SERVPRO Home Cleaning Tips

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, All-Natural, Bleach Free, Disinfecting – all of these are phrases you might see when you are shopping for cleaning products. But how do you know what is true or the “best” option? We’re not here to write reviews or provide a pros and cons list of the thousands of cleaning products currently on the market. But we do have a simple and cost-effective solution to help you in cleaning essentially every surface in your home! In fact, you probably already have it sitting on a shelf.

Distilled White Vinegar is one of the most versatile and cost-effective cleaning products you can find. While it does not contain a perfumy scent, it can easily cut through mildew, bacteria, and grime. It is safe for use on a wide variety of surfaces, and harm your children or pets. Not sold yet? We’ve listed a number of the ways you might use vinegar to clean your home!

Refrigerator: Spills or leaks inside your fridge? You don’t want chemicals where you store your food. Wipe up spills using a cloth dampened with equal parts vinegar and water.

Drains: Pour vinegar on a scrub brush small enough to get inside the disposal or drain grate. Sprinkle the brush with baking soda and scrub to remove built-up grime and odor causing bacteria.

Cutting Boards: spray the surface with 100% vinegar, then rinse to clean.

Microwave: remove those hard-to-clean microwave splatters by putting ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup water in a glass bowl. Microwave on high 2-3 minutes or until it begins to boil – wipe away buildup with ease!

Stained Plastic Containers: coat the container in vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes then wash as usual. If you find that you have tough tomato or high acidity food stains put 1 tsp of dish soap in the container, a folded paper towel and enough water to cover that paper towel. Place the lid back on the container and shake until the stains are gone!

Countertops: spray vinegar onto the surface and wipe it away with a warm, wet rag. However, you should avoid cleaning countertops with vinegar if you have granite or marble.

Toilet:  to clean a toilet with vinegar, pour about a cup of vinegar in the bowl and allow it to soak overnight. For tough jobs, empty the toilet water first. The next day, spread baking soda or borax in the bowl, scrub and flush!

Tub or sink drain: pour ½ cup distilled white vinegar around the closed drain and allow it to sit for several hours, penetrating any build up or soap scum. Scrub to remove, drain and rinse!

Shower:  Bring vinegar to a boil, then carefully use the warm vinegar to wipe down the shower door and walls. Keep them damp by wiping them down every couple of minutes for 30 minutes. Using a non-scratch sponge soaked in vinegar, sprinkle it with baking soda and scrub. Rinse with clean water to wash away soap scum, mold, water spots and germs!

Showerhead: Pour some white vinegar into a plastic bag, then using a rubber band or twist tie, secure it around the showerhead. The showerhead should be completely submerged in the vinegar. Leave the bag on overnight and remove before showering.

Tile: mix ½ cup white distilled vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Mop floors or scrub countertops with the solution and allow to air dry.

Mattress Disinfectant: mix distilled white, a little rubbing alcohol, and some tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on the mattress to help combat general odors, mildew and dust mites.

The list of uses for cleaning with Distilled Vinegar is virtually endless! Keep a bottle of 50/50 Vinegar and Water on hand for all of your quick clean-up needs.