The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning with Vinegar: 14 Everyday Uses
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Cleaning with vinegar is affordable, easy to find, and it has been used as a household cleaner for decades. I
And if you already buy vinegar for cooking, using it as a cleaner is a simple way to reduce packaging waste and keep things minimal at home.
Below is a clear, realistic guide to what vinegar can help with, how to use it safely, and which surfaces to avoid.
How to clean with vinegar
Vinegar’s acidity (usually around 5% is great for daily cleaning and general maintenance around the house, and helps to:
- break down mineral deposits
- cut light grease
- dissolve soap scum
- reduce some types of bacteria
- neutralize odors
What vinegar can’t do
Vinegar is great for everyday cleaning, but it has limits:
- It’s not a heavy-duty disinfectant
- It won’t kill all bacteria or viruses
- It can’t replace heavy-duty cleaners when sanitation is necessary
Natural cleaning with vinegar: 14 ways
1. All-purpose surface cleaner
This is a gentle, everyday cleaner that works well for regular maintenance. Vinegar helps cut light grease and remove residue without leaving a film. Using too much can cause streaking, so a light spray is enough.
Best for: Kitchen counters (non-stone), sinks, tiles, stovetops, fridge shelves, everyday wipe-downs
Not ideal for: Marble, granite, limestone, unsealed wood
How to make: Mix in a spray bottle 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup water + 20-30 drops of essential oils
How to use: Shake gently before each use since essential oils don’t blend with water. Spray lightly and wipe with a cloth.
Low waste tip: I keep refilling the same old spray bottle I’ve had for years. The label is peeling, and the plastic is scratched, but it works perfectly. No need to buy anything new.
2. Glass & mirror cleaner
Vinegar removes fingerprints and mineral residue without streaks when used sparingly. Over-spraying is the most common reason for cloudy glass. Buffing with a dry cloth at the end helps leave a clean finish. Avoid paper towels since they often leave lint behind.
Best for: Mirrors, windows, glass tables, shower glass
Not ideal for: Tinted glass, specialty coatings, electronic screens
How to use it:
- Mix 1:1 vinegar and water
- Spray lightly
- Wipe with a lint-free cloth or old cotton towel
3. Degreasing the stove & oven door
For tougher spots, sprinkle baking soda first, then spray vinegar on top and let it fizz before wiping. This works best for regular upkeep rather than deep oven cleaning. Slight warmth (not heat) helps loosen grease faster.
Best for: Everyday grease, oil splatters, stovetops, oven glass
Not ideal for: Heavy baked-on oven grime or delicate finishes
How to use it:
- Spray undiluted vinegar onto greasy areas
- Let it sit 5-10 minutes
- Wipe with a damp cloth
4. Removing soap scum from shower walls
Soap scum is made of minerals and oils, which vinegar breaks down well. Cleaning after a shower, when surfaces are warm, makes the job easier. Regular use prevents heavy buildup and reduces the need for scrubbing.
Best for: Tiles, ceramic surfaces, glass shower doors
Not ideal for: Natural stone such as marble or granite
How to use it:
- Spray undiluted vinegar
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes
- Wipe or lightly scrub, then rinse
5. Light mold removal (surface-level only)
Vinegar can help with light, surface-level mold on hard surfaces. It will not fix mold that’s growing underneath materials or returning due to moisture problems. Drying the area completely after cleaning is just as important as the cleaner itself.
Best for: Small mold spots on tiles, grout surface, and shower corners
Not ideal for: Silicone sealant, wood, drywall, fabrics, recurring mold
How to use it:
- Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the mold
- Let it sit for at least 60 minutes
- Scrub, rinse, and dry thoroughly
6. Freshening the dishwasher
This helps remove smells and loosen mineral deposits. It’s best used occasionally; once every month or two is enough. Never combine vinegar with bleach-based dishwasher products.
Best for: Odors, light limescale, general buildup
Not ideal for: Heavy scale or mechanical issues
How to use it:
- Place 1 cup of vinegar in a heatproof bowl
- Set it on the top rack
- Run a hot, empty cycle
7. Cleaning the microwave
The steam softens dried food, making it easy to wipe away without scrubbing. Leaving the door closed for a minute after heating improves the result. Always use a microwave-safe bowl.
Best for: Dried food splatters and lingering smells
Not ideal for: Heavily burnt-on messes (may need repeating)
How to use it:
- Add 1 cup of water + ¼ cup of vinegar to a bowl
- Microwave until steaming
- Let it sit briefly, then wipe
8. Reviving cloudy glassware
This helps dissolve mineral deposits that cause cloudiness. Drying with a towel instead of air-drying prevents new spots from forming. If cloudiness returns quickly, hard water is likely the cause.
Best for: Mineral film caused by hard water
Not ideal for: Etched or permanently damaged glass
How to use it:
- Soak glasses in warm vinegar for 10-15 minutes
- Rinse and dry well
9. Freshening drains
This is a maintenance method, not a clog fix. It helps reduce smells and light buildup, but won’t clear major blockages. Avoid overusing it.
Best for: Odors and slightly slow drains
Not ideal for: Serious clogs or standing water
How to use it:
- Sprinkle baking soda into the drain
- Pour in vinegar
- Let fizz
- Rinse with hot water
10. Deodorizing fabrics between washes
Best for: Workout clothes, towels, pet bedding
Not ideal for: Delicate fabrics like silk or wool
How to use it:
- Mix 1 part vinegar : 2 parts water
- Spray lightly
- Let air-dry
Vinegar neutralizes odors rather than masking them. The smell disappears once dry. Always test on a small area first, especially on darker fabrics.
11. Cleaning the toilet bowl
Leaving it overnight can help with stubborn stains. Vinegar is useful for regular cleaning, but stronger disinfectants are still needed when sanitation is critical.
