Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar (2023)

Many cleaning products on the market right now are super effective against germs and bacteria but aren’t considered to be eco-friendly. Why sacrifice having a clean and germ-free home when you can’t use a product that is safe to use around your kids and pets? The answer is, you don’t have to, because there is already a super effective and safe product within your pantry: distilled white vinegar. If you’re wondering just what this product can do for you and your home, allow us to give you a few examples.

Why Clean with Vinegar?

White vinegar is an effective and powerful natural cleaner, degreaser, and even disinfectant. If you’re wondering how this super common household product could possibly be any kind of “miracle cleaner”, then sit tight because it’s time for some science. Vinegar is made from about 4-5% acetic acid, otherwise called ethanoic acid. Acetic acid is produced both naturally, by bacteria found in both food and water, as well as synthetically, like what is found in vinegar.

The acetic acid in vinegar is what gives it that pungent smell and makes it such an effective cleaning product. It can break down and dissolve most dirt, oil, grease, and grime. In fact, we recommend cleaning with vinegar to almost all of our clients. It works best for general household cleaning purposes on surfaces that can handle acidic products, so make sure you test small areas before cleaning if you aren’t sure.

Using Vinegar Around the House

Below, you’ll find a list of ways you can start to implement vinegar into your regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule. Plus, we’ll even explain what makes vinegar so effective and remind you why it’s such an incredible cleaning product to have on hand at all times. If you’re curious to see how you can start using vinegar around your home, keep reading!

1. Mop Linoleum & Tile Floors

When cleaning up around the house, you can never forget the floors. If you’re looking to clean and freshen up your floors in a more eco-friendly way, you can create a highly effective solution of a gallon of water and about ½ cup of white vinegar. Just keep in mind that this particular mix should only be used on ceramic tile and no-wax linoleum flooring, not wood or natural stone.

2. Leave Windows & Mirrors Streak-Free

Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar (1)

Streaky windows and mirrors can be the bane of our existence, this is almost a universal experience. Fortunately, we have just the solution to this problem. You can mix together a 2-to-1 solution of white vinegar and water to make the ultimate glass cleaner. You can also add a couple of drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power and a streak-free finish every time.

3. Clean & Deodorize Refrigerators

When it comes time to clean out your refrigerator and toss all those forgotten leftovers that got pushed to the very back, remember to be thorough. Use some vinegar when cleaning shelves and drawers and wiping up spills. You can even sprinkle a bit of baking soda to really scrub and deodorize while you clean. Vinegar is far safer to use around any food whether open or contained than most chemical cleaning products.

4. Freshen Dishwashers

Dishwashers can become overridden with musty odors after a while, especially if the filter hasn’t been cleaned out for a while. It happens to the best of us, so of course we have a solution for you. Simply add a cup of vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher and run a regular cleaning cycle. The vinegar can double as a cleaner and a deodorizer to leave your dishwasher fresh and ready for another round.

5. Create an Eco-Friendly Air Freshener

Looking for a more natural and safe alternative to chemical air fresheners? We’ve got you covered. Mix half a teaspoon of vinegar with distilled water, plus a few drops of your favorite essential oil, in a spray bottle. Our favorite essential oils are lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree but every home is different so tell us what kind of blends you come up with in the comments!

6. Clean & Disinfect Showers & Tubs

Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar (2)

Tubs and showers tend to catch and hold soap scum and hard water stains, plus they always need regular cleaning and disinfecting. To combat those pesky stains you can mix together water and vinegar, and maybe add a few drops of dish soap. Spray or wipe that mixture on the walls of your shower or tub and leave it to work for about 15 minutes then clean it away for a fresh start.

7. Descale Faucets & Showerheads

Sink faucets and showerheads can become clogged and lose their pressure over time thanks to mineral deposits and hard water build-up. You can fix this by adding some white vinegar into a plastic bag and then securing it with a rubber band. Be sure to add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the faucet or showerhead completely. Leave the bag on for a few hours or overnight, then remove it and let the water run.

8. Disinfect & Deodorize Mattresses

If you’ve noticed a strange smell or a random stain on your mattress while changing the sheets, we have just the fix. Just mix vinegar, a little rubbing alcohol, and some tea tree essential oil in a spray bottle and spritz this on your mattress. This solution helps combat dust mites, mildew, and general odors. If you find your mattress needs some deeper deodorizing, sprinkle some baking soda on top of the spray. Let the spray settle and dry, and then vacuum the mattress surface.

