MY LIL GREEN DRESS

Green Cleaning with Vinegar

In my never-ending pursuit to learn about more ways to “go green” I’m always looking for ways to replace my commercial cleaners with more eco friendly methods of cleaning.  I’ve been using lots of lemons for cleaning lately.  I’ve also started using vinegar around the house and have found lots of great ways for cleaning with vinegar.

It’s eco friendly and much cheaper than all the commercial products that you are probably purchasing now.  Here are 10 of my favorite uses for vinegar around the house:

1. Got a mess in your microwave?  I used to spend lots of time and lots of cleaners trying to get my microwave clean after my daughters made snacks in it.  No more!  To clean a microwave quickly and easily, simply fill a microwave safe bowl with half water and half vinegar.  Turn the microwave on for 4 – 5 minutes until the liquid is boiling. Now all you’ve got to do is wipe the inside clean with a damp cloth. The best news is that it gets rid of smells too!

2. Do your kids use a lunch box?  Have you ever noticed that it starts to smell after awhile no matter what you do to clean it?  Simply take a piece of bread and soak it in vinegar.  Set it in the lunchbox overnight.  Clean it with dishsoap and water the next morning and the lunch box will smell good again!

3. Another great tip for cleaning with vinegar is to use it on stainless steel. Add about a tablespoon of salt to 4 tablespoons of vinegar and use it to scrub soap scum and other build-up from stainless steel faucets.

4. Do your sponges smell like mildew?  Are you throwing them out as quick as you can start using them?  Save money and your sponges by soaking them in water and about 1/4 cup of white vinegar overnight.

5. White distilled vinegar works great for cleaning countertops. Mix equal parts of vingar and water and use it to wipe down all counter tops.

6. Vinegar works great for killing germs. You don’t need all those heavy cleaners in the bathroom.  Simply put straight vinegar into a spray bottle and use it around the bathroom to clean up and kill germs at the same time.

7. Vinegar works great on tile, linoleum, and other no-wax floors. Simply add a cup of vinegar to warm water and mop your floors.  Much better for the floor and your indoor air quality than any commercial cleaner on the market.

8. Vinegar also works great for cleaning walls.  Just pour white vinegar directly on a rag and wipe down the walls in your home. It will also get rid of stale smells. It’s a great way to get your house smelling fresh again after winter is over.

9. If you’ve got kids, white vinegar works great for cleaning and disinfecting them.  Simply add some vinegar to soapy water and let the toys soak. This works with plastic toys, but watch for stickers that will come loose in water.

10. Vinegar can often be used to remove stains from carpet.  Just create your own cleaner by adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to 1/4 cup of baking soda. Rub the paste into the stain and allow to sit overnight.  Just vacuum the next day. If the stain is lighter, but not gone – repeat again.  You may want to try this on an area of carpet that no one will see first as it can lighten some carpets.

There are literally thousands of other cool cleaning with vinegar ideas that you can use around the house.  Watch for more coming soon.  If you have a great idea for cleaning with vinegar, let us know so others can use it as well. You’ll find that you save money on commercial cleaners and you’ll be glad that you aren’t breathing in all of those harsh chemicals as well.  Plus, if you buy a large bottle of vinegar it’s really cheap.  If you belong to Sam’s Club or Costco, pick up a huge jug the next time you are shopping!

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