Vinegar is not just a kitchen staple—it’s also one of the most powerful natural cleaners around. Its versatility makes it a must-have for countless household tasks. 

Whether you’re tackling tough cleaning jobs, or looking for eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals, vinegar has you covered. Vinegar even freshens your home!

In this post, you’ll discover 56 incredible ways of using vinegar for indoor cleaning and maintenance. From eliminating odours to brightening fabrics and removing grime, vinegar’s uses are virtually endless. 

Its affordability and accessibility make it an essential part of any household toolkit. 

Ready to unlock the potential of this natural cleaner? Here are 56 brilliant ways to put vinegar to work in your home.  They will save you time, money, and effort.

1. Clean Windows and Mirrors
For streak-free windows and mirrors, vinegar is unbeatable. Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through grime, leaving a crystal-clear finish.  Vinegar is a natural glass cleaner.

2. Eliminate Fridge Odors
Unpleasant odors in the fridge are no match for vinegar. Place a small bowl of vinegar inside your refrigerator to neutralize bad smells. It works by absorbing the odors, leaving the fridge fresh and odor-free.

3. Brighten Laundry
Vinegar can brighten your clothes and remove detergent buildup. Add half a cup to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. It softens fabrics and enhances the brightness of your whites. It’s a simple solution that’s gentle on clothes while acting as a natural fabric softener.

4. Remove Soap Scum from Showers
Soap scum builds up in showers over time, leaving unsightly residue. Spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water onto the scum. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub away with a sponge. Your shower will look like new!

5. Clean and Deodorize Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers can become grimy and smelly over time. Pour a cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. This cleans the machine, removes odors and detergent residue, and ensures your dishes come out sparkling clean.

6. Shine Hardwood or Laminate Floors
Vinegar is an excellent cleaner for hardwood floors. Mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water and use it to mop your floors. The solution removes dirt and leaves your floors shiny and fresh without leaving residue.  It also leaves them streak free!

7. Descale a Coffee Maker
Mineral buildup in your coffee maker can affect its performance and the taste of your coffee. Run equal parts vinegar and water through the machine to descale it. Make sure to run a full brew cycle with plain water two times afterward to rinse out any remaining vinegar. This will keep your coffee tasting fresh.

8. Disinfect Cutting Boards
Vinegar’s antibacterial properties make it perfect for cleaning cutting boards. Pour part undiluted vinegar directly onto the board, scrub with a brush, and rinse with water. This removes bacteria and keeps your boards clean and safe for food prep.

9. Clean a Microwave Effortlessly
Microwave messes are easy to clean with vinegar. Heat a glass bowl of one cup vinegar and cold water in the microwave for five minutes. The steam loosens stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe clean.

10. Remove Rust from Metal Tools
For rusty tools, vinegar is the perfect solution. Soak the tools in vinegar for several hours. Scrub off the rust with a brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Your tools will look as good as new.

11. Freshen and Unclog Drains
For clogged or smelly drains, use vinegar and baking soda. Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by a half cup of baking soda. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water to clear clogs and remove odors.

12. Clean Stains from Carpets
Mix equal parts vinegar and water to tackle tough carpet stains. Spray the solution onto the stain, blot with a clean cloth, and repeat until the stain is gone. It’s especially effective on pet stains and light carpet stains.

13. Whiten Grout
Grout between tiles often gets grimy over time. Spray vinegar directly onto grout lines and scrub with a brush. The vinegar lifts dirt and brightens the grout, restoring its original color.

14. Keep Fresh Flowers Longer
Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water in your vase. This helps keep flowers fresh by preventing the growth of bacteria that cause wilting.

15. Shine Faucets and Fixtures
Faucets can lose their shine due to mineral deposits. Soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the faucet for 30 minutes. Wipe clean for a polished, shiny finish.

16. Soften Paintbrushes
If you’ve forgotten to clean your paintbrushes, don’t worry. Soak them in vinegar to soften the dried paint. Rinse with warm water and your brushes will be usable again.

17. Deodorize a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can develop odors over time. Pour a cup of vinegar down the disposal and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with hot water to eliminate the smell and freshen your kitchen.

18. Polish Stainless Steel Appliances
Vinegar is great for cleaning stainless steel. Spray vinegar onto appliances and wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. It leaves a streak-free, polished finish.