9. Descale Coffee Makers & Kettles

If you’re anything like us, you can barely function without your daily caffeine fix. The only problem is the state of your coffee maker, when was the last time you cleaned that? The solution? Pour an even mix of water and vinegar directly into the kettle and run it through the coffee maker or simply boil the water in the kettle then rinse thoroughly with water. If you have an automatic coffee maker, you can run plain water through a few times to get the smell and taste of vinegar out..

10. Disinfect Countertops

Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar (3)

Kitchen and bathroom countertops are high-traffic surfaces that require regular cleaning and disinfecting. When cleaning surfaces like kitchen counters, you need to make sure to use food-safe and eco-friendly cleaning products as using chemicals can risk contaminating future food preparations. Luckily, vinegar is the best solution to this particular problem as all you’ll need to do is dilute a spray bottle of vinegar with some water. You can use this specific mixture on most countertops, however, you should avoid using vinegar to clean marble and granite.

11. Clean & Degrease Cookware

Cooking mishaps happen to everyone and can leave even our most durable pots and pans with baked-on messes. The best course of action to save your cookware is with vinegar of course. Simply fill the offending cookware with a half-and-half solution of water and vinegar and then bring it to a boil on the stove. Allow this mix to boil for a few minutes before allowing it to cool and follow with a good scrub.

12. Clean & Disinfect Plastic Cutting Boards

If you’ve prepared any kind of raw meat within the last few days, hopefully, you did so on a plastic cutting board. Even if you haven’t been preparing meat, when was the last time you deep cleaned and disinfected your go-to cutting board? Take a moment to spray and wipe both sides thoroughly with an even mixture of vinegar and water and then wash the board before letting it air dry and putting it away.

13. Degreasing Ovens

Much like our beloved cookware, ovens and stovetops can accumulate grease and oil with regular use throughout the week. The best way to cut through this greasy grimey mess is, of course, with vinegar. Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the solution around the surface of the cooktop. Give it 10 minutes to cut through all that stubborn grease and then wipe it away with some warm water and a sponge.

14. Boost & Deodorize Laundry

Our final tip to share is by far one of our favorites. Everyone loves the feeling of freshly washed and warm laundry, and it turns out vinegar is the key. Adding half a cup of vinegar to your next load can both preserve and brighten the colors of the laundry. You can also toss in a full cup of vinegar to a rinse cycle to be a more eco-friendly and effective fabric softener and static reducer. We’ve tried this and can promise that you’ll notice the difference and you’ll love the results!

15. Clear Cloudy Glasses

Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar (4)

Glassware can develop a cloudy appearance with time, even after running them through the dishwasher. This is almost always due to hard water deposits, or frequent wine drinking (we don’t judge!), but it can be easily remedied with a little bit of white vinegar. All your cloudy glassware needs is a brief soak in a tub of vinegar followed by a quick wash and buff with a soft microfiber cloth.

What to Avoid When Cleaning with Vinegar

While vinegar can be an incredible cleaning product to have on hand, there are a few things you should keep in mind before going after your whole house:

  • Vinegar can cause pitting on stainless steel, so we don’t recommend using it on kitchen knives or appliances without diluting it.
  • You should also avoid using vinegar when cleaning marble, granite, and other natural stone countertops or floors because it can very easily damage the finish and or leave the surface looking dull or scratched.
  • It’s also a good idea to avoid using vinegar to clean any electronic screens because it can damage the protective coating on devices and screens and make touch screens less effective.
  • Be careful cleaning any wood countertops and or untreated or unfinished hardwood floors as undiluted vinegar can damage these beyond repair.
  • As long as you keep these tips in mind, your home is well on its way to looking and smelling great.

FAQs

Will cleaning with vinegar leave a smell?

The bad news is that, yes, cleaning with vinegar can smell up your space, but the good news is that the smell of vinegar naturally dissipates after a few hours. In order to mask, or at least lessen the effects, of vinegar, we suggest both diluting it with water as well as adding a few drops of an essential oil like lemon or eucalyptus.

Can vinegar be used on all surfaces?

While safe to use on many surfaces to kill bacteria and clean, vinegar is not safe to use on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron, or aluminum. This is because vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which can harm some surfaces, so it is always recommended that you test it in an inconspicuous area before cleaning any surface.

How effective is vinegar against bacteria?

