Let's talk vinegar! This unassuming kitchen staple isn't just for adding a zing to your salads. It's also our number one sidekick for some heavy-duty cleaning. But, just like choosing the right outfit for a party, you need to pick the right vinegar for the job, which is where we come in. Here is our rundown of what vinegars you should, and shouldn’t use, in cleaning.
Vinegar for cleaning you can use
- White Distilled Vinegar:
White distilled vinegar is our favourite choice for cleaning due to its high acidity and low cost. It’s great at removing grease from surfaces, as well as getting rid of smells. You can use it to clean windows, kitchen appliances, and your bathroom.
- Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is slightly less acidic than white vinegar, but it's still a winner. It's great for removing stains on fabric and works well as a natural deodoriser. Keep in mind that its colour might leave a slight residue on some surfaces.
- White Wine Vinegar:
White wine vinegar is great for cleaning stainless steel appliances and glass surfaces. It has a milder acidity so it won’t damage these materials.
- Balsamic Vinegar:
Whilst balsamic vinegar is safe for cleaning wood surfaces like cutting boards and wooden furniture, we’d avoid using it due to its expense!
Vinegar for cleaning you can't use
- Malt Vinegar:
Malt vinegar is less ideal for cleaning. It has a strong smell that can linger, and its darker colour can potentially stain surfaces.
- Red Wine Vinegar:
Red wine vinegar has a deep colour and strong flavour, we’d avoid using on light surfaces that could stain.
- Sherry Vinegar:
Sherry vinegar is very rich, so it can leave behind a sticky residue. We’d avoid using this.
- Fruit-Infused Vinegars:
Vinegars infused with fruit flavours like raspberry or blueberry are great in salads but not in cleaning. Their fruity aroma and added sugars can create a sticky mess, stick to plain vinegars for cleaning.
Remember when using vinegar you should dilute it with water. The usual ratio is one part vinegar to one part water, but you can adjust this depending on what it is you are cleaning.