19. Clean Blinds and Shades
Blinds tend to gather dust and grime. Use a cloth dipped in vinegar to wipe down each slat, removing dirt without leaving streaks. It’s an easy way to keep your blinds fresh and clean.

20. Refresh Your Bathroom
Vinegar is perfect for cleaning bathroom surfaces. Spray it onto your toilet, sink, and tub to disinfect and remove grime. Its natural acetic acid breaks down soap scum and kills bacteria, leaving everything fresh and clean.

21. Remove Water Rings from Wood
Water rings on wood furniture can be unsightly. Dab vinegar onto the ring and gently buff with a soft cloth until the stain fades.

22. Clean a Showerhead
Mineral buildup on a shower head can reduce water flow. Soak the showerhead in a plastic bag of full-strength vinegar for a few hours, then rinse. The vinegar removes the buildup and restores water pressure. You can use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining residue.

23. Shine Glassware
If your glasses are cloudy from hard water deposits, vinegar can help. Soak the glassware in a solution of vinegar and water, then rinse. Your glasses will come out sparkling clear.

24. Clean a Mattress and Pillows
Remove odors and freshen up your mattress by spraying it with a light misting of vinegar-water solution. Let it air dry, and the vinegar will neutralize odors and kill bacteria.

25. Deodorize Laundry Hampers
If your laundry hamper is starting to smell, spray it with vinegar. The vinegar neutralizes odors and keeps the hamper smelling fresh.

26. Remove Stickers and Labels
Struggling to remove sticky labels from glass or plastic? Soak the label in vinegar for a few minutes, then peel it away easily without residue.

27. Clean the Inside of a Washing Machine
Over time, washing machines can develop a musty smell. Run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar to clean and deodorize the machine, keeping it fresh and efficient. It’s a must for any laundry room.

28. Disinfect Makeup Brushes
Vinegar is perfect for cleaning makeup brushes. Soak your brushes in a solution of vinegar and water, then rinse thoroughly. Lay on a dry cloth to fully dry. It removes dirt, oils, and bacteria, keeping your skin healthier.

29. Freshen Upholstery
Remove odors from furniture upholstery by spraying it with a diluted vinegar solution. The vinegar neutralizes smells without leaving behind a harsh chemical scent.

30. Clean Air Vents
Air vents can become clogged with dust and dirt. Spray vinegar onto a cloth and wipe down your air vents to remove buildup and improve airflow in your home.

31. Clean Refrigerator Shelves
Refrigerator shelves can become sticky and grimy over time. Wipe them down with a vinegar and water solution to clean and disinfect without using harsh chemicals.

32. Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass Shower Doors
Vinegar is perfect for tackling hard water stains on glass. Spray the solution onto the door and wipe it clean with a cloth. The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits, leaving your glass spotless.

33. Freshen Upholstery and Curtains
Spray a diluted vinegar solution onto your upholstery or curtains to freshen them up. The vinegar neutralizes odors without leaving a lingering scent.

34. Disinfect Remote Controls and Electronics
Use vinegar to disinfect frequently touched items like remote controls and phones. Spray a little vinegar on a cloth and gently wipe these surfaces clean.

35. Wipe Inside Oven After Self-Cleaning Cycle
After running the self-cleaning cycle in your oven, wipe down the interior with a vinegar solution. This removes any remaining ash or residue, leaving your oven fresh and ready to use again.

36. Clean the Inside of a Microwave
Stuck-on food in your microwave? Heat a bowl of vinegar and water inside for five minutes. The steam loosens food, making it easy to wipe away.

37. Clean Stainless Steel Sinks 
Stainless steel sinks can dull over time. Spray vinegar and scrub the sink with a sponge to restore shine and remove stains. The acidity in vinegar helps break down soap residue and water spots, leaving your sink spotless.

38. Remove Candle Wax
Candle wax can be tricky to remove from surfaces. Soften the wax with a cloth soaked in vinegar, then scrape it away. The vinegar dissolves the wax residue without damaging the surface.

39. Freshen Tupperware
Tupperware can develop odors over time. Soak the containers in vinegar and water to remove the smells and leave your containers fresh. This is especially helpful for old food odors.

