The spray works well on countertops, floors, mirrors, windows, bathtubs, and sinks. [7]
    • Avoid using the spray on natural stone countertops (granite, marble, etc), wood cabinets, or hardwood floors because it can damage these surfaces. [8]
    • 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. [9]
  2. Due to its acidity, apple cider vinegar is great at breaking down soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains in your bathroom. [10] 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. [11]
  3. 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. [12]
    • After 15 minutes, scrub the interior of the toilet bowl with a scrub brush. Flush the toilet, and that’s it! [13]
  4. 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. [14]
    • However, avoid using the apple cider vinegar on any surfaces made of wood, marble, natural stone, or metal.
  5. 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! [15]
  6. 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. [16]
    • 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.
  7. 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. [17] Next, run the empty washer on the hottest wash cycle. Your washer should now be odor-free and sparkling clean. [18]
    • 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.
  8. To clean your dishwasher , simply “place a cup of [the] vinegar in a bowl and place the filled bowl in the top rack of your dishwasher,” instructs expert House Cleaning Professional James Sears. 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. [19]
  9. 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. [20] Vacuum up the mixture, and that’s it! The vinegar and salt mixture should lift the stain right out of your carpet.
  10. 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 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water, and use this mixture to mop as you usually would. [21]
    • 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. [22]
  11. Pour 1 cup (240 mL) apple cider vinegar into your tea kettle and set it to boil to remove limescale. [23] 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. [24]
  12. If you’ve had one-too-many cozy nights in with wax candles spilling over, then this cleaning solution is for you! Wait for the wax to dry and become brittle to the touch, then scrape it off with a spatula or credit card. Apply a bit of diluted apple cider vinegar (1:1 ACV and water) onto a dishcloth and rub it onto the greasy wax stain. [25]
    • Avoid using apple cider vinegar on wax-stained surfaces made of wood, marble, natural stone, or metal.
  13. Forgot to use a coaster? Dip the corner of a dishcloth into undiluted apple cider vinegar. Apply the damp area to a water stain left behind by a glass or cup, then wipe until cleaner.
    • However, do not use this method on stained surfaces made of wood, marble, natural stone, or metal. Apple cider vinegar can easily damage these materials.
  14. 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 1 inch (25 mm) 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. [26]
  15. Did you know that ACV can also be used to clean outside of your home? If you have pesky weeds in your yard, fill a spray bottle with undiluted apple cider vinegar and spray it onto the leaves and crown of your weed. [27]
    • For best results, spray on the first day of a few days of expected sunshine, as rain will wash away the vinegar before it’s had a chance to be effective.
    • Also, try to target annual weeds before they begin to seed in the spring and summer.
    • Be careful not to spray the vinegar onto plants that you don’t want to kill.
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Section 3 of 5:

How effective is apple cider vinegar for cleaning?

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  1. It has antimicrobial qualities, which means it can help kill germs on various surfaces around your home. [28] The acidity also dissolves dirt, grime, grease, and soap scum. [29]
    • It's important to note, however, that apple cider vinegar won't be quite as effective at killing germs as chemical household cleaners like Lysol or Clorox. [30]
    • Apple cider vinegar also isn’t particularly effective when a disinfectant needs to be left to sit on a surface to fully kill the bacteria, since the acidity in ACV may began to eat away at the surface if left too long.
    • Essentially, you need to do a deep clean of your home and want to make sure you kill as much harmful bacteria as possible, you may want to use a commercial all-purpose cleaner.
    • For lighter messes and routine cleaning, however, your apple cider vinegar solution should work just fine.
Section 4 of 5:

Can apple cider vinegar replace white vinegar in a cleaning solution?

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  1. Apple cider vinegar has a more mild smell, which makes it a good option if you don’t like the strong odor of white vinegar. [31]
    • Apple cider vinegar has a lower acidity level than white vinegar, so the cleaning solution will be a bit less strong.
    • If you’re hoping to do a deeper clean, you may want to stick with white vinegar. If you’re doing a gentler clean, apple cider vinegar should work very well. [32]
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Section 5 of 5:

Apple Cider Vinegar FAQs

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  1. It’s not clear if apple cider vinegar is universally effective on mold. Although ACV has been shown to prevent bacterial and antimicrobial growth, its effectiveness against the many types of mold hasn’t been extensively studied. [33]
    • If you are cleaning mold in your home, make sure to wear safety gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself.
  2. Apple cider vinegar is incredibly versatile. You can use it to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, and it will remove more pesticides, chemical residues, and bacteria than washing with water alone. You can add apple cider vinegar to warm water along with Epsom salts for a soothing, deodorizing foot soak, or make a facial toner with one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water to fight acne. The options are endless! [34]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      2. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/home/cleaning-and-housekeeping/things-not-to-clean-with-vinegar
      3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/things-should-not-clean-with-vinegar
      4. ↑ https://www.totalclean.co.uk/blog/cleaning-advice/clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar/
      5. ↑ https://www.willysacv.com/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-cleaning/
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
      7. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      8. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      9. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      1. ↑ https://www.willysacv.com/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-cleaning/
      2. ↑ https://www.totalclean.co.uk/blog/cleaning-advice/clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar/
      3. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ways-to-clean-your-home-with-apple-cider-vinegar
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a31407258/how-to-clean-toilet/
      5. ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
      6. ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
      7. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      8. ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
      9. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-a-smelly-washing-machine.html
      10. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/kitchen-cleaning/clean-dishwasher-7-simple-steps.html
      11. ↑ https://www.classicmaytag.com/blog/13-ways-to-clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
      12. ↑ https://www.totalclean.co.uk/blog/cleaning-advice/clean-with-apple-cider-vinegar
      13. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      14. ↑ https://tiffscleaningangels.com/natural-cleaning-what-apple-cider-vinegar-can-do-for-you/
      15. ↑ https://www.kitchenaid.com/pinch-of-help/countertop-appliances/how-to-clean-and-descale-a-coffee-maker.html
      16. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1422836/clean-spilled-candle-wax-apple-cider-vinegar/
      17. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/worlds-easiest-fruit-fly-trap/
      18. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/vinegar-as-weed-killer/
      19. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
      20. ↑ https://www.willysacv.com/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-cleaning/
      21. ↑ https://news.engineering.pitt.edu/when-choosing-cleaners-it-helps-to-know-your-chemistry/
      22. ↑ https://www.eloisecleans.com/4-alternatives-to-white-vinegar-for-your-cleaning-chores/
      23. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-i-use-apple-cider-vinegar-to-clean
      24. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8369171/
      25. ↑ https://extension.wvu.edu/food-health/cooking/apple-cider-vinegar-myths-facts

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