June 6, 2025
Home Cleaning and Window Washing: Vinegar as a Cleaning Agent Works Wonders
Kotihandi Blog
Home Cleaning and Window Washing: Vinegar as a Cleaning Agent Works Wonders
Home Cleaning and Window Washing: Vinegar as a Cleaning Agent Works Wonders
Vinegar has been praised as a miracle cleaner – it’s natural, neutralizes bad odors, and makes surfaces shine. When cleaning your home, it’s definitely worth trying vinegar before reaching for stronger chemicals. However, there are a few important things to know to ensure it doesn’t damage delicate materials.
Vinegar is an effective cleaner, but homemade solutions don’t contain preservatives and shouldn’t be stored for long. Read Kotihandi’s master cleaners’ tips on how to use vinegar and how to get crystal-clear windows with it.
How Can You Use Vinegar in Home Cleaning?
The best vinegar for cleaning is white distilled vinegar, a mix of water and acetic acid. It should always be diluted with water before use. Other vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, may contain sugars or dyes unsuitable for cleaning.
To prevent damage, always dilute vinegar. Below, we explain how and when to use it as a cleaner.
Make Your Own Vinegar Cleaning Solution
A great all-purpose cleaner is made by diluting vinegar in cold water. Avoid hot water – it can cause vinegar to evaporate and irritate the airways.
Mix 1 part vinegar with 9 parts water to make a gentle and effective cleaner.
Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar
Clean the inside of your washing machine regularly using vinegar. Pour 1 dl of undiluted vinegar into the detergent compartment and run an empty 90°C cycle. The incoming water dilutes the vinegar.
Tip: Use vinegar regularly in laundry as a fabric softener. Add ½–1 dl vinegar to the softener compartment. It softens clothes, removes odors, and keeps the machine clean.
Vinegar Eliminates Bad Odors
Sweaty or musty clothes can be refreshed with vinegar. Place the garments in a bucket or basin with 10 liters of lukewarm water and 2 parts vinegar. Let soak for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
Tip: Great for refreshing thrifted clothes too!
Unclog Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
For smelly or clogged drains, try vinegar and baking soda. The alkaline soda and acidic vinegar cause a chemical reaction that helps break down grease and grime.
Pour 1 dl baking soda into the drain, then add 2 dl white vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes and flush with hot water.
Tip: DIY methods don’t work on major clogs. If your drain is still blocked, contact a Kotihandi plumber.
Use Vinegar to Remove Limescale
Vinegar’s acidity makes it great for removing limescale, e.g., in bathrooms. Create a general cleaner by mixing 1 part vinegar with 9 parts water. Spray on the area, wipe with a damp cloth, and dry thoroughly.
Tip: If your showerhead is covered in scale, soak it in a container or tie a bag around it with 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Don’t Use Vinegar on Delicate Surfaces
Though useful for many areas, vinegar should not be used on natural materials like marble, granite, or porous stone.
Avoid using vinegar on silicone seals in the bathroom, as it can cause damage over time. Always rinse it off thoroughly after use.
Don’t use vinegar on polished or waxed surfaces. Test in a hidden area first if unsure.
How to Clean Windows with Vinegar
For sparkling clean windows, vinegar works wonders. You only need a couple liters of warm water and three tablespoons of vinegar. Add a few drops of dish soap to cut through grease.
Follow these steps for window cleaning:
- Dust off window sills, blinds, and frames.
- Start cleaning from the outside and work inward.
- Dip your window cloth in the solution and wring out excess water.
- Wash the window from top to bottom.
- Use a squeegee to dry the window, starting from the top. Wipe the squeegee blade after each stroke with a microfiber cloth.
- Slightly overlap each pass to prevent streaks.
Change the cleaning water whenever it gets dirty!
Don’t Have Time for Window Cleaning? Book with Kotihandi
Window cleaning isn’t everyone’s favorite spring chore—especially when streaks force you to start over. Skip the hassle and let Kotihandi handle the job.
Our professional cleaners ensure flawless results. Explore our window cleaning services and book easily through the Kotihandi app.
