DIY Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar Cleaning Solutions

Please Share!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest

If you’ve ever had a conversation with me, you might have heard me rant about the chemicals in our home—yes, I’ve become that person who checks labels, scrutinizes ingredients, and refuses to let certain products near my home. But before you roll your eyes or think I’m being a little extreme, let me explain why I make my own vinegar and apple cider vinegar cleaning solutions.

After struggling with infertility for eight long years, I reached a breaking point. When I found out that many of the chemicals in everyday household products were linked to fertility issues, I was DONE. It felt like my body had been fighting against me for years, and I wasn’t going to let harmful chemicals keep me from my dream of having more babies. This revelation pushed me to take action. I dove headfirst into researching and creating safer alternatives for my home, and I haven’t looked back. This journey has not only been about cleaning up my space but also about cleaning up my life. I want to share what I’ve learned in hopes of inspiring others on similar paths.

Why the Switch? Chemicals and Infertility

Infertility is an emotional rollercoaster, and it took me a while to realize just how many environmental factors contribute to the struggles we face. Chemicals found in cleaning products, personal care items, and even food packaging are disrupting our hormones and potentially impacting fertility for both men and women. It’s not just about the obvious toxins but also the hidden chemicals that sneak into our homes and bodies and affect our health.

After learning about these harmful chemicals and their potential impact on fertility, I decided to make a change. I knew that switching to natural cleaning products wouldn’t be an instant fix. Still, it was one of the most empowering decisions I’ve made for my body and home. And now, I’m sharing the knowledge I’ve gained about natural cleaning with you!

Vinegar: The All-Purpose Miracle Cleaner

I’m a huge fan of DIY cleaning solutions, and vinegar has become one of my all-time favorite go-to ingredients. When I first started researching natural cleaners, I was amazed by how versatile and practical vinegar was, especially for someone like me who was learning how to ditch the chemicals. Let’s start with white vinegar—the unsung hero of natural cleaning.

Why Vinegar Works

Vinegar is made from distilled alcohol, which is why it effectively kills up to 80% of bacteria. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—there’s almost no area of your home where vinegar can’t work its magic.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Vinegar

Do’s:

• General Cleaning: Mix vinegar with water to clean almost any surface, from countertops to glass. It works wonders on mirrors and windows without leaving streaks.
• Deodorizing: Vinegar naturally neutralizes odors, so it’s great for trash cans, garbage disposals, and even in the laundry as a fabric softener.
• Mildew and Grime: Say goodbye to mold and mildew in the bathroom. Vinegar can help remove those stubborn deposits and leave your space smelling fresh.
• Stubborn Stains: Do you have hard water stains on your faucets or scale buildup on your coffee maker? Vinegar can help! It dissolves mineral deposits and leaves things sparkling clean.
• Cleaning Appliances: From stovetops to dishwashers, vinegar’s degreasing power makes it perfect for cutting through kitchen messes.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Mix with Bleach: NEVER combine vinegar with bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda. (This creates dangerous fumes that can harm your health).
• Avoid Unfinished Wood: Vinegar is acidic, so avoid using it on unfinished wood or delicate, waxed furniture. It can strip away finishes and damage surfaces.
• No Vinegar on Natural Stone: Natural stones like granite, marble, and slate are porous, and vinegar can erode them. Stick to mild soap and water to clean these surfaces.
• Not for Grout Regularly: While vinegar can work for an occasional deep clean, it’s not great for grout on a routine basis.
• Don’t Use on Electronics: Avoid using vinegar on screens or tech surfaces, as it could damage them.

DIY Natural Cleaner Recipes You’ll Love

So, you’re ready to ditch the chemicals, but you’re wondering, “What can I use instead?” Well, I’ve got a couple of simple recipes to help you get started. These are the very recipes I use in my own home, and I promise they work wonders without any of the harmful chemicals we’ve come to avoid.

Lemon & Pine Cleaner

I love the refreshing scent of lemon and pine, and they pack a punch when it comes to cleaning. For this, I use 90-proof vodka (you don’t need to go fancy—grab the cheapest bottle you can find!). Here’s how you can make your own homemade cleaner:

• Fill a quart jar with lemon zest (9-10 lemons) and the rest of the jar pine (or any other herb you like, such as rosemary, sage, mint, or eucalyptus).
• Pour 90 proof or 100 proof vodka until the jar is full. (You can also use Ever clear).
• Seal the jar and shake it daily for about two weeks, storing it away from sunlight.
• After two weeks, strain out the herbs, and you’ll have a wonderful tincture for cleaning.

To make your cleaner, combine:

1 part lemon-pine tincture

1 part white vinegar

3 parts water

It’s a perfect all-purpose cleaner, and the scent is amazing!

Note: One part just means if you use ½ cup of vinegar then use ½ cup of tincture and then use 1 ½ cups of water.

