Distilled vinegar is the best base product to use to create safe, effective cleaning solutions. In fact, it is far more effective in killing germs than bleach.
Organic Distilled White Vinegar is colorless, clear white vinegar with neutral, acidic flavor. The vinegar is created using 100% organic corn and rye as source material. All processing steps and the finished product itself conform to organic standards.
Numerous studies show that a straight 5 percent solution of distilled vinegar—the kind you can buy in the supermarket—kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). But companies can’t claim this on their packaging that vinegar is a disinfectant since it is registered as a food product with the Environmental Protection Agency. However, it seems to be common knowledge in the industry that vinegar is powerfully antibacterial. The Good Housekeeping Institute also confirmed this.
Recipe for cleaning glass, mirrors, etc.
Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. This mixture will fill 1/3 of a 1 quart spray bottle.
Recipe for general purpose cleaning
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of liquid soap
- 2 drops essential oil (optional)
Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. It will have a light cloudy texture. Try recycling one of your old cleaning bottles and mark it for general purpose cleaning. This mixture will fill 1/3 of a 1qt spray bottle.
Dwell Time
For heavy dirt and grime, spray the area and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes and then wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth. You’ll like the results.
Here are just a few of the ways vinegar can be used around the house.
- To clean a coffee maker, pour half pot of vinegar in the reservoir and run it through the cycle. Then run one or two cycles of plain water.
- Have fleas in the house? Pour 1 ounce of vinegar for every 6 ounces of water into a spray bottle then spray carpets, rugs and floors to get rid of the adult fleas. (Again, test the carpet in an inconspicuous area to ensure the vinegar doesn’t harm your carpet.) Wait one week, then spray again to get rid of the offspring.
- To clean and deodorize your dishwasher, add a cup of vinegar to a dishwashing cycle.