The Amazing Cleaner You Already Have in Your Store Cupboard
This larder essential will help you tackle a whole host of chores simply and effectively
Sarah Warwick
15 May 2018
Houzz Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist and editor writing for nationals, magazines and websites. A serial house revamper, I love great design, beautiful interiors and practical solutions.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist and editor writing for nationals, magazines... More
Trying to cut down on plastics in your home? Turning to a store cupboard staple can save you the expense – and clutter – of investing in multiple products to keep your home clean, sparkling and niff-free.
White vinegar is a bit of a household superstar: it can do everything from removing the limescale that’s blemishing brassware to deodorising old furniture and bringing the shine back to your windows. Take a look at these tried-and-tested clean-ups.
White vinegar is a bit of a household superstar: it can do everything from removing the limescale that’s blemishing brassware to deodorising old furniture and bringing the shine back to your windows. Take a look at these tried-and-tested clean-ups.
Bring back the shine
If you live in a hard-water area, you’ll know that frequent cleaning doesn’t save you from the limescale build-up that makes taps look grotty.
White vinegar can dissolve it (yes, no scrubbing required), but it needs to stay in contact with the tap so it can do its work. The easiest way to achieve this is to soak a cloth in vinegar, then wrap it around the tap and leave it for an hour or so. Just rinse and wipe to finish.
A word of warning: To avoid the risk of damage, don’t use this method on plated taps.
If you live in a hard-water area, you’ll know that frequent cleaning doesn’t save you from the limescale build-up that makes taps look grotty.
White vinegar can dissolve it (yes, no scrubbing required), but it needs to stay in contact with the tap so it can do its work. The easiest way to achieve this is to soak a cloth in vinegar, then wrap it around the tap and leave it for an hour or so. Just rinse and wipe to finish.
A word of warning: To avoid the risk of damage, don’t use this method on plated taps.
See clearly
All it takes is a sunny day to reveal how much grime accumulates on windows. White vinegar mixed in equal quantities with hot water can make an effective cleaning solution for them.
However, don’t get started as soon as you spot the problem, as the sun’s heat will probably dry the windows too quickly and cause smears. Instead, wait for overcast weather, then dust down the glass and frame. Apply the vinegar solution with a sponge, then squeegee the window dry.
It’s amazing how much more light floods into a room through clean windows.
All it takes is a sunny day to reveal how much grime accumulates on windows. White vinegar mixed in equal quantities with hot water can make an effective cleaning solution for them.
However, don’t get started as soon as you spot the problem, as the sun’s heat will probably dry the windows too quickly and cause smears. Instead, wait for overcast weather, then dust down the glass and frame. Apply the vinegar solution with a sponge, then squeegee the window dry.
It’s amazing how much more light floods into a room through clean windows.
Freshen the washing machine
The machine that cares for your clothes could do with a little cleaning and care itself from time to time. White vinegar will freshen it up and get rid of limescale. Use around 175ml where the detergent normally goes and run the cleaning cycle if the machine has one, or a hot cycle if not. Don’t add clothes!
The machine that cares for your clothes could do with a little cleaning and care itself from time to time. White vinegar will freshen it up and get rid of limescale. Use around 175ml where the detergent normally goes and run the cleaning cycle if the machine has one, or a hot cycle if not. Don’t add clothes!
Put a stop to pong
Upcycling old furniture can turn the discarded into the desirable. Occasionally, though, while the piece looks fantastic, it can retain a funk that says it was cold and neglected in the past.
If that’s the case, try leaving a vinegar-filled container with holes punched in the lid inside the drawers or cupboards overnight to remove the smell.
Track down furniture restorers in your area on Houzz
Upcycling old furniture can turn the discarded into the desirable. Occasionally, though, while the piece looks fantastic, it can retain a funk that says it was cold and neglected in the past.
If that’s the case, try leaving a vinegar-filled container with holes punched in the lid inside the drawers or cupboards overnight to remove the smell.
Track down furniture restorers in your area on Houzz
Restore the sparkle
Water can leave a tidemark in the toilet that makes it look grubby. Pour white vinegar around the bowl to dissolve the ring, tackle with the brush and flush. Sorted!
How to use magical bicarbonate of soda to clean your home
Water can leave a tidemark in the toilet that makes it look grubby. Pour white vinegar around the bowl to dissolve the ring, tackle with the brush and flush. Sorted!
How to use magical bicarbonate of soda to clean your home
Clean inside the coffee machine
OK, so you clean the water jug and filter holder, but what about the innards of a coffee machine?
Pour a half-and-half solution of white vinegar and water into the dispenser and set the machine going. You’ll need to discard the resulting brew, then run the machine two more times with just water on board so you give it a thorough rinse.
Don’t yet have a coffee-maker? Shop for one on Houzz
OK, so you clean the water jug and filter holder, but what about the innards of a coffee machine?
Pour a half-and-half solution of white vinegar and water into the dispenser and set the machine going. You’ll need to discard the resulting brew, then run the machine two more times with just water on board so you give it a thorough rinse.
Don’t yet have a coffee-maker? Shop for one on Houzz
Sort out stray spray
Blocked nozzles in the showerhead or spray shooting the wrong way can spoil the morning’s ablutions. Once again, it’s limescale that’s the culprit and white vinegar can come to your aid. But how to deal with a fixed showerhead?
Fill a strong plastic bag with vinegar and fix over the showerhead so it’s completely submerged, securing the bag in place with an elastic band. Leave overnight then rinse.
Blocked nozzles in the showerhead or spray shooting the wrong way can spoil the morning’s ablutions. Once again, it’s limescale that’s the culprit and white vinegar can come to your aid. But how to deal with a fixed showerhead?
Fill a strong plastic bag with vinegar and fix over the showerhead so it’s completely submerged, securing the bag in place with an elastic band. Leave overnight then rinse.
Remove sticky stuff
White vinegar can be a saviour if a label’s left a sticky residue behind or the price sticker on a new buy refuses to come off.
Apply the vinegar using a small brush or paper towel, leave for five minutes, then wipe off the vinegar and peel away the sticker. This method’s best for removing the sticky stuff from glass or plastic; if you’re trying it elsewhere, test in an inconspicuous area before going ahead.
Tell us…
How do you use white vinegar in your home? Share your tips and tricks in the Comments section.
White vinegar can be a saviour if a label’s left a sticky residue behind or the price sticker on a new buy refuses to come off.
Apply the vinegar using a small brush or paper towel, leave for five minutes, then wipe off the vinegar and peel away the sticker. This method’s best for removing the sticky stuff from glass or plastic; if you’re trying it elsewhere, test in an inconspicuous area before going ahead.
Tell us…
How do you use white vinegar in your home? Share your tips and tricks in the Comments section.
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chemistrykaren....same here! I can only carry so much on my Rollator, whilst pushing it, in order to walk ;)) Shopping's a military exercise, having to do it 'little and often' !:))
My local greengrocer/corner shop gets it for me whenever I ask. I buy it in 5 litres containers and use it for everything. For the bathroom and kitchen, as well as water I add a bit of dish washing liquid. It's worth making different concentrations for different uses but I rarely use more than about 20/25% vinegar to water. I have a separate spray for windows and mirrors, one for black glass topped stove (never again!). Keep reducing the concentration until you use the least possible amount. Have been using it for about 6 years and no problems with tile grout so far.