Although there are myriad cleaning products that are a bit more natural than traditional chemical-laden classics, they don’t compare to DIY non-toxic cleaners. You know exactly what goes into the products that you make yourself. There are no hidden fragrances or hard-to-pronounce names on products that you make yourself. And one the easiest household products to clean with is vinegar, which is probably in your pantry as you read this.

Distilled white vinegar, which is available in organic versions, is a powerhouse in the natural cleaning world. You don’t want the house to smell like pickles, though, so you have to include other ingredients, like citrus or essential oils, to mask the scent.

How To Clean With Vinegar

There are many surfaces that are acceptable to clean with vinegar. There are also a few things that vinegar can damage because of the low pH that can dissolve certain substances. Although vinegar is technically viewed as a weak acid, it is powerful enough to damage certain surfaces. Avoid cleaning the following surfaces with vinegar:

• Mold: Yes, vinegar does kill mold and you can use it for that; however, it may only scratch the surface of a larger problem. We will explain this in more detail a little later in the article. 
• Finished wood: Adding a little vinegar to a mop bucket may be acceptable on hardwood floors, but using too much, or using it on certain types of wood, can damage the finish. The same rule applies to furniture. 
• Tile grout: It is occasionally acceptable to use a diluted vinegar solution to keep sealed grout clean, but using too much vinegar too often can erode the grout. 
• Dishwashers and washing machines: This is controversial because a lot of people use vinegar to clean these appliances. Adding too much vinegar to these, or using it too often, can damage the rubber components over time. 
• Stone countertops: Vinegar can very easily damage marble, granite, and natural stone countertops. 

Window And Mirror Cleaner

If you want some spot-free shine on your windows and mirrors, vinegar is a highly effective ingredient. Forget the glass cleaner spray and mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Add one or two drops of essential oil, such as lemongrass, and an optional 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. Shake it up and use it to clean your windows, mirrors, and shower doors. 

Mold Remover

As previously mentioned, vinegar can be used to treat mold in certain situations. If you notice mold in your house, though, that may just be the tip of the iceberg, indicating a potentially serious issue. If you want to use vinegar to help get rid of mold, mix one part borax with four parts white vinegar together in a spray bottle. Spray onto non-porous surfaces, wait about an hour, and wipe away. The mold should wipe right off in areas where mold is miniscule. 

Toilet Cleaner

Vinegar is a great ingredient for breaking down minerals on hard surfaces. It is particularly effective when mixed with baking soda. Pour a little baking soda into the toilet and add one cup of vinegar, watch it bubble, scrub, and then admire the shine. 

Cabinet Cleaner

If you have oil buildup, food spots, or minor stains on your cabinets, vinegar can effectively remove them. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and scrub the dirty cabinet with a rage or sponge. The vinegar helps cut through any grease, which leaves your cabinets shiny and clean. 

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

If you have hardwood floors in your house, you know that mopping and sweeping are par for the course. People have robot vacuums and such, but those aren’t as effective as a good old fashioned sweep and mop. It can be beneficial to mix 1/3 or 2/3 cup of white vinegar in one gallon of warm water to clean hardwood floors. Just be careful because vinegar can damage certain wood finishes, so check with the manufacturer before dumping vinegar on your floor.

All-Purpose Vinegar Spray

If you want an all-natural, all-purpose cleaning spray with vinegar, here is how to make it: 

• Add one part white vinegar and four parts water to a spray bottle. 
• Add about 10 to 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (citrus oils are great), and one teaspoon of natural dish soap. 
• Shake it up and use when ready. 
• This spray is great on high chair trays, baseboards, appliances, floors, walls, countertops (provided the surface), and sinks.

Vincent Stevens

Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.