40. Remove Crayon from Walls
If your little ones have drawn on the walls with crayon, vinegar can help. Spray vinegar onto the crayon marks and wipe them away with a cloth. It’s a safe and effective way to remove the marks without damaging your paint.

41. Clean Window Tracks
Window tracks can collect dirt and debris. Spray vinegar into the tracks and scrub with a brush to remove the buildup, leaving them clean and functional. This helps your windows open and close smoothly.

42. Disinfect Doorknobs and Handles
Vinegar is an easy and safe way to disinfect doorknobs and handles. Spray a little vinegar on a cloth and wipe down these high-touch areas to kill germs. It’s a quick, chemical-free way to keep your home germ-free.

43. Remove Smoke Odors
If you have lingering smoke smells in your home, vinegar can help. Place bowls of vinegar in the affected rooms to absorb the odors and leave your home smelling fresh. The vinegar will neutralize the smell over time.

44. Clean Light Switches
Light switches are often overlooked during cleaning. Spray vinegar onto a cloth and wipe down switches to remove grime and bacteria. This is an easy way to keep these high-touch areas clean and disinfected.

45. Clean and Freshen Drains
Drains can start to smell over time. Pour vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with hot water to eliminate odors and keep your drains fresh.

46. Disinfect Pet Bowls
Pet bowls can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Soak them in vinegar and water to disinfect and remove buildup. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with food or water to keep your pets safe and healthy.

47. Clean the Inside of Your Oven
Ovens can get greasy and grimy after repeated use. Spray vinegar onto the interior surfaces, let it sit, and scrub away the grease with a sponge. Vinegar cuts through the grime and leaves your oven clean and ready for the next meal.

48. Remove Musty Smells from Towels
Towels can develop musty odors over time, especially in humid climates. Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing towels to remove smells and leave them fresh and soft.

49. Clean Baseboards
Baseboards often collect dust and dirt. Wipe them down with a vinegar-dampened cloth to clean them and leave your home looking spotless. This is a quick and effective way to brighten up your rooms.

50. Remove Sticky Residue from Glass
If your glass surfaces have sticky residue from stickers or labels, vinegar can help. Spray it onto the residue and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a cloth. The vinegar dissolves the sticky residue without damaging the glass.

51. Keep Fruit Flies at Bay
Fruit flies can be a nuisance in the kitchen. Fill a small bowl with vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap, poking small holes in the top. The vinegar attracts the flies, trapping them inside. It’s a simple and effective way to keep your kitchen fly-free.

52. Freshen Leather Furniture
Leather furniture can lose its luster and develop odors over time. Wipe down leather surfaces with a cloth dampened in vinegar to freshen the leather and restore its shine. Make sure to test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color.

53. Steam Iron Cleaner
Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your steam iron, reducing its effectiveness. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, then run the iron through a steam cycle. This removes the buildup and helps your iron work more efficiently.

54. Remove Water Spots from Glassware
Hard water can leave unsightly spots on glassware. Soak the glassware in vinegar to dissolve the mineral deposits and leave your glass sparkling. This works wonders on wine glasses and everyday drinking glasses alike.

55. Clean Stone Floor Tiles
Stone floor tiles can accumulate dirt and grime, but many cleaners are too harsh for stone. Use a vinegar solution to gently clean stone floors without damaging them. The natural acidity of vinegar lifts dirt while preserving the integrity of the stone.

56. Clean Shower Curtains
Shower curtains can collect mildew and soap scum over time. Remove the curtain and soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water. Scrub away any remaining grime before hanging it to dry. This will keep your bathroom feeling and smelling fresh and clean.

Use the Power of Vinegar

Vinegar is a powerful, versatile, and natural solution for countless household tasks. From cleaning windows and freshening fabrics to eliminating odors and removing stains, this simple household staple can tackle even the toughest jobs. 

Its natural acidity and antibacterial properties make it an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals, saving you money while keeping your home clean and fresh.

With these 56 tips, you’ve discovered how to incorporate vinegar into almost every aspect of your household routine.

Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or living spaces, vinegar can be your go-to solution for cleaning and freshening.

Plus, it’s safe for pets, family members, and the environment. So, the next time you’re faced with a tough cleaning challenge, grab a bottle of vinegar—you’ll be amazed at what it can do!

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