Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – The Many Uses of Vinegar For House Cleaning

Vinegar is a natural solvent that can be used to clean the house without the use of harsh chemicals. These chemicals are not only unhealthy to breathe, but they’re also not good for the environment.

Start by cleaning your coffee maker inside and out. Add ¼ cup vinegar to cold water and brew. Follow with a pot full of water only. You may have to repeat to remove all vinegar traces. Spray the pot with vinegar and let soak to dissolve any film. Wash with dish detergent.

To keep your drains flowing smoothly; mix equal parts vinegar, salt, and baking soda. Pour down the drain and let sit for one hour. Then follow with boiling water down the drain.

Add ½ cup vinegar to an empty dishwasher and run the rinse cycle. This will open up any clogs in the drain lines and deodorize the machine.

If your microwave is spattered and greasy, place a glass measuring cup containing 1 cup water and ¼ cup vinegar in the microwave. Boil for three minutes, remove and wipe inside of the oven with a damp cloth. It will be clean and deodorized.

Pour some vinegar into the toilet, let set thirty minutes. Sprinkle baking soda around the inside of the bowl. Scrub with a toilet brush. Now your toilet is clean and fresh!

Use a solution of one gallon water and ¼ cup vinegar to clean ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum and even wood floors. There is no need to rinse afterwards! This will keep floors shiny with no greasy buildup.

Next time we’ll explore how to use vinegar uses for common repair and maintenance jobs around the house.

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO