How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean

The acid in vinegar provides a degreasing tool that cuts oil and dirt without damaging glass or tile surfaces. With the proper procedures, vinegar and baking soda affords you multiple options in cleaning your home.

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your kitchen drain. Pour 1/2 cup white vinegar down the drain and allow both to remain for 10 minutes. Run hot water down the drain for one minute. The vinegar and baking soda disinfect the drain, removing any food pieces that may cause a foul odor.

2. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray chrome fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom with the vinegar. Allow the vinegar to remain on the fixtures for five minutes. Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar on the fixtures and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse the vinegar and baking soda from the fixtures with a wet sponge.

3. Pour 2 tbsp. baking soda onto a wet sponge. Clean bathtubs and shower stalls with the baking soda. Add water as needed to help scrub away soap scum and stains from surfaces.

4. Soak white paper towels in vinegar and lay them over white effervescence spots on faucet fixtures. Leave the paper towels on the fixtures for one hour. Check the paper towels during the hour and pour additional vinegar onto the towels if they start to dry out. Remove the paper towels and scrub the deposits free with a nylon scrubber. Rinse the faucet with cool water and a sponge.

5. Fill a bucket with equal parts water and white vinegar. Wet a lint-free cloth with the mixture. Clean windows or other glass objects with the vinegar water. The vinegar cuts through grease and dirt without etching the glass. Wipe the glass dry with a clean cloth.

6. Place 3 tbsp. baking soda into a bowl. Add enough water to form a thin paste. Scoop a small amount onto a damp sponge and polish stainless steel or silver using gentle pressure and small circular motions. Rinse the pieces completely and wipe dry with a soft cloth.