🍎✨ How to Clean With Apple Cider Vinegar (and When Not To!)
- Home Reimagined
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever Googled natural cleaning tips, chances are you’ve seen someone singing the praises of apple cider vinegar (ACV). And yes, it can work... but should it be your go-to? Not necessarily. 🙃
Let’s get into what ACV is actually good for around the house, what it isn’t, and how to make it work if you happen to have a bottle in the pantry that’s been hanging out a little too long. 👀
🧼 Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean?
Yes—you absolutely can! But I’ll be honest... I don’t usually reach for it. ACV is slightly less acidic than distilled white vinegar, which means it’s a bit less effective when it comes to cutting through grime or deodorizing strong smells.
Also? It smells like salad dressing. 😂 Not terrible, just not how I want my whole house to smell.
If you’re going the DIY or natural route, I always recommend distilled white vinegar instead. It’s:
💰 Cheaper
💪 More effective
👃 Less smelly
That said, if you’re trying to use up a bottle of ACV or you like the natural route—it still has its place! Just use it wisely. 😉
🧪 Is Apple Cider Vinegar an Effective Cleaning Agent?
Kind of! ACV is great for:
Light deodorizing
Cutting through minor grime
Freshening up small spaces
But it’s NOT a disinfectant. ❌So if you're dealing with raw chicken juice on your counter, skip the ACV (or any vinegar, really) and go for a proper disinfecting cleaner instead—like Lysol, Branch Basics Oxygen Boost, or something that specifically lists bacteria-killing power. 🦠
🧴 How to Use ACV for Cleaning (the Right Way)
ACV is stronger than you think, so you always want to dilute it. Straight-up ACV can be too harsh for some surfaces and that smell will linger longer than you think.
Mix this simple solution:
🧴 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar
💧 1 part Water
🧼 Store in a spray bottle (linked!)
🌿 Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon 🍋 or lavender 💜) if you’re sensitive to strong smells
Then, apply with a:
Microfiber cloth 🧽 (non-abrasive!)
Soft sponge
Or just dip and wipe as needed
🏠 Where to Use ACV in Your Home
Here’s where ACV shines 👇
✨ Glass & Mirrors
Use your ACV solution to get a streak-free shine—just like with white vinegar. Spray and wipe with a lint-free cloth or even a coffee filter for crystal-clear results.
✨ Microwave
Add a splash of ACV to a microwave-safe bowl of water and heat for 2–3 minutes. The steam will loosen all the gunk—then just wipe it clean! 👏
✨ Garbage Disposal
Pour a mix of baking soda + ACV down the drain. Let it bubble for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water to neutralize odors and cut grease. 💨
✨ Laundry
Add 1/2 cup to your rinse cycle to help soften fabrics and get rid of musty towel smells. Great for gym clothes, too! 🧺
✨ Toilet Bowl
Pour 1 cup of ACV into the bowl and let it sit overnight. Scrub in the morning for a fresher, cleaner toilet—no bleach required! 🚽✨
✨ Pet Accidents on Rugs
ACV can help neutralize odors from pet messes—just always test a small spot first. Pair it with baking soda for extra odor-busting power. 🐾
🦠 Can You Use ACV to Clean Mold?
Technically, yes… but I wouldn’t recommend it for the heavy stuff.ACV has mild antifungal properties, so it might help with light surface mold (like in a window track), but it’s NOT strong enough for mold on:
🧱 Porous surfaces (like drywall)
🚿 Showers with deep mildew
🧽 Grout that’s already darkened
For mold cleanup, I personally use distilled white vinegar—or a commercial mold remover when things get intense. 💪
🚫 What NOT to Clean with ACV
Just like white vinegar, there are things you absolutely shouldn’t clean with ACV:
❌ Natural Stone (granite, marble, travertine): ACV can etch and dull the finish, and strip away protective sealants.
❌ Wood surfaces (especially unsealed): It can dry it out or cause damage over time.
❌ Electronics/screens: Never use ACV on LED, phone, or TV screens—the acid can cause permanent damage. Stick to screen-safe wipes or distilled water + microfiber only!
❌ Anything labeled “no acidic cleaners”: Always check the tag or packaging first!
💬 Final Thoughts
I love a good DIY cleaning moment, but just because something’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for every surface. 🌿
Apple cider vinegar has its place in home cleaning—it’s great in a pinch, or for deodorizing or small tasks. But if you want a powerhouse natural cleaner, distilled white vinegar is still the MVP in my book. 👑
✔️ Always test on a small spot first
✔️ Never mix vinegar with bleach (or ANYTHING bleach-based!) ☠️
✔️ And when in doubt, go simple!
✨ Ready to try ACV cleaning? Grab your spray bottle, essential oils, and microfiber cloths and give one of these easy swaps a go!
Let me know your favorite natural cleaning trick in the comments 💬 and don’t forget to check out my other cleaning guides and product favorites for more home magic. 🏡
💫 Until next time,
