10 Household Uses for Vinegar

Many of us use bleach as the be-all-end-all of cleaners. While it's true that bleach will disinfect virtually anything, it can be quite hazardous if not handled properly. Did you know that distilled white vinegar can be used as a substitute for bleach in many instances? Here are 10 places you can use vinegar to help you clean many areas around your home. (Want to learn how to make your own safer cleaning products? Consult our guide to DIY Household Cleaners.)

1. Dishwasher

Does your glassware come out of the dishwasher with a thin milky look or hard water stains? Add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar to a small glass on the top shelf of your dishwasher. Run the cycle normally with the glass upright and your glassware should sparkle!

2. Toilet

Vinegar is a great substitute for bleach in your toilet. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into your toilet and let it sit for about 5 minutes before flushing. It can also help remove toilet rings with light scrubbing.

3. Bathtub

Remove everything from your shower and rinse it down. Then, use a sponge soaked in vinegar to clean the tub. Rinse again.

4. Shower Curtain

While you're cleaning your bathtub, you might as well disinfect your shower curtain. Using a spray bottle, spray vinegar to remove soapy, discolored, or mildew filth from your curtain. Wipe clean then rinse with water.

5. Ants

Vinegar is a natural ant repellent. Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar to spray down problem areas. Learn more about natural bug repellents.

6. Grease

Vinegar cuts through grease. Use a sponge soaked in vinegar to scrub off new messes or soak items in a bath of vinegar for at least 20 minutes for tougher ones.

7. Weeds

Vinegar kills many types of grass and weeds. If you have unwanted plants growing out of your sidewalk or driveway, try dousing them with vinegar before resorting to harmful weed killers.

8. Chrome and Stainless Steel

Just as vinegar can help make your glassware shine, it can also be a chrome and stainless steel polisher. Dip a soft cloth in vinegar and wipe clean.

Related: Find helpful tips in our Complete Guide to Stainless Steel Cleaning.

9. Coffee Maker

If your coffee is tasting stale, fill your reservoir with vinegar and run it through a cycle. Once finished, run 2 cycles of water only to fully rinse out the vinegar before making coffee.

10. Washing Machine

To clean and deodorize your washing machine, pour two cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda into your machine and run it empty on the hottest cycle. Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub away any grime from your machine.

Pro tip: Learn more about using vinegar to clean your household appliances with our comprehensive guide: How to Deep Clean Your Appliances Step by Step.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.