Paintbrush Softener
Soak the paintbrush in hot white distilled vinegar, and then wash out with warm, sudsy water.

Vinegar

Endless Green Cleaning Solutions

It is easy to forget that the most natural and effective cleaner could be sitting in your cabinet at this very moment. Vinegar is an all-in-one cleaner. It can take on most any cleaning challenge, no matter the size, and there’s no need to worry about harmful effects typically associated with harsh, chemical cleaning agents. Budget conscious and eco-friendly, vinegar is truly a product with many talents.

The Vinegar Institute, an international trade association representing the vast majority of vinegar manufacturers and bottlers and suppliers to the industry, encourages you to discover the many uses of vinegar including natural cleaning solutions.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Distilled white vinegar inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella.

Cleaning Solutions – Recipes for Natural Cleaning

This acidic wonder can wipe out tarnish, soap scum, mineral deposits, and more. Among natural cleaners, it’s the clear champ. Distilled white vinegar creates an environment that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella.

Real Simple - 66 All-Natural Cleaning Solutions

Live Green with White Vinegar

An online survey conducted by The Vinegar Institute found that cleaning/disinfecting are the second most popular uses for white distilled vinegar next to food preparation uses. Here are a few hints on how to utilize the cleaning power of vinegar in your home:

Use full-strength vinegar to banish grease and eliminate mildew.

Dilute with water to remove grease and grime on mini blinds.

Use full strength to clean chrome fixtures and whiten grout.

Dilute with water to brighten brickwork.

Dilute with ammonia and baking soda to freshen a musty closet.

Mix with salt and baking soda to unclog drains.

Dilute with water to deodorize the garbage disposal.

Spray full strength to get rid of unwanted grass and weeds.

Use full strength to remove your child’s ballpoint pen “art” from painted walls.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and stir in flour until it becomes a paste. Apply paste to brass, copper or pewter and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Rinse with clean warm water and polish until dry.

Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar to a 1-quart vase of water to keep flowers fresh longer.

Mix white distilled vinegar and linseed oil to clean leather. Rub the mixture into the leather and then polish with a soft cloth.

VINEGAR – Just a bit of this multitasker, straight up or mixed with water, can replace many pricier products filled with chemicals not necessary to get the job done.

Cleaning with Vinegar in the Media: