Vinegar and baking soda are not just pantry staples; they are powerhouse cleaning agents that can tackle more than just the usual kitchen messes.
Here are ten unexpected ways to use these versatile ingredients in your cleaning routine, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.
1. Unclogging Drains
Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar, pour it down the clogged drain, and cover with a wet cloth. After 5-10 minutes, flush the drain with boiling water. The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda will help dissolve the clog.
2. Refreshing Laundry
Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry to boost detergent performance and reduce odours. Vinegar can be used as a fabric softener replacement to soften clothes without leaving any residue.
3. Cleaning Grout
Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar to clean grout between tiles. Apply the paste, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water. This mixture helps lift dirt and whiten grout.
4. Reviving Plastic Containers
Remove stubborn stains and smells from plastic food containers by wiping them with a cloth dampened in vinegar or soaking them in a baking soda solution overnight.
5. Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Create a natural produce wash to remove residues by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda into water or using a solution of vinegar and water. This helps clean produce without the use of harsh chemicals.
6. Brightening Stainless Steel
Rubbing a baking soda paste onto stainless steel appliances and fixtures or wiping them with a soft cloth soaked in vinegar can help restore their shine and remove fingerprints without harsh chemicals.
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7. Neutralising Pet Odours
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit for an hour, and then vacuum it up to neutralise pet odours. Vinegar can also be used in a spray to deodorise pet bedding and other fabric surfaces.
8. Cleaning Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar to clean and deodorise your dishwasher or washing machine. It helps remove built-up soap residue and odours naturally.
9. Clearing Cloudy Glassware
Soak cloudy glassware in a solution of vinegar and water to restore its shine. This method removes buildup that can occur from hard water.
10. Deodorising Refrigerators
Place an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to neutralise odours. Wiping the inside with a solution of vinegar and water can also help clean and deodorise it.
Conclusion
Vinegar and baking soda are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners. These versatile household ingredients offer a multitude of cleaning uses that go beyond the basics, providing natural solutions for a clean and fresh home.