Introduction
Cleaning your home naturally using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda is an effective and affordable way to remove grime and sanitize surfaces. These pantry staples are powerful cleaners on their own, but combine them and their cleaning powers multiply. I’ll share my favorite tips for tapping into the cleaning superpowers of this dynamic duo.
Why Clean with Vinegar and Baking Soda?
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Cost effective – Vinegar and baking soda are inexpensive compared to many commercial cleaners. Buying in bulk yields even more savings.
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Non-toxic – Vinegar is acidic and baking soda is alkaline, so together they effectively kill bacteria and germs without harsh chemicals. They won’t trigger allergies or irritate lungs.
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Versatile – These two ingredients tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks throughout the home.
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Easy availability – Distilled white vinegar and baking soda are easily found at any grocery store. No special trips needed!
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Environmentally friendly – Vinegar and baking soda are natural products. They don’t contain toxic ingredients that pollute indoor and outdoor environments. The packaging is recyclable too.
Cleaning Uses for Vinegar
Vinegar is my go-to cleaner for so many tasks around the home. Here are some of its top uses:
General Cleaning
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Diluted in water, vinegar tackles dirt, grime and sticker residue on windows, floors, walls, countertops and other surfaces.
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Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon water for an all-purpose cleaner.
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Undiluted vinegar disinfects kitchens and bathrooms.
Kitchen Cleaning
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Remove grease and limescale buildup from appliances by heating undiluted vinegar in the microwave and wiping clean.
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Shine stainless steel with undiluted vinegar.
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Deodorize the fridge by washing shelves with equal parts vinegar and water. Baking soda also helps with odors.
Bathroom Cleaning
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Clean tile, countertops and other surfaces by spraying undiluted vinegar and wiping away grime.
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Pour vinegar into the toilet bowl and let sit overnight to remove stains and disinfect.
Laundry
- Add 1 cup vinegar to the washing machine rinse cycle to remove odors and brighten clothes.
Outdoor Cleaning
- Power wash patio furniture, siding, walkways etc. with vinegar added to wash water.
Cleaning Uses for Baking Soda
Like vinegar, baking soda also pulls double duty as a cleaner and deodorizer. Here are the ways I use it most:
General Cleaning
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Make a paste with baking soda and water to scour stubborn gunk like crayon marks from walls and sticker residue from surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean.
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Remove carpet stains by pouring baking soda liberally over the spot, letting sit for an hour, then vacuuming up.
Kitchen Cleaning
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Deodorize the fridge, garbage cans, and microwave by leaving baking soda containers open inside for several hours.
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Scour pots and pans with a paste of baking soda and water.
Bathroom Cleaning
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For tough soap scum and hard water stains, scrub tiles and fixtures with a baking soda paste.
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Unclog drains by pouring 1 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz for 15 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
Miscellaneous
- Baking soda can be used to deodorize sports gear and clean jewelry.
Combined Cleaning Power
While powerful on their own, vinegar and baking soda work overtime when combined:
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Extra grimy surfaces – Let baking soda paste sit for 5 minutes then scrub with a vinegar-soaked sponge for maximum cleaning power.
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Clogged drains – As mentioned above, the classic DIY drain cleaner is baking soda followed by vinegar. The chemical reaction breaks up gunk.
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Mold removal – Combine vinegar and baking soda to create a foaming paste. Apply to mold stains and let sit overnight before rinsing. The acidity kills mold.
Tips for Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Here are some top tips for harnessing the cleaning powers of vinegar and baking soda:
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Always spot test surfaces first, especially natural stone, to check for discoloration.
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For tough stains, let pastes and mixtures sit for 5 minutes to an hour before scrubbing and rinsing.
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To avoid smells, immediately wipe up any vinegar cleaning solution residue.
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Store baking soda open in the fridge to maximize odor removal. Replace every 2 months.
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Never mix vinegar and bleach – this combination creates toxic chlorine gas.
Conclusion
Thanks to their non-toxic cleaning power, affordability, and availability, vinegar and baking soda are staples under my kitchen sink. I hope these natural cleaning hacks inspire you to break up with harsh chemical cleaners in favor of this dynamic duo. Remember to always spot test, never combine vinegar and bleach, and let tough stains soak. With a little know-how, you can tap into the cleaning superpowers of vinegar and baking soda.
