For effective cleaning, the recommended ratio is 1 part dish soap to 2 parts vinegar for general cleaning tasks. This mixture perfectly balances the grease-cutting power of dish soap with the disinfecting and deodorizing properties of vinegar, making it suitable for everyday cleaning needs.
Fill a spray bottle with a ratio of 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part Dawn. Shake it up a tiny bit -- just enough to mix them together, but not enough to create suds.
First, you'll need a good spray bottle. I save the bottles from any store-bought cleaners, but you can also buy one for cheap at most places, like a hardware store. Combine one squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid (I use original formula) with one part white vinegar and one part water.
DIY Vinegar Cleaner Recipe
In a 16-ounce glass spray bottle combine 8 ounces of distilled white vinegar and 8 ounces of water. Optional: Add a few long strips of lemon zest and/or a handful of fresh rosemary sprigs, or 5 to 10 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil.
Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.
There are certain substances you should never mix with vinegar, including bleach and ammonia, because these combinations will produce chlorine gas and toxic vapors, says Ryan Sinclair, an environmental microbiologist and associate professor at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health.
Now, don't confuse distilled with basic white vinegar, which is stronger and has up to 25% acetic acid. That vinegar is sold exclusively for cleaning purposes and is not a good idea to ingest. However, beyond cooking, distilled white vinegar can be used for many of the same household chores.
Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.
Dish soap, known for its grease-fighting properties, pairs excellently with vinegar, which acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. This blend not only targets stubborn stains and buildup but also leaves surfaces sanitized and fresh.
Applying dish soap before the night gives the solution ample time to work its magic. As the hours pass, the dish soap loosens and lifts away the grime that has taken residence on your bathtub's surface.
Some people like to use a combination of water and ammonia to combat soap scum, but there are less toxic options that are also effective. Try mixing equal parts dish soap and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply to shower door glass and let sit for about 30 minutes. Then wipe down the doors.
Keeping a spray bottle filled with diluted vinegar (1:1 ratio with warm water) around is the best favor you can do for yourself. Whenever you need to clean up food residue, sauce splashes, coffee drips, smoothie schmears, condiment gunk and the like, your trusty vinegar spray will do the trick.
Vinegar is a fermented product and has an “almost indefinite” shelf life according to the Vinegar Institute. “Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White distilled vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time.
Household Cleaning with 10% Vinegar
Fill the appliance with a 1:1 solution of 10% vinegar and water, let it sit, then rinse thoroughly. Stain Treatment: Effective against stubborn stains on fabrics and carpets. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and 1/2 cup cleaning vinegar. Use a sponge or microfiber mop, wringing well to prevent over-wetting the floor. Rinse the mop head often. There's no need to rinse the floor; the solution will not leave residue or streaks.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most powerful natural cleaning and disinfecting agents. Health professionals trust it against harmful bacteria, antigens, and viruses. It's used for a variety of disinfecting jobs, including cleaning cuts, removing earwax, and promoting dental hygiene.
Vinegar can be used as a safer bleach alternative for some applications, like cleaning. It is also biodegradable. However, vinegar is not a registered disinfectant and does not kill dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus. Hydrogen peroxide has antimicrobial ingredients and can be an effective household cleaner.
"The white cleaning vinegar is a pH of 2.5, which is a very strong acid," she explains. "And while it may eat away the gunk that is on the showerhead or faucet, it can also dissolve the finish from the hardware leaving it dull or a different color altogether."
Powerful Solvent: Rubbing alcohol is a potent solvent that can effectively dissolve dirt, grease, and certain stains. Its fast-evaporating nature ensures that surfaces dry quickly, leaving them clean and streak-free.
Using this method regularly can help keep your toilet clean and hygienic. Additionally, you should use bleach or other cleaning products for tougher stains or odors. However, it's important not to leave the vinegar in the toilet overnight as it can damage the porcelain and reduce its lifespan.