7. Clean vases caked with mineral deposits
I love keeping fresh cut flowers around the house. I hate, however, when my favorite clear glass narrow-necked vase becomes marked with calcium deposits.
Pour undiluted white distilled vinegar into the glass vessel for a few hours. Then, use a bottlebrush, or add some sand or rice as an abrasive and shake vigorously to loosen the stains. Repeat if necessary and then rinse with hot water when clean. Do not toss the sandy water down the drain.
BTW: To keep those cut flowers fresh longer and reduce the chances of getting “stinky” water, place the flowers into a solution of 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar per quart of warm water.
8. Washing clothes
Vinegar is kinda stinky, so most of us never think of tossing vinegar in the wash, but it can actually help your clothes come out fresher smelling — and clean your washing machine in the process.
Adding 1/2 to 1 cup distilled vinegar to the liquid fabric softener dispenser in your washer (top off with tap water if necessary) will not only make your clothes smell fresher, but also act as a fabric softener and reduce static cling. This eliminates the need for a liquid fabric softener in the wash and chemical fabric softening sheets in the dryer and is more economical and better for the environment, as well.
To freshen up your washing machine, clean the hoses and unclog soap scum, make it a monthly habit of pouring one cup of vinegar into the machine and running a normal cycle without clothes.
More: Clean a Burnt Pot in 4 Easy Steps, No Crying Necessary
9. Clean the microwave
Mix 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, then bring to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Remove the bowl and wipe the microwave clean of loosened foods.
10. Clean and deodorize the toilet bowl
Substitute vinegar for the abrasive bleach usually used to clean toilets.
Pour one cup of white distilled vinegar into the bowl and let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
11. Clean and kill germs on doorknobs
Spray full-strength distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe dry.
12. Clean fireplace glass doors
Mix a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean of dirt and soot using a dry cloth.
13. Clean a can opener
Use distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush to clean the wheel on a can opener.
Warnings:
- Do not add vinegar directly to materials containing ammonia; this could produce harmful vapors.
- Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.
How do you use vinegar to keep your home clean? Tell us in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Use all tips, hints and ideas here at your own risk.
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