In most cases, vinegar does work as an effective disinfectant to some degree. However, it is not as effective against bacteria as bleach or other commercial cleaners. If you are looking to combat germs as effectively as possible, there may be other solutions you should try before reaching for vinegar.

Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar (5)

We hope you were able to learn more about the natural and eco-friendly cleaning and disinfecting capabilities of vinegar. Even if you just picked up a few new tips and tricks for cleaning around the house. Was there anything you knew already and use in your home? What other cleaning tips and tricks using vinegar have you tried around your home and become obsessed with? Tell us all about it in the comments below, we love hearing from you!

If you’re looking for some extra time and attention to detail around your home, but don’t want to sacrifice the desire for eco-friendly products, we’ve got you covered! We’re proud to offer eco-friendly products and services as the best house cleaners in Philadelphia. If you’re curious, check out our website and see for yourself. Contact us today and find out how we can help you keep your home looking and feeling amazing!

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Author: Cindy Roberts

Most frequently made from cow's milk, butter can also be manufactured from the milk of other mammals, including sheep, goats, buffalo, and yaks. It is made by churning milk or cream to separate the fat globules from the buttermilk. Salt was added to butter from antiquity to help to preserve it, particularly when being transported; salt may still play a preservation role but is less important today as the entire supply chain is usually refrigerated.View all posts by Cindy Roberts

FAQs

Making Cleaning Eco-Friendly with Vinegar? ›

Vinegar isn't only for cooking. It's also an eco-friendly and inexpensive household cleaner. And in most cases, you only need to mix vinegar with water. Although, you can add salt and baking soda to create a more abrasive cleaner or a few drops of essential oil for a lighter scent.

Is cleaning with vinegar good for the Environment? ›

Another benefit to using white vinegar is that it is an environmentally friendly cleaning agent! White vinegar is 100% biodegradable and is made of vegan and non-toxic ingredients, ensuring that buying it and using it will not have any negative effects on the environment or within your home.

How do you make a natural cleaning solution with vinegar? ›

All-purpose cleaner: Mix one cup vinegar, two teaspoons of borax, four cups hot water, five drops liquid dish soap, 10 drops tea tree oil, and 10 drops your favorite essential oil (optional).

What is the best homemade cleaning solution with vinegar? ›

The most common vinegar cleaning solution contains one cup of vinegar mixed with one cup of warm water. Warm water helps to dissolve grease and hard water spots more quickly. People who are filling a spray bottle that they will use over time may want to mix the vinegar with distilled water, not tap water.

How can I make my cleaner eco-friendly? ›

For mild cleaning, mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 4 to 8 cups hot water in a spray bottle. You can substitute 2 teaspoons of borax for the baking soda. Add a few drops of essential oil to any mixture to give it a fresh scent.

What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning? ›

Vinegar doesn't sanitize or disinfect

When you're cleaning to eliminate the germs that cause colds, flus & viruses, you'll want to shelve your vinegar mix. The reason is that vinegar is not an EPA registered disinfectant or sanitizer, which means you can't count on vinegar to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

What surfaces should not be cleaned with vinegar? ›

  1. When to Avoid Cleaning With Vinegar. Below, we highlight nine instances when you should skip the vinegar and grab a different cleaning agent for the job. ...
  2. Clothes Iron. ...
  3. Countertops. ...
  4. Dishwasher. ...
  5. Electronic Screens. ...
  6. Flooring. ...
  7. Knives. ...
  8. Range.
Mar 22, 2023

What is the ratio of white vinegar to water for cleaning? ›

For use around the home, combine vinegar with water in a 1:1 solution to clean and freshen many surfaces. Use this solution on glass, windows, walls, cupboards, floors, sinks, stovetops and coffee makers.

What can replace vinegar in cleaning? ›

What can you use instead of white vinegar?
  • Baking soda. Like vinegar, baking soda is a kitchen staple that you can use for your cleaning chores. ...
  • Liquid dish soap. When it comes to cleaning dirty surfaces in your home, there are few things as effective as soapy water. ...
  • Hydrogen peroxide. ...
  • Other types of vinegar.
Mar 14, 2022

What percentage of vinegar do you use for cleaning? ›

What is this? For average homeowners, distilled white vinegar is the best vinegar for cleaning around the house. The 5 percent acidity is powerful enough to cut through tough grime and dirt but presents few health concerns.

