You most likely have at least one type of vinegar in your pantry or kitchen cabinets at this very moment. Vinegars, including apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, or distilled white vinegar, are staple ingredients in sauces, marinades, brines, or dressings. Aside from adding those delicious flavors, some vinegars are also helpful cleaning agents.
What Is The Best Vinegar To Clean With?
Different vinegars exist due to double fermentation. Wine vinegar comes from red or white wine grapes, while balsamic vinegar comes from a unique blend of grapes from southern Italy. Rice vinegar comes from rice, apple cider vinegar comes from apple cider, and so the cookie crumbles. White vinegar, however, is typically made with water and acetic acid, which is produced in a laboratory. Since white vinegar is the most acidic, it is a useful and powerful cleaning agent. It can be too strong for some surfaces, but you can always dilute it with a little water. Vinegar is great for cleaning windows, wood paneling, mirrors, and cabinets.
Distilled white vinegar is one of the most popular ingredients in DIY non-toxic cleaning products. It’s a great weapon to have in your cleaning arsenal, but it doesn’t necessarily leave the best scent behind. To avoid stinging the nostrils with that briny smell, it is best to scent the vinegar with other fruit peels or herbs, which actually add disinfectant and antibacterial properties. Check out the following DIY non-toxic cleaners to help you keep your home free of bacteria and chemicals.
Warning! Do not use these vinegar solutions to clean granite. It can cause permanent damage.
Pine Vinegar Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 5-10 drops pine essential oil
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well to combine.
- Store in a cool dry place. It is great to use in the bathroom to leave behind a refreshing scent.
Orange Clove Vinegar Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 (16oz) Mason jar
- 1 handful fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup filtered water
Instructions:
- Shove all of the ingredients in the Mason jar, screw on the top, and store it in a cool, dry place for about 10-14 days.
- Strain the vinegar through fine mesh strainer to remove the ingredients. Pour the now scented vinegar into a spray bottle and get ready to clean.
Lemon Lavender Vinegar Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/8 cup dried lavender flowers
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 (16oz) Mason jar
Instructions:
- Shove all of the ingredients in the Mason jar, screw on the top, and store it in a cool, dry place for about 10-14 days.
- Strain the vinegar through fine mesh strainer to remove the ingredients. Pour the now scented vinegar into a spray bottle and get ready to clean.
