Q&A for How to Make a Vinegar Cleaning Solution

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What kills the smell of vinegar?

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

Green Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

I'd recommend putting a glass full of coffee grounds on a counter to absorb the smell. The best way is to stop the smell before you use it, though. You can do this by cutting the smell with some lemon or orange added to the vinegar.

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How do you make a cleaning solution with baking soda?

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

Green Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

I don't really recommend this mix as a cleaning solution. Since vinegar is acidic and baking soda is basic, if you mix them, you'll get water and sodium acetate, which can explode when stored in a bottle. Mixing the two also releases carbon dioxide gas, which can be harmful to you.

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What is the ratio of vinegar to water for cleaning?

Kadi Dulude
House Cleaning Professional
Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.

Kadi Dulude

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

To clean floors or other surfaces, you can use 50/50 vinegar and water solution.

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Question

Can I clean laundry with straight vinegar?

Community Answer

Yes, I use White vinegar. I pour in 1/2 cup straight for 11 gallons of water. I'm happy with it. It removes odors and most stains, and saves a fortune over laundry products.

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Question

What is the cleaning mixture for vinegar, baking soda and rubbing alcohol for cleaning the bathtub?

Community Answer

The alcohol in this formula helps prevent streaking. Use 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 3 1/2 cups water, and 1 clean 32-ounce spray bottle.

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Can I use Castile soap, vinegar, and water mixed together as a cleaning solution?

Gillybean sensations

Community Answer

No, this cleaning solution can actually make your home dirtier because vinegar is an acid and the Castile soap is a base. They will directly react with each other and cancel each other out. Instead, just try passing on the Castile soap and focus on vinegar mixes, like vinegar and water. Tip: Try to use apple cider vinegar for best results.

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Can I use pure apple cider vinegar for cleaning?

Community Answer

Yes; people usually dilute it so the smell isn't as overpowering.

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How many cups of vinegar do I add to Dawn soap when making a cleaning solution?

Community Answer

Equal parts. I only make the amount I need. So if I'm cleaning all showers and glass doors in my bathrooms, I heat 1 cup of white vinegar in the microwave, carefully pour in a spray bottle then add 1 cup of regular Dawn dish detergent and swish around to mix. Spray it on, let it sit for a bit, then scrub off and rinse well. Keep in mind this is very slippery on the floor of the tub or shower, so be sure to rinse really well! We have hard water and this removes all hard water stains, lime buildup and soap buildup. It's amazing, however, the smell can be a little overpowering. Use ceiling fans and exhaust fans.

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What are the measurements of equal parts of water and white vinegar to clean leather?

Community Answer

Vinegar is too caustic to use on leather. It will increase the cracks in the surface of the leather. Try using a solution that contains virgin olive oil – – experiment with the ratios.

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Can vinegar and water be used on the skin?

Community Answer

It is best to avoid this if your skin is already dry and sensitive, as vinegar is strongly acidic. If you want to wash off dirt or oil, a wash with diluted vinegar and water is okay once in a while.

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Can I use vinegar and water on kitchen cabinets?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. This mixture can brighten up the kitchen cabinets.

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Can I use vinegar to disinfect foods from the grocery store?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Just dilute some vinegar in water and keep the food in it for 5 to 10 minutes.

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Question

Can I use salt and vinegar cleaning solution on wood surfaces?

Community Answer

No, you will need something wood friendly that will not degrade the natural grain of the wood, its texture and gloss.

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