Hey friends! 👋
Let me tell you, vinegar has become one of my favorite kitchen cleaning essentials. I used to think that a cleaner had to be packed with chemicals to really get the job done, but once I tried vinegar, I realized just how wrong I was!
Not only does it cut through grease, grime, and dirt like a pro, but it’s also super affordable and completely natural. So, I wanted to share my go-to DIY vinegar kitchen cleaner recipe that I use pretty much everywhere in my kitchen.
This cleaner is crazy easy to make, smells fresh (trust me, the vinegar smell doesn’t stick around!), and it works wonders. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Why I Love Vinegar as a Cleaner
Okay, before I dive into the recipe, let me tell you why vinegar has become my ride-or-die for kitchen cleaning.
Vinegar is naturally acidic, which makes it perfect for breaking down grease and grime. It’s also antibacterial and cuts through tough messes without needing any harsh chemicals.
And the best part? It’s safe to use around food surfaces, which is a must in the kitchen!
Alright, here’s how I make my favorite DIY vinegar kitchen cleaner.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar (this is the star of the show)
- 1 cup water (to dilute it a bit and make it safe for most surfaces)
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, but it helps mask that vinegar smell and adds some extra cleaning power—I love lemon or lavender!)
- A spray bottle (you can reuse an old one or grab a fresh one)
How I Make It:
- Mix the vinegar and water
I start by pouring 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water into my spray bottle. This combo alone is perfect for cutting through grease and making my countertops shine. The vinegar does the heavy lifting, while the water helps dilute it so it’s safe for most surfaces.
- Add the essential oil
This step is optional, but I always add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the mix. Lemon essential oil is my personal favorite because it smells amazing and adds a little extra grease-fighting power. But if I’m in a calming mood, lavender is my go-to. It makes my kitchen smell so fresh without being overpowering.
- Shake it up
After adding everything to the bottle, I give it a good shake to mix everything together. And that’s it! My DIY vinegar kitchen cleaner is ready to tackle whatever mess comes its way.
How I Use It:
Now, let me tell you how this vinegar cleaner has totally transformed my cleaning routine. I use it literally everywhere—countertops, stovetop, sink, inside the fridge, even on the kitchen floor!
I just spray it directly onto whatever surface needs cleaning and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
If I’ve got a greasy mess (like after frying or cooking something messy), I’ll let the cleaner sit for a minute or two before wiping it away. It breaks down the grease without me having to scrub like crazy, which is always a win in my book!
A Few Pro Tips I’ve Picked Up:
- Be careful with natural stone: If you have marble or granite countertops, skip the vinegar. The acidity can damage natural stone over time. But for surfaces like tile, laminate, and stainless steel, it works beautifully.
- Microwave cleaning hack: Here’s a little trick I love. If my microwave is looking grimy, I’ll spray this cleaner inside, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it clean. It makes cleaning the microwave a breeze!
- Stubborn spots: For those extra sticky or greasy spots (like after a big cooking session), I’ll sprinkle a little baking soda on top of the cleaner and scrub it down. The combo of vinegar and baking soda works like magic!
Why This Cleaner Works for Me
Honestly, I love this DIY vinegar kitchen cleaner because it’s simple, safe, and super effective. I used to buy expensive cleaners that didn’t even work as well as this natural one.
Plus, I love knowing that I’m not spraying any harsh chemicals where I prep food. It just gives me peace of mind. And let’s be real—it costs pennies to make!
Not to mention, it’s eco-friendly and sustainable. I’m reusing old spray bottles, cutting down on plastic waste, and sticking with ingredients that are safe for the environment. It’s a win-win all around!
Give It a Try!
If you’re ready to ditch the chemical cleaners and go natural, this DIY vinegar kitchen cleaner is a great place to start. It’s so easy to make, works on practically everything, and leaves your kitchen sparkling clean. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll never want to go back to store-bought cleaners again!
And if you’ve got any other vinegar cleaning hacks, I’d love to hear them! Let me know how this works for you or if you’ve got any tweaks to the recipe. Happy cleaning! 😊
Discover:
Eric Alvarez is the head of content on LilDutchUncle.Com. He is an HVAC guy based in El Paso, Texas, United States. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University Of Texas at El Paso. Years of experience in the HVAC field have taught him many lessons, not the least of which is that the value of quality and knowledge far exceeds any promised initial savings. He has a good standing reputation for superior skills in heating, air conditioning, hot water tanks, and indoor air quality systems.
