Yes, You Can Clean With Apple Cider Vinegar—Here's How to Do It

This natural cleaner can sanitize and deodorize household items.

The next time you’re getting ready to clean your house, don't overlook the bottle of apple cider vinegar hiding in your pantry. Beyond its reputation as a food enhancer, it's also an exceptional multi-purpose household cleaner .

Due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar works like most commercial cleaning agents—without any harsh chemicals. When combined with water or baking soda, it creates an effective, environmentally safe cleaning solution for hard-to-clean household items. Ahead, we consulted cleaning experts for their favorite ways to clean with apple cider vinegar.

Meet the Expert

• Sarah McAllister , founder and CEO of GoCleanCo
• Ronnie Kendrick , founder of Company Clean
• Forrest Webber , cleaning guru and founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning

Related: 20 Ways to Use Baking Soda to Clean and Freshen Your Home

Deodorize the Refrigerator

If your refrigerator has a lingering smell , deodorize it with apple cider vinegar. To do so, leave a small bowl of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in your refrigerator overnight. "This will help absorb any strong lingering odors," says Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo.

Clean the Microwave

Apple cider vinegar can remove the toughest stains from your microwave. Heat a bowl of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in the microwave for three to five minutes. This will help loosen the food residue for easier cleaning, says Ronnie Kendrick, founder of Company Clean.

Once the bowl is cool, remove it from the microwave and wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water to remove any grease buildup, says McAllister. Bonus: the apple cider vinegar will also deodorize the microwave, removing unwanted odors.

Related: How to Clean Your Microwave the Right Way—and How Often You Should Do It

Clean Windows and Mirrors

When window or mirror glass looks cloudy or dingy, apple cider vinegar is just the thing to dissolve built-up grime, says Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning.

• For windows: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle, spray on windows, then wipe with a microfiber cloth, moving in an S pattern.
• For mirrors: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray on mirror glass, then wipe with a microfiber cloth, moving in an S pattern.

Clean Drains and Disposals

Flush slow or smelly drains with apple cider vinegar. Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by a generous splash of apple cider vinegar. This will cause a fizzing effect. “Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water,” Webber says. You can use this same method to sanitize your garbage disposal.

Remove Stains From Shower Glass

To remove smudges, streaks, or mineral deposits from shower glass , mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dish soap. Spray on shower glass and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub with a soft sponge and rinse well. The dish soap acts as a binding agent to the glass, and the vinegar will eat away any mineral buildup, says McCallister, adding that this is also a great cleaner for mold or mildew spots.

Warning

Do not use apple cider vinegar in the shower if your tiles are made from natural stone (marble, granite, or travertine) as the vinegar can etch them.

Sanitize the Dishwasher

Apple cider vinegar can also sanitize and remove built-up grime from your dishwasher . Just pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into an empty dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle to get rid of soap, grease, and general mineral buildup, says Kendrick.

Related: How to Descale Your Stovetop and Electric Tea Kettles

De-Scale Tea Kettles

Tea kettles can build up with limescale over time, but apple cider vinegar can remove it. Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in the kettle, bring the mixture to a boil, let it cool, and then rinse with warm water, says Webber.