Surprising Things You Can Clean with Vinegar at Home

Looking for a natural, affordable, and multi-purpose cleaner that's already sitting in your pantry? Look no further than white distilled vinegar. This acidic wonder isn’t just great in recipes—it’s one of the best natural cleaning agents for tackling grime, mineral deposits, and odors. At TidyPig Cleaning, we love sharing eco-friendly tips that make cleaning easier and safer for your home and the environment.

Let's walk through some of the most surprising things you can clean with vinegar—prepare to be amazed by its versatility!

Why Vinegar Works as a Cleaner

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which gives it natural antibacterial and de-scaling properties. It's perfect for breaking down hard water stains, soap scum, and even killing some types of mildew. While it's not a disinfectant by healthcare standards, vinegar can handle most household messes with ease.

1. Showerheads and Faucets

Mineral build-up from hard water can clog your showerheads and dull your faucets. Vinegar to the rescue!

• Fill a plastic bag with vinegar

• Secure it around your showerhead or faucet with a rubber band

• Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight for heavy buildup)

• Rinse and scrub with a brush for a shiny, fully functioning fixture

This simple method makes a big difference in water pressure and appearance.

2. Coffee Makers

Your morning brew might be suffering due to mineral buildup. Vinegar can help!

• Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water

• Run a brew cycle without coffee grounds

• Run two or more cycles of plain water to rinse

Do this every month to keep your machine clean and your coffee tasting great.

3. Microwave

Soften built-up food splatter and eliminate smells without harsh chemicals.

• Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 part vinegar and 1 part water

• Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the interior steams

• Let it sit for another 2 minutes

• Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the walls clean

Your microwave will look and smell fresh in no time!

4. Windows and Mirrors

Store-bought glass cleaners often leave streaks or strong chemical smells. Vinegar offers a more natural shine:

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle

• Spray onto windows or mirrors

• Wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free finish

Say goodbye to fingerprints and smudges!

5. Dishwasher

Even dishwashers need cleaning. Residue and odors can build up over time. Here’s a simple remedy:

• Remove the bottom rack

• Place a cup filled with vinegar on the top rack

• Run a hot water cycle (without dishes)

This dissolves grease, removes odors, and boosts performance.

6. Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers

Keep your fridge smelling fresh and free of messy build-up:

• Remove shelves and soak in a vinegar and water solution

• Wipe the interior with a vinegar-soaked cloth

• Let air dry before returning components

Vinegar naturally neutralizes odors and helps eliminate bacteria.

7. Washing Machines

Yes, even your washer needs a wash. Vinegar removes soap scum and eliminates musty smells:

• Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar

• Wipe down the interior and rubber seals

This is especially useful for front-loading washers prone to mildew.

8. Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards can develop stains and smells over time. A vinegar spritz can help sanitize without bleach:

• Spray cutting board with undiluted vinegar

• Let sit for 5-10 minutes

• Scrub with hot water and rinse

Perfect for food-safe kitchen cleaning!

9. Garbage Disposal

That funky kitchen smell may be coming from your garbage disposal. Refresh it with a vinegar ice cube trick:

• Freeze vinegar in an ice cube tray

• Drop a few cubes into the disposal and run it

This deodorizes and sharpens the blades naturally.

10. Blinds and Window Treatments

Dust and grime can stick to vinyl blinds and wooden blinds, but vinegar makes wiping them a breeze:

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water

• Use a microfiber cloth or old sock dipped in the solution

• Wipe each slat gently

Your blinds will look like new with minimal effort.

Bonus: Other Surprising Uses

Still not convinced of vinegar’s versatility? Try it on these additional surfaces:

• Toilet bowls: Pour in a cup of vinegar and scrub after 20 minutes

• Clogged shower drains: Use a combination of vinegar and baking soda, followed by hot water

• Pet odor neutralizer: Mix vinegar with water and spray on affected areas (do a spot test on fabric)

When Not to Use Vinegar

As amazing as vinegar is, it’s not a solution for every surface. Avoid using vinegar on the following:

• Natural stone countertops: It can etch granite, marble, or quartz

• Unsealed grout: Vinegar can deteriorate grout over time

• Electronic screens: It can damage protective coatings

Final Thought from TidyPig Cleaning

At TidyPig Cleaning, we’re all about smart solutions that save time, money, and the planet. Using white vinegar as a cleaning agent is a win-win for both your household and your wallet. Just remember to keep it away from sensitive surfaces and always do a spot test on new materials.

Ready to enjoy a sparkling clean home but don’t have the time? Let the professionals at TidyPig Cleaning take care of the mess. Contact us today for eco-friendly and affordable household cleaning services you can trust!

Tip: Bookmark this guide for your next cleaning day—you’ll never look at vinegar the same way again!