Herb-Infused Vinegar Spray

Not a fan of vodka or pine? No problem! You can make a simple herb-infused vinegar cleaner:

• Fill a jar with your favorite herbs (mint, rosemary, orange peel, etc.).
• Cover with vinegar and let it sit for two weeks, shaking daily.
• Once the two weeks are up, strain out the herbs and use the infused vinegar in equal parts with water for a fresh, natural cleaner.

Can Vinegar Be Used as Laundry Detergent?

Many people don’t realize that vinegar can be a fantastic natural alternative to some store-bought laundry products. While it doesn’t completely replace the detergent (vinegar isn’t a surfactant that breaks down dirt and grime in the same way regular detergent does), it can definitely be a helpful addition to your laundry routine.

How Does Vinegar Help with Laundry?

Vinegar is acidic, which means it can break down mineral deposits, soap scum, and other residues that might be left on your clothes from hard water or fabric softeners. It can also help balance the pH levels in your wash, making your clothes feel softer and smell fresher.

Benefits of Using Vinegar in Laundry:

• Fabric Softener: Vinegar is a natural alternative to fabric softeners that help soften clothes. It doesn’t leave behind any chemical residue, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
• Odor Removal: It neutralizes odors, helping to freshen up your laundry. If your clothes are a bit smelly after a workout or long day, vinegar can help eliminate that stubborn scent.
• Brightens Clothes: It can brighten whites and colors, restoring them to their original vibrancy by removing buildup from detergent or hard water.
• Removes Stains: While vinegar isn’t a stain remover on its own, it can help loosen stains, especially when paired with other natural cleaning agents.

Vinegar is not a good enough laundry detergent on its own, but when you mix it with my next favorite vinegar—Apple Cider Vinegar—it becomes one!

Why Combine White Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar?

• White Vinegar: This great all-around cleaner helps break down stains, remove odors, and soften clothes. It’s also excellent at fighting soap scum and residue buildup.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV has more natural enzymes, which help break down body oils, sweat, and grime. It’s also gentler on sensitive skin and adds a light, natural scent.

Combining both types of vinegar offers the best of both worlds: you get the powerful stain-removal and softening properties of white vinegar, along with the skin-friendly and slightly gentler characteristics of apple cider vinegar.

DIY Apple Cider Vinegar & White Vinegar Laundry Detergent Combo

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 to 2 drops of your favorite essential oil or tincture made for cleaning spray (like lemon or eucalyptus for a pleasant scent)—optional
• 3 to 4 cups of water (to dilute and make it more manageable for regular use)

Directions:

1. Combine Vinegars: Combine the white vinegar and apple cider vinegar in a large mixing bowl or jar. Use equal parts or adjust to your preference.
2. Add Water: Add 3 to 4 cups of water to dilute the vinegar mixture. This will make it easier to use and less concentrated. You can add more water if you prefer a gentler formula.
3. Essential Oils (Optional): If you’d like a pleasant fragrance, add 1 to 2 drops of essential oil or the tincture made for the cleaning spray. Lemon or eucalyptus are excellent for a clean, fresh aroma. Be cautious with the amount of essential oil, as it’s potent.
4. Transfer to a Container: Pour the mixture into a storage container, like a glass jar or an empty detergent bottle. This will make it easy to use when you do laundry.

How to Use in Your Laundry:

For a regular load of laundry, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the vinegar-detergent mixture to the drum during the rinsing cycle or the fabric softener compartment.

You can increase the amount to 1 cup for heavily soiled laundry. Suppose you’re using the vinegar mix for a specific stain or odor. In that case, you can pre-soak the clothes in the solution before washing.

Benefits of This Vinegar Combo:

• Removes odors: Both types of vinegar help neutralize foul odors, while ACV works extra hard to break down body oils, sweat, and grime.
• Softens clothes naturally: Vinegar naturally softens fabrics without harsh chemicals or synthetic softeners.
• Gentler on the skin: ACV is milder on sensitive skin than white vinegar, making this a good option for people with allergies or skin sensitivities.
• Eco-friendly: This mixture is free from synthetic chemicals, helping reduce your environmental footprint and supporting a chemical-free household.

Final Thoughts: A Small Change, Big Impact

Making the switch to natural cleaning products might seem like a big step, but trust me, it can make a world of difference—for both your home and your health. I know it can feel overwhelming at first, but even small changes can have a big impact. If you’re not ready to replace everything in one go, that’s totally okay. Start with one product and see how it makes you feel. Every positive change is a step towards a cleaner, healthier life.

And remember—you’re not alone on this journey. I’ve been there, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I’m cheering you on as you take small steps toward a healthier, chemical-free home. Let’s make those changes one step at a time!

Thank you for being here and letting me share this with you.

For more on infertility please check out our post Infertility Part 1: Chemicals

Please Share!