Apple cider vinegar is known to some as a miracle worker. In fact, according to a study, it is much more than a salad dressing. This household ingredient is a secret weapon – from treating a cold to soothing one’s scalp and even for weight loss. But can apple cider vinegar be used for cleaning?
Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar is an inexpensive alternative to chemical cleaners. Like regular white vinegar, this ingredient is non-toxic and offers cleaning benefits with a more pleasant smell. It is a handy tool for cleaning kitchen items and around the house, from floors to drains.
In this article, we will tackle how apple cider vinegar can be used for cleaning.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Straight up – no sugarcoating; apple cider vinegar is a fermented apple juice. It contains vitamins B and C, acetic acid, fiber, and plant-based anti-oxidants. Then yeast is added, and sugar is generated over time, creating alcohol as a byproduct.
A lot of people praise apple cider vinegar because of its many uses. It is a household grocery staple used not only for cooking but also for health and wellness. Nowadays, it is a popular cleaning essential.
Why Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Cleaning?
The natural properties of apple cider vinegar are a natural scourge for hard-to-clean surfaces and areas in the house. It has antibacterial properties, is high in acetic acid, and has potent biological effects.
Apple cider vinegar is a safe cleaning agent. It effectively cleans away dirt, bacteria, and mineral deposits from surfaces. The high acidic properties of this ingredient make it an effective cleaning solution for sticky messes and soap residue in sinks.
With this ingredient as a cleaning tool, your home will get a 5-star treatment. While it is not as effective at killing germs as chlorine bleach, it is good at killing bacteria and germs on a cellular level without harsh chemicals.
What Is the Difference Between Apple Cider Vinegar and White Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is derived from the fermentation of crushed apples, while white vinegar is created through the fermentation of grain alcohol.
Both are acetic acids, making them equally powerful as conventional cleaning agents. Since both kinds of vinegar have similar makeups, one can be used as an alternative to the other.
However, white vinegar smells pungent, while apple cider vinegar smells sweet. As a result, the latter is mainly used for cleaning kitchen surfaces, walls, windows, and floors.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used for Cleaning the Kitchen?
You don’t need to purchase multiple appliance-specific kitchen cleaners from the grocery store. You can make your kitchen and appliances squeaky clean with 1:1 water and apple cider vinegar. It eliminates cellular bacteria and makes kitchen surfaces look neat and tidy.
To learn how to clean your coffee pot with apple cider vinegar, read our article – Will Apple Cider Vinegar Clean Your Coffee Pot?
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To learn how to clean your dishwasher with apple cider vinegar, read our article – Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean My Dishwasher?
Can Apple Cider Vinegar be Used for Cleaning the Bathroom?
You can remove bathtub mildew with apple cider vinegar. Depending on the stain, you can dilute the solution with water or use apple vinegar as it is. You can finish the cleaning process with essential oil so the entire bathroom will smell fresh.
You can also use this household ingredient to keep the basins, faucets, and toilet bowl sparkling clean. It can add sparkle and make the bathroom germ-free.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used for Stains and Window Streaks?
Apple cider vinegar is also recommendable for a no-streak clean of the windows of your house. You can also remove stains on painted walls, furniture, and kitchen items. However, apple cider vinegar can be harsh to some materials.
To know how this ingredient will react to delicate items, put a small amount of this solution in an inconspicuous area. Check the results and continue using if there are no adverse effects.
To learn how to clean your windows with apple cider vinegar, read our post – Can Apple Cider Vinegar Clean Windows?
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used to Unclog Drains?
Are you struggling with clogged drains or slow drains but scared to use harsh pipe-cleaning chemicals? Well, apple cider vinegar can do the job. However, you may need to use it with another household staple – baking soda to unclog it.
Baking soda’s alkaline properties will neutralize apple cider vinegar’s acidity. As a result, there will be foaming and fizzing reactions, which will break up gunk in drains.
When Not to Use Apple Cider Vinegar?
Don’t fall for the hype. Others may claim that apple cider vinegar can clean everything. However, this solution is not a catch-all cleaner.
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent for glass, stovetops, faucets, floors, toilets, etc. But do not use it on the following household items.
Countertops
Don’t use apple cider vinegar if you want your countertops clean and beautiful. The acidic properties of this ingredient can dull natural stones like limestone and marble.
Meanwhile, apple cider vinegar can damage the sealers on durable stones such as granite. Instead, you can clean your stovetop with baking soda paste or mild detergent.
Hardwood Floors
You may use diluted apple cider vinegar to clean floor tiles, but it’s not advisable to use it on hardwood floors. Diluted apple cider vinegar can remove the finish and leave the material looking cloudy. Some stores will avoid the warranty if the floor gets damaged because you used ACV to clean it.
Knives
Knives or other kitchen tools with edges are vulnerable. Apple cider vinegar may cause pitted edges on kitchen knives. The best cleaning option for knives is warm water and dishwashing liquid.
Electronic Screens
Never use apple cider vinegar to clean your smartphone, tablet, TV, or computer monitor. It can damage the anti-glare properties of the screen, or the touch screen won’t work anymore.
Instead, use rubbing alcohol to clean them. To learn how read our article – Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean Electronics?
Ranges
Generally, apple cider vinegar won’t damage enamel and glass ranges. But if you’re to clean a greasy mess on them, it is not advisable. Acid is a lousy degreaser for these materials. Use alkaline cleaners like baking soda or Borax on grease stains.
Washing Machines
Apple cider vinegar can get rid of stains on clothes. However, don’t use it in the washing machine. It can damage the hoses and rubber seals on the washing machine and cause a leak.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to “Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used for Cleaning?” It sure can! It will give you the best of both worlds – a clean, chemical-free home. You also know how it is made and that it is an acid, which is why it cleans well.
Apple cider vinegar can clean areas and appliances in your kitchen, areas in your bathroom, drains, and your windows. But don’t use it on countertops, knives, hardwood floors, electric screens, ranges, and washing machines.
If you’re interested in learning more about apple cider vinegar, check out our post – What Everyone Needs to Know about Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
