What is cleaning vinegar? How does it differ from white vinegar? What can be cleaned with cleaning vinegar? What cannot?
Defining Cleaning Vinegar
Cleaning vinegar is made from acetic acid, which makes it an organic and an all-natural cleaner. Cleaning vinegar is a versatile cleaner, it is a great deodorizer and can be mixed with baking soda to create a scrub. Clean with vinegar to tackle any dusty dirty job on almost every household soft or hard surface.
White Vinegar vs Cleaning Vinegar
The main difference between distilled white vinegar and cleaning vinegar is the difference in acidity. White vinegar is usually 5 percent acid to 95 percent water and cleaning vinegar has up to 6 percent acid. That 1 percent difference makes cleaning vinegar up to 20 percent stronger than regular white vinegar, which makes cleaning vinegar a more effective cleaner.
You technically can swap cleaning vinegar for white vinegar for cleaning purposes, white vinegar requires more elbow grease.
On the flip side, you should never cook with or consume cleaning vinegar. It may not be tested for impurities like cooking vinegar is and can be dangerous to consume.
Where to Use Cleaning Vinegar
Being an all-natural cleaner, cleaning vinegar is a great option if you are trying to allergy-proof your home. Cleaning vinegar can be used in many areas around the house:
- Glass
- Windows
- Countertops
- Sinks
- Tub Faucets
- Shower heads
- Plastic Cutting Boards
- Refrigerator Drawers & Shelves
- Microwaves
- Coffee Makers
- Laundry
- Floors
Make sure to dilute the cleaning vinegar when doing everyday cleaning jobs, otherwise it will be too strong for daily cleaning. An easy way to make an all-purpose cleaner is to mix two-parts cleaning vinegar and one-part water in a spray bottle. In order to cut the sour vinegar smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil such as lemon oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil.
Where NOT to Use Cleaning Vinegar
Similar to any cleaner, vinegar cannot be used everywhere and should not be mixed with bleach. The acidity of cleaning vinegar can damage a number of surfaces including:
- Granite
- Marble
- Soapstone
- Aluminum
- Cast Iron
- Waxed Wood
- Dishwashers
- Electronic Screens
- Knives
How to Start Using Cleaning Vinegar
Cleaning vinegar can be found at most grocery stores and can even be shipped via Amazon. Maybe grab an essential oil or two to cut the pungent smell of the vinegar, grab an empty spray bottle, and some microfiber towels. Once you have all your supplies, mix your cleaning vinegar with water and essential oils and you are ready to go!