Most cleaning products are a big source of indoor pollution! Luckily, there is one natural ingredient that most of us already have that cleans just as well.
Standard cleaning products – they certainly get the job done, that’s for sure. But I think we can all agree that the strong smell of common household cleaning products is a bit overwhelming at times. And for good reason, too! The truth is, most cleaning products, as innocent as they may seem in their commercials on TV, are a big source of indoor pollution and are often considered unsafe to inhale, touch and ingest. Luckily, there is one natural ingredient that most of us already have in our cabinets that will accomplish many of our cleaning missions just as keenly!
What natural ingredient is this? Why, it’s distilled white vinegar. True story! I made the switch to cleaning most areas of the house with white vinegar and my nose and lungs have never been happier. Cleaning with white vinegar is also super awesome because it inhibits the growth of mold, mildew and some bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. And the added bonus is that vinegar is WAY cheaper than those crazy chemical-y products, anyway. Try out these cleaning “recipes” and see what you think!
Floors*
Add ½ cup white distilled vinegar to half gallon of warm water and mop away!
*Do not use this on marble, wooden or waxed floors.
Windows
Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in an empty spray bottle. Spray windows, then use a soft cloth to do the drying.
Stainless Steel Appliances
First, apply a splash of vinegar to a soft cloth and try wiping a small not-so-obvious place on the appliance. If all looks good and sparkly afterwards, continue cleaning with the vinegar.
Shower Doors
Soak a sponge in vinegar and wipe down doors to remove soap stains.
Toilet Bowls
For stained bowls, add 3 cups of vinegar to the toilet water and let sit for 30 minutes. Then, scrub away!
Drip Coffee Makers*
Fill the water reservoir with white vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse very well with water when finished.
*Check coffee maker manual before trying this.
Food Stains in the Interior of the Microwave
Microwave a cup containing ¼ cup vinegar and 1 cup water for about a minute and a half. This will help loosen stains and improve the odor.
Goo-gone Replacer
Yep! Just soak a corner of a cleaning cloth with vinegar and use that instead.
FYI – Here is a list of things to never clean with vinegar:
- Granite and marble countertops or floors
- Stone floor tiles
- Hardwood floors
- Your iron
Give some of these cleaning recipes a shot and let me know what you think in the comments below!
*To learn about the effects of dangerous chemicals found in many household products, check out the articles below.
https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/ART00576
http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/cleaning-supplies.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
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Not only vinegar is good to clean with. Using baking soda to clean as well. And peroxide as well. My mom has stopped using cleaning chemicals and uses just those three thing to clean with. And things look wonderful without that chemical smell in the house, That’s the best way to clean.
Great point!
I love the smell of oranges, so I keep a mason jar half filled with vinegar. Whenever someone has an orange, I put the peels in the jar. When I need a cleaner refill, I just strain out the peels, pour into the bottle, and add more vinegar tothe halfway point, then fill with water. Start over again with a half jar of vinegar. I have 4 kids so orange peels are always available.
Wow – genius!!
Vinegar is a great product to clean with! It is easier on household items such as floors and counters and it won’t have the chemical smell that lingers.
Absolutely!
Vinegar is also a great defense for ants..they hate the stuff! Living in Florida made it a must to find something natural to combat them and vinegar did the trick!
Fantastic – I love it.
Have you tried the Norwex cleaning clothes? They are fantastic and use NO chemicals
Good to know!