How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean Your Kitchen

 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is not only a versatile ingredient for cooking and health, but also a powerful natural cleaner for your kitchen.

ACV has many benefits for cleaning, such as:

• It is acidic, which means it can dissolve dirt, grease, and mineral deposits.
• It is antibacterial, which means it can kill germs and prevent mold and mildew growth.
• It is deodorizing, which means it can neutralize unpleasant smells and freshen up the air.
• It is eco-friendly, which means it is biodegradable and safe for the environment.

In this blog post, we will show you how to use ACV to clean different parts of your kitchen, from the sink and drain to the oven and stove. You will also learn how to make your own ACV-based cleaners that are effective, cheap, and easy to use. Let’s get started!

 

How to Clean the Kitchen Sink and Drain with ACV

The sink and drain are often the dirtiest and smelliest parts of the kitchen, as they are exposed to food scraps, grease, and soap residue. And it’s important to clean them regularly to not only keep your kitchen fresh, but to keep your drains flowing freely.

To clean them with ACV, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of ACV
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of salt
• boiling water

Steps to Follow

1. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the sink and down the drain. 
2.  Next, pour the ACV over the salt and baking soda. and watch the fizzing reaction. This will help loosen and lift the clogs and stains.
3. Let sit for 15 minutes, then pour the boiling water down the drain and around the sink to flush everything out.
4. Wipe the sink with a sponge, and enjoy the sparkling and odor-free result.

Tip: If you have a clog and you want to improve drain flow you may need to repeat this process a few times. 

How to Clean the Oven and Stove with ACV

Prone to baked-on grease, food spills, and burnt stains the oven and stovetop is one of the most challenging parts of the kitchen to clean. Next time you need to clean your oven, try using ACV.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 1/4 cup of hot water
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of dish washing liquid

Supplies

• A spray bottle
• A bowl
• A scrubbing sponge or cloth 

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV and water in a spray bottle, and spray the solution over the oven and stove. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soften the grime.
2. Mix the baking soda with the dish detergent and a little water in a bowl to make a paste. Apply the paste over the stubborn stains, and let it sit for another 15 minutes to lift them. Spray with more of the ACV solution to create a fizzing reaction.
3. Scrub the oven and stove with a sponge, and wipe away the residue with a damp cloth or paper towel.
4. Rinse the oven and stove with clean water, and dry them with a soft cloth. You will be amazed by the shiny and spotless result.

Tip: If you have a glass stove top be sure not to use a rough scouring sponge. Otherwise you can risk scratching the stovetop. 

How to Clean Kitchen Windows and Glass with ACV

Windows and glass get dirty and cloudy from dust, fingerprints, and water spots.

To clean them with ACV, all you need is:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 2 cups of water

Supplies

• A spray bottle
• A microfiber cloth or newspaper

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV and water in a spray bottle, and shake well to combine.
2. Spray the solution over the windows and glass, and let it sit for a few minutes to dissolve the dirt and smudges.
3. Wipe the windows and glass with a microfiber cloth or newspaper, and buff them to a streak-free shine.

How to Polish and Shine Stainless Steel with ACV

Stainless steel appliances and utensils can get dull and tarnished from fingerprints, water marks, and rust. To polish and shine them with ACV, you will need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• A soft cloth

Steps to Follow

1. Pour the ACV on a soft cloth, and rub it over the stainless steel surface in a circular motion.
2. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth, and buff it to a brilliant shine.

How to Nuke Microwave Odors and Stains with ACV

The microwave can get smelly and stained from food splatters, spills, and burnt residues. Nuke them with ACV to disinfect and make wiping them up easy.

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 1 cup of water

Supplies

• A microwave-safe bowl
• A sponge or cloth

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV and water in a microwave-safe bowl, and place it in the microwave the solution for 3 minutes, or until it boils and steams up the microwave.
2. Let the solution sit in the microwave for another 5 minutes then carefully remove the bowl.
3. Wipe the microwave down with a sponge or cloth, and remove the odors and stains with ease.

How to Make Your Own Chemical-Free Multi-Purpose Cleaner with ACV

For a natural  and healthy DIY multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on almost any surface in your kitchen, try mixing up this cleaning recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of ACV
• 1/2 cup of water
• 10 drops of your favorite smelling essential oil (optional)

Supplies

• A spray bottle

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Mix the ACV, water, and essential oil (if using) in a spray bottle, and shake well to combine.
2. Spray the solution on the surface you want to clean, and wipe it with a cloth or sponge.
3. Enjoy the clean and fresh-smelling result.

How to Clean Your Walls, Floors, and Surfaces with ACV

ACV can also be used to clean your walls, non-wood floors, and other surfaces in your kitchen, such as cabinets, countertops, and tiles.

To use ACV for these purposes, you will need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 1 gallon of warm water

Supplies

• A bucket
• A mop or cloth

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV and water in a bucket, and stir well to dilute the ACV.
2. Dip the mop or cloth in the solution, and wring out the excess liquid.
3. Mop or wipe the walls, floors, and surfaces with the solution, and let them air dry.
4. Admire the spotless and sanitized result.

