If you’ve ever searched for tips on how to remove old stains from carpet with vinegar, you’ve probably noticed quite a few hacks. The truth is that vinegar is one of the most effective, safe and environmentally friendly cleaning agents you can have in your home.
There’s very little that can’t be cleaned, sanitised and deodorised with distilled vinegar. Here are a few of the most surprising and effective ways to use vinegar for cleaning jobs in the home.
In the fridge
A solution of one part white vinegar and one part water is all you need to clean and sanitise your fridge. Add a little essential oil or citrus to create a pleasant odour.
Tea and coffee stains
Soak stained tea and coffee cups in water, vinegar and baking soda, and the stains will vanish before your eyes.
In the bathroom
Vinegar cuts through limescale, soapscum and grease, and it also does a job on bacteria. These useful benefits make vinegar the perfect bathroom cleaner. A few drops of your favourite essential oil will help you to create a wonderful aroma.
Gum removal
Removing chewing gum from carpet and upholstery is notoriously difficult. One removal method involves heating white vinegar in a pan and pouring it over the gum — which slowly dissolves and loosens.
Cleaning a mattress
Mattresses can become dirty very quickly if they’re not cleaned regularly. They also harbour tiny mites and bacteria, which are potentially harmful to health and the cause of bad odours. Vacuum your mattress once a month, and then spray it with a solution of one part water and one part white vinegar. This will freshen up your mattress and kill the majority of bacteria.
Carpet stain removal
Before you splash out on expensive carpet cleaning agents, try sprinkling baking soda over the stain. After a few hours, vacuum the area thoroughly. Create a solution of one part water and one part distilled vinegar, and spray it over the stain. Gently dab the area dry with an absorbent, microfibre cloth. If the stain remains, repeat the steps above.
Cleaning shoes
Just a splash of white distilled vinegar on a microfibre cloth is all you need to clean and buff leather shoes. This is also a good way of getting rid of small scratches.
Cleaning the oven
Oven cleaners are notoriously caustic, and can cause real problems for people with respiratory problems. But you can get similar results by creating a paste with baking powder and white vinegar. Apply it liberally to all the surfaces of your oven, then leave it for a couple of hours. The combination of acid and fizz cuts through grease and carbonised food beautifully.
Removing glue residue
The glue from stickers and other adhesives can be very difficult to remove from walls and other household surfaces. However, spraying a little vinegar over the area makes removing glue residue much easier. After a few minutes of contact time, gently scrape the glue away with the edge of a spoon.
Gardening
Chemical-based weed killers can be harmful to the environment, pets and wildlife. Vinegar, on the other hand, kills weeds without doing any lasting harm. Have a spray bottle filled with vinegar ready to spray onto weeds that appear in paving and brickwork.
Wherever there is a stain, dirt, grease or bacteria in your home, vinegar could be the answer. Keep a spray bottle of the stuff at hand at all times — and your daily cleaning rituals could become simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly.