White vinegar has always been one of those household staples that I didn’t fully appreciate until recently. It’s inexpensive, natural, and honestly, way more useful than I ever realized. Whether I need to clean up a mess, get rid of odors, or even make my laundry fresher, I’ve found vinegar can do it all. Plus, by swapping out expensive chemical products for simple vinegar, I’ve been saving money and reducing the number of harsh chemicals in my home. Here are 13 clever ways I use white vinegar to keep things clean—and save some cash!
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Instead of buying pricey all-purpose cleaners, make your own with white vinegar. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and you have a natural cleaner that works on countertops, floors, and windows. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down grime, grease, and dirt without any harsh chemicals.
2. Fabric Softener
Replace costly fabric softeners with vinegar for softer clothes without the residue. Adding half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle helps break down detergent and keeps fabrics soft. It’s especially good for people with sensitive skin since it leaves no irritating fragrances behind.
3. Glass Cleaner
No need for expensive window sprays! White vinegar is perfect for streak-free windows and mirrors. Mix one part vinegar with one part water, spray it on your glass, and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a clear, spotless shine.
4. Unclog Drains
Skip the plumber and use vinegar to unclog slow drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for about 10 minutes, then flush it with hot water. This simple trick clears minor clogs and keeps drains fresh.
5. Deodorizer for Smelly Fabrics
If your gym clothes, towels, or even shoes have developed a funky odor, white vinegar can help. Add a half cup of vinegar to your laundry load, or spray it directly onto stinky fabrics to neutralize odors. It kills bacteria and leaves everything smelling fresh without masking the smell.
6. Remove Hard Water Stains
Those stubborn white spots on your faucets and showerheads? That’s hard water buildup, and white vinegar is great at dissolving it. Soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the affected area, and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it clean. You’ll have shiny, stain-free fixtures again.
7. Weed Killer
Vinegar is a natural, affordable alternative to commercial weed killers. Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto weeds, especially in cracks and crevices where weeds love to grow. The acetic acid in vinegar kills most small weeds within a few days, saving you money and sparing your garden from harmful chemicals.
8. Carpet Stain Remover
Why spend money on pricey carpet stain removers when vinegar does the job? Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply it to the stain, and blot with a clean cloth. Vinegar helps lift stains and eliminates odors from carpets, leaving them fresh and clean.
9. Clean Your Coffee Maker
If your coffee tastes a little off, it might be time to clean your coffee maker. White vinegar is an easy and cost-effective way to remove mineral buildup. Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, run a brewing cycle, and then follow up with a couple of cycles of fresh water to rinse.
10. Fruit and Vegetable Wash
Commercial produce washes can be expensive, but white vinegar is a budget-friendly alternative. Mix three parts water with one part vinegar and soak your fruits and vegetables for a few minutes. It helps remove pesticide residue and kills bacteria, giving you cleaner, safer produce for less.
11. Freshen Up Your Dishwasher
If your dishwasher smells funky or your dishes aren’t coming out as clean, vinegar can help. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle without detergent. The vinegar will break down grease and soap scum, leaving your dishwasher cleaner and smelling fresh.
12. Clean Your Microwave
No need for harsh chemical cleaners to tackle a dirty microwave. Simply mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it for 5 minutes. The steam loosens food splatters and grime, making it easy to wipe away with a cloth.
13. Shine Stainless Steel
Forget pricey stainless steel polishes. White vinegar can make your appliances shine. Spray undiluted vinegar onto your stainless steel surfaces, wipe with a microfiber cloth, and watch them gleam. It’s an easy and affordable way to keep your kitchen looking sharp.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
