The Wonders of White Vinegar

In an effort to stay green, cost effective and provide a healthier environment for my family, I have started making my own cleaning products. It is so easy and inexpensive! I can't believe I went so many years buying expensive store bought brands which are filled with chemicals. White vinegar is my absolute favorite thing to clean with, I use it everywhere! Try these tips to clean your home faster, better, and cheaper:

Countertop Cleaner
1 Cup White Vinegar
1 Cup Water

Use this receipe to clean kitchen countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and backsplash areas. Also use in the bathroom on countertops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet. For stubborn surfaces like shower stall doors, try heating the solution until warm. Spray the surface down and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

White vinegar will dissolve dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits. It is even gentile enough to clean hardwood flooring and won't stain grout on tiled surfaces. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer so it will absorb odors instead of covering them up. And don't worry about the smell, the aroma will disappear when dry.

Undiluted white vinegar is wonderful for making quick work of tougher cleaning problems. Use it to scrub out your toilet, while using a pumice stone to remove any remaining hard water rings. Or use undiluted white vinegar to clean shower heads that have been clogged with mineral deposits by removing the head and soaking it in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar. If you are nervous about removing the shower head, you can also place 1/2 cup of vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours or overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture with a cloth for a shiny finish.

White vinegar is also a great addition to your laundry routine. Try adding a cup to the rinse cycle istead of standard fabric softener. White vinegar will soften the clothes and will cut detergent residue which is great for anybody with skin allergies or sensitive skin.