White Vinegar for Cleaning
and Other Household Uses

September 17, 2024

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Distilled white vinegar is an amazing household cleaner you can usually find in your kitchen cabinet. Using white vinegar for cleaning is an excellent way to avoid harsh chemicals without sacrificing cleaning power. Plus, this kitchen staple is a natural deodorizer, fungicide, disinfectant, and pest deterrent.

Why White Vinegar is a Must-Have for Cleaning

White vinegar is an all-natural, safe, and eco-friendly cleaning solution for general cleaning, whitening laundry, and window washing. Cleaning with vinegar easily removes grease, grime, and dirt from household surfaces. “For counters and most other surfaces, a mix of vinegar, water, and dish soap can tackle even the dirtiest jobs,” says Jessica Samson from The Maids®️.

Top Cleaning Uses for White Vinegar Around the House

We all know vinegar can be an excellent household deodorizer and antifungal, but it’s also one of the safest and most versatile cleaning solutions. From disinfecting surfaces to protecting gardens, there are so many ways to use white vinegar for cleaning and so much more. Here are popular uses for white vinegar around the house.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Equal parts white vinegar, dish soap, and water make a natural all-purpose cleaner you can put to work all over the house. Use less water or white vinegar only for tougher cleaning jobs—just be sure to wear gloves because cleaning with vinegar can irritate your skin.

Faucet Cleaner

Cleaning with vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, limescale, and soap scum on faucets and other hardware. Soak a paper towel with vinegar and wrap it around the faucet. Let the acid work on the buildup for an hour, then wipe off the residue with the paper towel.

Window and Mirror Polisher

Not only is vinegar an excellent glass cleaner, but using white vinegar for cleaning windows and mirrors leaves fewer streaks. Mix one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaning solution on a clean microfiber cloth and clean from top to bottom. Finish the job with a quick buffing to bring back the shine.

Mold and Mildew Remover

Undiluted white vinegar is ideal for removing mold and mildew from sinks, showers, tubs, and shower doors. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it on the mildew or mold. Let the vinegar work its magic for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Shower Head Cleaner

When a shower head clogs, the culprit is usually mineral deposits from hard water. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let the shower head soak for at least two hours, then remove the bag and run hot water for a couple of minutes to remove the residue.

Dishwasher Cleaner

Your dishwasher is indispensable for cleaning dishes, utensils, glassware, and much more. To keep the dishwasher in peak cleaning condition, use white vinegar for cleaning the inside. Pour a cup of vinegar into an empty dishwasher and run a regular cycle to remove mineral deposits and buildup.

Laundry Aid

One of the most helpful white vinegar uses for cleaning is in the laundry room. You can use white vinegar to deodorize mildewed towels, and it’s also a natural fabric softener and an effective stain remover. For regular laundry use, add a half-cup of vinegar to the washer during the last rinse cycle. Don’t worry about lingering odor because the vinegar smell usually goes away on its own.

Laundry cleaning with vinegar is also a safe and natural alternative to bleach. To brighten and whiten all-cotton socks, undergarments, washcloths, and other small laundry items, boil a pot of water and add a cup of vinegar. Soak your garments overnight and then rinse them thoroughly.

Beyond Cleaning: Other Household Uses for White Vinegar

There are so many cleaning uses for white vinegar, from degreasing to deodorizing to sanitizing. However, vinegar is useful for much more than cleaning, inside and out.

Weed Killer

Using vinegar to kill weeds is safe for flower and vegetable gardens. When sprayed or poured directly on weeds, vinegar can be a great alternative to harsh weed killers. White vinegar works exceptionally well on weeds growing in the cracks of sidewalks. Combine a gallon of distilled white vinegar, one cup of salt, and one tablespoon of dish soap in a garden sprayer. Use caution around plants and spray your natural weed killer directly on the weeds and their roots.

Pest Deterrent

The pungent aroma and acidic makeup of vinegar deter ants and other pests in your home. Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spraying wherever you see pests. For flying pests, like fruit flies, fill a bowl with vinegar, cover it with plastic, and poke small holes in the cover. The vinegar will attract fruit and other flies, and they will be trapped inside.

Athlete’s Foot Remedy

Stop the burning and itching of a mild athlete’s foot with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water. Soak affected feet in a vinegar solution for 15 minutes. You’ll not only get some relief, but you’ll also help eliminate foot odor.

Sunburn Relief

Mix one part cider vinegar with eight parts water and bathe the afflicted area. The change in pH will prevent blistering and also promote the repair and regrowth of skin cells.

Multi-Surface Polisher

Mix a cup of vinegar with a healthy pinch of salt and stir to dissolve. Add enough flour to make a paste, and you have an all-purpose polishing compound that works wonders on everything from leather shoes to brass lamps. Test in an inconspicuous area first!

Paint Brush Restorer

Stop throwing away hardened paintbrushes and soak them in warm vinegar water instead. The acidic properties of vinegar will break up the paint enough to clean the brush with soap and water.