Does mixing vinegar and baking soda make a good cleaner? ›

Adding vinegar and baking soda together creates a fizzy chemical reaction that can help dissolve stains and loosen up gunky messes. This makes them a handy cleaning combo, even though the actual solution left behind is basically salt water!

Is vinegar a better cleaner than bleach? ›

“Of course, vinegar does eliminate some things, but it's important to note it's not a complete solution to disinfectant. It is only 90% effective against bacteria and around 80 percent effective against viruses and mold or mildew. Bleach, however, eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold or mildew.

How do you make toxic free cleaning products? ›

For a heavy-duty cleaner, you should mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, ¾ cup of baking soda, five drops of lemon essential oils and 10 drops of lavender essential oils. Mix them well before scrubbing your toilet.

How can I be 100% eco-friendly? ›

Follow some of these simple green living tips to help reduce the environmental footprint and live a healthier life.
  1. Turn the lights off when not in use.
  2. Avoid buying drinks in plastic bottles.
  3. Shop less. ...
  4. Don't use disposable coffee cups, get yourself a reusable coffee cup.
  5. Use solar power and save on energy bills.

What happens when you mix vinegar and dish soap? ›

“Vinegar is a good cleaner because it's acidic, but when you add dishwashing liquid/dish soap to it (which is a base or neutral) - you neutralise the vinegar. You take away the very thing that makes it work well. “The dishwashing liquid works that well on its own.

Will vinegar damage washing machine? ›

Washing machine

Just as it does in a dishwasher, vinegar can harm rubber parts inside a washing machine, which will eventually lead to leaks. Though laundering your clothes with vinegar is a cost-effective, natural way to soften and deodorize fabrics, avoid using it in your washer too frequently.

Does white vinegar damage plastic? ›

The plastic and glass surfaces on most small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters, are safe to clean with vinegar, but you want to avoid any rubber parts or metal that vinegar can corrode. This includes stainless steel.

Does vinegar damage rubber seals? ›

So is vinegar safe to use in your dishwasher or washing machine? Here is what I found: It is safe for natural rubber seals and any parts made from polypropelene, silicone, fluorocarbon, and virgin Teflon, as well as butyl synthetic rubber seals.

Will vinegar damage vinyl floors? ›

Distilled white vinegar is a natural degreaser, disinfectant, and cleaner that is safe to use on all kinds of surfaces, including vinyl floors. The acidic compounds in white vinegar break down buildup and remove dirt without harming your floor's finish.

Can vinegar damage wood? ›

While household vinegar has countless applications in home cleaning, using this versatile substance is not appropriate in many different situations. Because vinegar is acidic, it can corrode wood and stone, it can destroy wax, kill plants, and cause other damage.

Should I dilute distilled white vinegar for cleaning? ›

Use a 1:1 ratio of diluted vinegar and water and store it in a spray bottle. Then you can spritz and disinfect your kitchen sink, counters, or any other spots that you'd normally use bleach but want to be food-safe. To counteract the vinegar smell, you can use soapy water to rinse the sink afterward.

Why are my windows streaky after I clean them? ›

A big problem is the evaporation rate. If you're cleaning your windows on a warm sunny day, the liquid part of the solution evaporates quickly and leaves behind a residue that appears as streaks. On the other hand, if you don't entirely remove the liquid you can also be left with a streaky window.

Can I clean a mirror with vinegar? ›

Mix one-part vinegar with four parts water and pour it into the spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the cotton cloth or directly onto the mirror. Before the spray dries, wipe the mirror from side to side or up and down with the cotton cloth. Never wipe the mirror in circles.

What is a natural substitute for vinegar? ›

White vinegar substitute: If you need a different vinegar to substitute for white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar. You could also swap in lemon or lime juice, depending on your recipe. When you're canning or pickling, there are no comparable substitutes.

What is a stronger cleaner than vinegar? ›

Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, is even better than vinegar for most things! While vinegar is a great acid that can clean build up like coffee makers, steam clean the microwave, or loosen up carpet stains, it is not a registered disinfectant.

What's the difference between white vinegar and all purpose cleaning vinegar? ›

The only difference between cleaning vinegar and the distilled white vinegar is their levels of acidity. White vinegar is usually 95 percent water and 5 percent acid. By contrast, cleaning vinegar contains up to six percent acid and is around 20 percent stronger than regular white vinegar.