Best for: Stains, odors, light limescale
Not ideal for: Situations requiring full disinfection
How to use it:
- Pour 1-2 cups of vinegar into the bowl
- Let it sit for 20-30 minutes
- Scrub and flush
12. Descaling a kettle or coffee maker
I’m currently living in Zagreb, where the tap water is extremely hard. Within just a few days of regular use, a white, chalky layer builds up inside my kettle. To deal with it, I simply pour in some apple cider vinegar, add a bit of water, let it sit (or gently heat it), and then rinse it out.
The limescale loosens almost immediately, and the kettle looks clean again with very little effort. It’s one of those simple habits that makes a big difference when you live in an area with hard water.
Best for: Limescale buildup from hard water
Not ideal for: Appliances with manufacturer restrictions
How to use it:
- Kettle: boil equal parts vinegar and water, let sit, rinse
- Coffee maker: run one vinegar cycle, then 2-3 plain water cycles
13. Removing sticky residue
If you reuse glass jars often like me, you’ve probably dealt with labels that come off halfway and leave that stubborn, sticky layer behind. This method is simple, doesn’t require anything harsh, and works surprisingly well.
The hot water loosens the paper, the soap helps break down the glue, and the baking soda takes care of what’s left without scratching the glass. If some residue remains, repeating the process once usually finishes the job.
Best for: Glass jars, bottles, food containers with paper labels
Not ideal for: Plastic containers with delicate surfaces or printed designs
How to use:
- Soak the jar in hot water with a bit of dish soap for 10-20 minutes
- Peel off as much of the label as you can
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the remaining adhesive
- Rub gently with your fingers or a cloth
- Rinse and dry
14. Laundry softener
Vinegar helps break down leftover detergent and mineral buildup in fabrics, which is often what makes clothes feel stiff. It doesn’t coat fabrics like commercial softeners; it simply rinses clean, leaving clothes softer and fresher. The vinegar smell disappears completely once the laundry dries.
For extra scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil to a reusable cloth and toss it into the dryer instead. Adding essential oils directly to the washing machine isn’t recommended, as they don’t mix with water and can build up over time.
Best for: Softening clothes, reducing static, removing detergent residue, neutralising odors
Not ideal for: Silk, wool, or garments with special care instructions
How to use it:
- Add to a small jar ½ cup white vinegar + 10 drops of your preferred essential oil. Mix, then add directly to the fabric softener compartment or directly into the drum during the rinse cycle.
Which type of vinegar is best for cleaning?
White distilled vinegar – best overall
This is the default and most reliable choice for cleaning, because:
- Consistent acidity (usually ~5%)
- It won’t stain surfaces
- Strong enough for limescale, grease, and soap scum
- Cheap and easy to find
- No residue or sugars
Use it for: All-purpose cleaning, glass, descaling, toilets, drains, laundry softener, and mold (surface-level).
Apple cider vinegar – works, with limits
Apple cider vinegar can clean, but it’s not ideal for everything; however it’s acidic enough to dissolve limescale and mineral buildup.
Limitations:
- Darker color → may stain light surfaces
- Contains sugars and organic compounds
- Can leave residue if not rinsed well
- Smell lingers longer than white vinegar
Use it for: Descaling kettles, occasional cleaning of sinks or drains, and situations where staining isn’t an issue.
Cleaning vinegar – stronger, use with care
Cleaning vinegar is more acidic (often ~6–10%). It’s made specifically for heavy limescale and mineral deposits.
Downsides:
- Harsher on surfaces
- Strong smell
- Can damage finishes more easily
Use it for: Very hard water areas, heavy scale sparingly.
When to use undiluted vinegar for cleaning
Undiluted vinegar is helpful for:
- mineral deposits
- soap scum
- cloudy glass
- greasy stovetops
- mildew-prone areas
- toilet bowl cleaning
- laundry softener
It’s still gentle compared to commercial cleaners, but stronger than diluted mixes.
Surfaces you should never clean with vinegar
Because vinegar is acidic, skip it on:
- marble
- granite
- quartz
- limestone
- travertine
- hardwood floors with delicate finishes
- some metal surfaces, like cast iron
These can be etched or damaged over time.
FAQs
Does vinegar disinfect surfaces?
Vinegar reduces some bacteria, but it is not a disinfectant. It’s best for everyday cleaning and maintenance, not for situations where full sanitation is required.
Can I mix vinegar with other cleaners?
Vinegar is safe to use with baking soda (for light fizzing and scrubbing), but never mix it with bleach! That combination creates toxic fumes.
Will my home smell like vinegar?
No! The smell fades quickly as it dries. On fabrics and laundry, it disappears completely once dry.
Can I add essential oils to vinegar cleaners?
Yes, but only for scent. Essential oils don’t make vinegar clean better, and they don’t dissolve in water. Shake before use and avoid adding them directly to washing machines.
Why does limescale come back so fast?
If you live in a hard water area, mineral buildup is constant. Vinegar removes it, but regular maintenance is necessary, especially for kettles, taps, and shower surfaces.
Is vinegar safe for daily use?
Yes, when used on appropriate surfaces. Avoid natural stone, delicate finishes, and surfaces that can be damaged by acidity.
Final thoughts
Cleaning with vinegar isn’t about finding a miracle solution; it’s about keeping things simple and realistic.
Vinegar won’t replace every product, and it won’t solve structural or moisture-related problems, but it covers a surprising amount of everyday cleaning with very little effort.
For me, especially living in a hard-water area, vinegar has become one of those quiet, reliable tools I reach for again and again. No fancy packaging, no complicated routines, just something that works when you need it.
If you use it mindfully and on the right surfaces, vinegar can be a practical, low-waste part of a cleaner home.
