When it’s time to clean the house, you can reach for a basket full of chemicals and cleaners, or you can use a less offensive but equally potent cleaner that you probably already have in your pantry – apple cider vinegar! Wait, can you clean with apple cider vinegar? Absolutely! When using organic apple cider vinegar for cleaning, you have the comfort of knowing that you are using a natural, non-toxic cleaner that is also safe to use around kids and pets.

Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, one of which is providing an energy boost. Before starting your day, take a shot of 1-2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar so you have the energy to clean the house! Then, ditch those chemical cleaners because here are seven tips for using apple cider vinegar as part of your cleaning routine.

  • 1. Create an All-Purpose Cleaner 

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, making it an ideal choice for an all-purpose cleaner. Use equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to make a cleaner you can use in the bathroom and kitchen to clean drains and hard water stains, counters, the stovetop, microwave, and more. The acidity of apple cider vinegar means it can tackle more demanding jobs like mildew and soap scum. Note that vinegar is not recommended for natural stone surfaces.

  • 2. Clean Your Toilets

Apple cider vinegar effectively cleans most of the bathroom, including the toilet. You can spray the ACV into the toilet bowl or pour about 1/2 cup into the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, scrub as usual, and flush. Alternatively, you may add a layer of baking soda to the toilet bowl before you clean it.

  • 3. Unclog Drains 

Harken back to your days of vinegar and baking soda volcanoes for this one. You can unclog drains with the power of acids and bases. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, and follow it with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. It will fizz and foam, breaking down the clogs and deodorizing. After about 15 minutes, pour hot water down the drain. This is an excellent routine maintenance procedure, but it may take a couple of rounds for more challenging clogs.

  • 4. Trap Fruit Flies 

Those pesky bugs reproduce quickly, so it’s imperative to act quickly. It is important to clean surfaces and drains thoroughly because although fruit flies love fruit, they will also be attracted to other food particles or spills. However, you can make a quick trap with apple cider vinegar.

  • Pour a little apple cider vinegar into a small glass or jar.
  • Cover the jar with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
  • Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap so the fruit flies can enter.
  • Set the jar near the sink or wherever you notice fruit flies.

Make a few of these traps for quicker results and place them around the kitchen or in other rooms if they’ve migrated.

  • 5. Wash Your Windows 

You can use diluted apple cider vinegar to wipe down your windows—first, dust with a dry cloth. Then spray your all-purpose cleaner on the window and wipe with a paper towel. To prevent streaks, you will want to quickly dry your windows with a dry paper towel or microfiber cloth.

  • 6. Clean and Deodorize Appliances

How often do you clean and deodorize your dishwasher or washing machines? Not often? Routine maintenance will ensure they stay clean and don’t start to smell, and using apple cider vinegar is a quick way to freshen up these appliances that are supposed to keep your dishes and clothes clean.

Dishwasher – Start with an empty dishwasher. Add about 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar a few minutes into the wash cycle. This will help clean grime and soap spots.

Washing Machine – Again, start with an empty machine. Add about 2 cups of apple cider vinegar instead of laundry detergent. Run your empty machine and let the vinegar work its magic!

  • 7. Relax and Detox Yourself 

Okay, so this isn’t for the house, but at the end of a cleaning marathon, you deserve to feel refreshed too! Now that the house is clean, you can take care of yourself with a detoxing bath and revitalizing face mask. You’ll be feeling refreshed and relaxed in no time!

At North Coast Organic, we provide only the highest-quality organic apple products produced in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, U.S.A.

If you have questions about our organic apple cider vinegar or how to use it as part of your health, beauty, or cleaning routines, contact us today!