Can I leave vinegar on mold overnight? ›

To safely and effectively clean a small area of mold, ServiceMaster advises the following: Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. Let it sit for at least an hour before wiping away mold.

Is cleaning vinegar good for mold? ›

Yes, vinegar is a mild acid that kills 82% of mold species. It's often used as a natural and nontoxic alternative to cleaning chemicals when it comes to killing household mold. Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold.

What does sitting in vinegar do? ›

Sitting in vinegar is one of the most effective ways to take advantage of its healing and cleansing properties. Vinegar has an antimicrobial effect and can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and help with digestion problems.

What can't you mix with vinegar? ›

3 Cleaning Products That You Should Not Mix With Vinegar
  • Bleach And Vinegar. Bleach and vinegar might seem like they would be a powerful disinfectant combination. ...
  • Hydrogen Peroxide And Vinegar. ...
  • Baking Soda And Vinegar.
Jun 17, 2021

Can you leave baking soda and vinegar in drain overnight? ›

If it's still clogged, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water. Let it work overnight to clear the drain.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar? ›

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

Why put Dawn in toilet at night? ›

It's pretty simple — just like they do on food particles that are stuck to your dishes in the sink, the combination of hot water and dish soap help to dissolve and break up whatever it may be that is lodged in the toilet, causing a clog. This handy tip is great should you find yourself in a pinch.

Is it safe to mix white vinegar and Dawn dish soap? ›

First, both ingredients are excellent at dissolving tough grime. However, vinegar alone will simply run off of most surfaces, while dish soap is too thick to use as a spray. But when you mix them together, you get an effective, sprayable cleaner that sticks to any surface!

Is hydrogen peroxide or vinegar a better cleaner? ›

Vinegar and peroxide work well in tandem because they both kill germs but in different ways. They make a good one-two punch because vinegar is good at killing some germs and hydrogen peroxide is better at killing others.

Will vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Since it's naturally acidic, it helps break down plaque or other substances stuck to the teeth. The pH of apple cider vinegar can remove stains from your teeth, which helps naturally whiten your teeth.

Does vinegar disinfect floor? ›

Vinegar is great for hard tile and solid surfaces. The more acidic it is, the more effective it is at being a disinfectant.

How can I disinfect my house naturally? ›

However, with research and creativity, there are all-natural options which safely disinfect without any harmful residue for you or your family.
  1. 1 - Vinegar. This clean, natural and biodegradable liquid is more than a cooking product. ...
  2. 2 - Hydrogen Peroxide or Oxygen Bleach. ...
  3. 3 - Alcohol. ...
  4. 4 - Essential oils.
Jan 25, 2022

Which substances should never be used for household cleaning? ›

Dangers of Mixing Household Chemical Cleaners
  • Bleach + Vinegar = Chlorine gas. This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. ...
  • Bleach + Ammonia = Chloramine. ...
  • Bleach + Rubbing alcohol = Chloroform. ...
  • Hydrogen peroxide + Vinegar = peracetic/ peroxyacetic acid.

What are natural cleaners? ›

The big three natural cleaners are baking soda, lemon and vinegar. They do different things. “Baking soda is a cleaner and good deodorizer,” Lori said. “Vinegar by itself is good to cut grease, and when you pair it with baking soda, it creates a bubbling action that helps give you a little deeper clean.

What do you avoid to be eco-friendly? ›

All non-biodegradable plastics (electronics, toys, cosmetics, straws, containers, bags, cups and more), which will never fully break down and will release toxins into the environment that threaten animals and contribute to global warming. Animal or plant products that may have been sourced unethically.

How can I be minimalist and eco-friendly? ›

Eco friendly tips for becoming a minimalist or reducing your ecological footprint without changing your lifestyle too much
  1. Rent, borrow, or share whatever isn't in current use.
  2. Downsize.
  3. Buy secondhand when possible.
  4. Grow your own food if possible.
  5. Use less water.
  6. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  7. Turn off electronics when not in use.
Dec 6, 2021

What are 4 eco friendly products? ›

There are many ways to reduce the environmental pollution that stems from your home simply by choosing eco friendly products.
  • Certified Compostable Bin Liners. ...
  • Recycled Toilet Tissue. ...
  • Recycled Plastic Toothbrush. ...
  • Recycled Sari Table Linen Collection. ...
  • Recycled Plastic Rugs. ...
  • Ballpoint Pens Made From Recycled Water Bottles.

What is the least eco-friendly country? ›

10 Least Environmentally Friendly Countries in the World (2022 EPI):
  • Vietnam — 20.1.
  • Bangladesh — 23.1.
  • Pakistan — 24.6.
  • Papua New Guinea — 24.8.
  • Liberia — 24.9.
  • Haiti — 26.1.
  • Turkey —26.3.
  • Sudan — 27.6.

What is the least eco-friendly company? ›

In the annual report mentioned above by Break Free From Plastic, Coca-Cola was ranked as the world's number 1 plastic polluter, it's second consecutive year at the top. In 2020, the company came under fire when it announced that it would not abandon plastic bottles, saying that they were popular with customers.

Does white vinegar affect the environment? ›

Release ash, nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon. Contribute to air pollution and smog when burned. Cause acid rain. Pollute oceans and other natural environments.

Does vinegar affect the environment? ›

Environmental effects depend on the concentration and duration of exposure to acetic acid. In high concentrations it can be harmful to plants, animals and aquatic life.

What is the most eco-friendly vinegar? ›

The most commonly used vinegar in green cleaning is distilled white vinegar. The organic variety is definitely more earth-friendly because it is made with grains that aren't genetically modified or treated with pesticides or fertilizers.

Is vinegar safe for wildlife? ›

Horticultural vinegar is approximately 20% acid, highly corrosive, burns everything it touches, and not suitable for household use. All vinegars are deadly for any wildlife they touch including invertebrates and garden critters like frogs, salamanders, and worms.

Can bacteria grow in white vinegar? ›

A vinegar mother, that is. Yes, it looks rather grungy and scary, floating on the top of the vinegar like that, but this spongy mass of bacteria is completely harmless.

Is baking soda and vinegar harmful to the environment? ›

No data shows baking soda to have negative environmental effects. However, it is indeed mined from a material called trona, which is found in Wyoming, and then processed into baking soda. A secondhand environment impact is its carbon footprint from mining and processing it.

Is baking soda and vinegar eco-friendly? ›

If you want to cut down on the number of chemical-filled cleaners in your house but you still want to keep everything clean, the combination of vinegar and baking soda is a great eco-friendly alternative for removing stains and smells.

Is vinegar as good as Roundup? ›

The acetic acid in even household vinegar was MORE toxic than Roundup! Going one step further, in this case a comparison of rate of application is a moot point. A 1% solution of glyphosate will kill most any annual weed listed on the label, and also the majority of perennial weeds.

What animals are attracted to vinegar? ›

Fruit flies and aphids find the smell of vinegar irresistible. If fruit flies or aphids are a nuisance in your home, yard or outdoor buildings, half fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and cover it over tightly with plastic wrap.

What is better than vinegar for cleaning? ›

What can you use instead of white vinegar?
  • Baking soda. Like vinegar, baking soda is a kitchen staple that you can use for your cleaning chores. ...
  • Liquid dish soap. When it comes to cleaning dirty surfaces in your home, there are few things as effective as soapy water. ...
  • Hydrogen peroxide. ...
  • Other types of vinegar.
Mar 14, 2022

Does bacteria grow best in vinegar? ›

Studies confirming vinegar's antibacterial properties: Household natural sanitizers like lemon juice and vinegar reduced the number of pathogens to undetectable levels. Vinegar can inhibit growth of and kill some food-borne pathogenic bacteria.

What grows in old vinegar? ›

Once opened and exposed to air, however, harmless “vinegar bacteria” may start to grow. This bacteria causes the formation of a cloudy sediment that is nothing more than harmless cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that does not affect the quality of the vinegar or its flavor.

What insects hate vinegar? ›

Ants despise the smell of vinegar, and vinegar will wipe out the scent trails they leave around the house to navigate. You can also make traps for fruit flies and gnats using apple cider vinegar mixed with a few drops of dish soap.

What rodents hate vinegar? ›

The pungent smell of vinegar is also a natural way to repel mice and rats. These pests cannot stand the sharp scent of vinegar, which means it can be used as an effective rodent repellent. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this purpose.

How long does vinegar last in soil? ›

How Long Does Vinegar Last in Soil? Acetic acid's effect on soil is to lower its pH, which may make it unsuitable for growing some plants. If you were to pour high-concentration vinegar directly onto the soil, the effects could last longer than a month, but that would be an inappropriate use of vinegar as a herbicide.

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