Tip: Avoid using any vinegar or anything acidic to clean wood cabinets or furniture. They can corrode finishes leading to discoloration and surface damage over time.

ACV is great for removing stains, mineral deposits, coffee grounds, and tea leaf residue from coffee makers, teakettles, and teapots.

To clean them with ACV, you will need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• water

Steps to Follow

1. Fill your coffee maker, teakettle, or teapot with water, and add the ACV.
2. Run the coffee maker, boil the teakettle, or steep the teapot for 15 minutes, or until the water turns brown.
3. Discard the water, and rinse the coffee maker, teakettle, or teapot with clean water.
4. Repeat the process if necessary, until the water runs clear.
5. Enjoy the clean and descaled finish!

How to Clean Dishwashers with ACV

Dishwashers need to be cleaned too! They can get dirty and smelly from food residues, soap scum, and hard water.

To clean yours with ACV, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of ACV

Steps to Follow

1. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup with ACV, and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Run the dishwasher on a normal cycle, without any dishes or detergent.
3. Let the ACV work its magic, and clean and deodorize the dishwasher.
4. Wipe the dishwasher with a cloth or sponge, and remove any remaining dirt or grime.

How to Clean Refrigerators with ACV

Refrigerators can get messy and stinky from food spills, leaks, and spoils. To clean them with ACV, you will need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 2 cups of warm water

Supplies

• A spray bottle
• A cloth or sponge

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV and water in a spray bottle, and shake well to combine.
2. Spray the solution over the inside and outside of the refrigerator, and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt and odors.
3. Wipe the refrigerator with a cloth or sponge, and remove the residue and stains.
4. To finish, wipe the refrigerator with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth.
5. Enjoy the clean and fresh-smelling result.

How to Clean Cookware with ACV

Noticing your cookware doesn’t look good anymore? Cookware can get burnt and stained from food residues, oil, and sauces. To clean them with ACV, you will need:

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• water

Steps to Follow

1. Fill the pot or pan with water, and add the ACV.
2. Bring the water to a boil, and let it simmer for 10 minutes 
   3. Scrub the pot or pan with a sponge or cloth, and remove the burnt and stained parts.
   4. Rinse the pot or pan with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth.
   5. Enjoy your clean and shiny cookware!

How to Clean Sink Clogs with ACV

Sink clogs can be caused by hair, soap, food, or other debris that accumulate in the drain. To clean them with ACV, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of ACV
• boiling water

Steps to Follow

1. Pour the baking soda down the drain, and make sure it reaches the clog.
2. Pour the ACV down the drain, and watch the bubbling reaction. This will help break down the clog and loosen it.
3. Wait for 15 minutes, then pour the boiling water down the drain to flush everything out.
4. Repeat the process if necessary, until the drain is clear.

How to Clean Sink Odors with ACV

Sink odors can be caused by bacteria, mold, or rotten food that linger in the drain. Use this recipe regularly to keep drains smelling fresh.

To clean them with ACV, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 2 cups of hot water
• A few drops of lemon juice or essential oil (optional)

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV, hot water, and lemon juice or essential oil (if using) in a bowl or jug, and stir well to combine.
2. Pour the solution down the drain, and let it sit for 10 minutes to kill the odor-causing germs and freshen up the drain.
3. Rinse the drain with clean water, and enjoy your fresh smelling sink.

How to Clean Sink Stains with ACV

Sink stains can be caused by hard water, rust, or food coloring that stain the sink surface. To clean them with ACV, you will need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• A sponge or cloth

Steps to Follow

1. Pour the ACV on a sponge or cloth, and rub it over the stained area in a circular motion.
2. Let the ACV sit for 10 minutes to dissolve the stain and brighten the sink.
3. Rinse the sink with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth.
4. Enjoy the spotless and gleaming result.

How to Clean Countertops with ACV

Countertops can get dirty and sticky from food spills, crumbs, and grease. To clean them with ACV, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of ACV
• 2 cups of water
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Supplies

• A spray bottle
• A cloth or sponge

Steps to Follow

1. Mix the ACV and water in a spray bottle, and shake well to combine.
2. Spray the solution over the countertops, and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt and grime.
3. Wipe the countertops with a cloth or sponge, and remove the residue and stains.
4. Rinse the countertops with clean water, and dry them with a soft cloth.
5. Enjoy your sparkling countertops!

Final Thoughts

Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful natural cleaner that can help you keep your home and kitchen clean and fresh without using harsh chemicals. Plus, ACV is cheap inexpensive!

And it’s effective for cleaning various parts of your kitchen, from the sink and drain to the oven and stove. 

And you can also make your own ACV-based cleaners that are multi-purpose, deodorizing, and polishing.

ACV is not only good for your health, but also for your kitchen. Try it out and see the difference for yourself.

Happy cleaning!

For more simple, easy and healthy cleaning recipes check these links:

• 18 DIY Natural & Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes
• 17 Essential Oil DIY’s That Will Transform Your Cleaning
• Keep Your Kitchen Smelling Fresh