10 Surprising Things You Can Clean with Vinegar
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Vinegar has long been the go-to home cleaning agent. It is a natural, powerful cleaner full of acid that strips away dirt, grime, and built-in stains. You probably know that vinegar can be used to clean windows, countertops, and floors, but there are so many other surprising things you can clean with vinegar!
In this article, we’ll explore ten unexpected items that can benefit from the cleaning power of vinegar.
Coffee Maker
People often forget to clean their coffee makers, which causes a buildup of mineral deposits and bacteria. Cleaning your coffee maker is easy; you should do it regularly to keep it working well. First, use a solution of half water and vinegar to clean the coffee maker, followed by several brew cycles of plain water.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers can build up dirt and mineral deposits over time. One cup of vinegar in an empty dishwasher and running the hottest cycle will keep your dishes sparkling clean. This cleaning technique will remove any gunk and get rid of nasty smells.
Showerhead
Mineral deposits in the holes of your shower head can cause reduced water flow in some cases. Rather than purchasing costly cleaning chemicals, fill weapons-quality vinegar into a plastic bag and fasten it around the shower head, ensuring it is submerged. Allow this to sit for one hour, and then discard the bag. Run hot water through the showerhead to eliminate any clogs still left behind.
Iron
Your iron can collect minerals’ residue, which also affects its functionality. To clean your iron, add equal portions of water to vinegar and put this into the reservoir. Pop steam on for 5 minutes and then stream the solution out. Re-fill with plain water and keep running until there is no longer a trace of vinegar.
Mattress
Without proper cleaning, your mattress can become a breeding ground for dirt, sweat, dust mites, and molds. To refresh your mattress, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the mattress and allow it to sit for an hour before vacuuming off. Vinegar itself is a great disinfectant and deodorizer for your mattress.
Paintbrushes
Crafty and painting enthusiasts know how tough dried paint can be when pulling it out of brushes. Don’t throw them away; soak them for an hour in hot vinegar and rinse with warm soapy water. This solution will loosen the paint, making it easier to remove.
Washing Machine
Washing machines can also become stained with mineral deposits, soap scum, and bacteria. Combine 2 cups vinegar with an empty cycle of hot water in your washing machine to clean it. This solution will clear out anything clogging it and eliminate bad smells.
Car Windows
Vinegar is also great for cleaning car windows. Mix equal water and vinegar in a spray bottle to wash your car’s windshield and windows. The acidic properties of vinegar will cut through dirt and grime, leaving your windows streak-free.
Produce
Plain water washes might not be sufficient to remove the pesticides and wax coatings completely. Instead, combine one vinegar with four parts of water in a large bowl. Soak your veggies for a few minutes, then rinse your produce well with water to remove any residue.
Grill Grates
Over time, these grill grates can accumulate baked-on grease and burned-on drippings. To clean them out, spray your rollers with vinegar and water. Pour the solution onto the warm grates and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Brush with a wire brush, then rinse with water for squeaky-clean grill grates.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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