20 Simple Ways to Clean with Apple Cider Vinegar

Clean with Apple Cider Vinegar for a Natural, Eco-Friendly Home

Cleaning with apple cider vinegar isn’t just for the kitchen—it’s a powerful, natural cleaning solution that’s affordable, eco-friendly, and highly effective. From tackling stubborn stains to eliminating odours, its non-toxic properties make it a great alternative to harsh chemicals. In this post, you’ll discover 20 simple ways to clean with apple cider vinegar, giving you practical tips to keep your home sparkling while staying budget-conscious and safe. Let’s get started!

This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Get Started With Apple Cider Vinegar

You can grab apple cider vinegar on Amazon or make your own at home! My simple guide walks you through the steps in no time. It’s easier than you think!

Want a glass spouted jug for your ACV? Here’s a similar one on Amazon!

If you only need a stainless steel spigot we love this one from Amazon.

Head Over To Discover

How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

Kitchen Cleaning with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural cleaning superhero for all kinds of kitchen messes. Skip the harsh chemicals and grab this simple pantry staple for a fresh, odor-free, and sparkling space. Whether you’re tackling sticky countertops or lingering smells, these easy methods will help you keep your kitchen in top shape.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Forget buying expensive sprays packed with unknown ingredients. You can make your own all-purpose cleaner with apple cider vinegar in just seconds. Combine 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Shake it up and use it to wipe down countertops, sinks, stovetops, or any surface that gets grimy. This solution cuts through grease and kills bacteria without leaving any nasty residue. Bonus: it’s safe to use in homes with kids or pets, making it perfect for everyday cleaning.

Dishwasher Cleaner

Over time, dishwashers can collect residue, soap scum, and odors, even if they’re doing their job. To give yours new life, pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a regular cycle. The vinegar works to break down buildup and eliminate that musty smell, leaving your machine fresh and ready to handle your dishes again.

Appliance Cleaner

Apple cider vinegar is a simple, natural way to clean appliances and get rid of unpleasant odours. For example, I’ve used it to freshen up my coffee maker, and it worked great. Just mix equal parts of ACV and water, run the mixture through the machine, then flush with plain water. It cleared out the buildup and left no funky smell. For refrigerators or microwaves, wipe them with a cloth soaked in diluted ACV—it cuts through grime and tackles lingering food odors.

Cutting Board Disinfectant

Cutting boards get a lot of wear and tear, especially from raw meat and produce. Keep yours clean and bacteria-free by wiping them down with undiluted apple cider vinegar. Use it on both wooden and plastic boards—it’s a natural disinfectant that’s tough on germs but gentle on surfaces. Let it air-dry before putting the board away to avoid moisture buildup.

Garbage Disposal Deodorizer

Garbage disposals can quickly become a source of nasty odors. To fix this, pour ½ cup of apple cider vinegar down the disposal drain. Let it sit for 10 minutes to break down food residue and deodorize. Afterward, flush with hot water to wash everything away. For even better results, toss in some baking soda before adding the vinegar—it’ll fizz up and clean deeper into the disposal.

Fridge Deodorizer

No one likes opening a fridge that smells like last week’s leftovers. Apple cider vinegar can fix that too. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then use it to wipe down shelves, drawers, and walls inside the refrigerator. The vinegar neutralizes odors without leaving behind any chemical smell. Plus, it’s safe to use around food, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning solutions contaminating your groceries.

Keep these tips in your cleaning routine, and you’ll see how versatile and powerful apple cider vinegar really is.

Learn to make your own ACV: How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

Bathroom Cleaning with Apple Cider Vinegar

Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t have to mean filling the air with strong, chemical smells. Apple cider vinegar is a natural, effective alternative that can tackle common bathroom issues like grime, odors, and stains. Plus, it’s safe, affordable, and easy to use. Here are some of the best ways apple cider vinegar can help you keep your bathroom fresh and spotless.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Tired of scrubbing endlessly to get rid of stubborn stains and odors in your toilet? Apple cider vinegar is a simple, chemical-free solution. Just pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar directly into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for about 30 minutes—this gives the natural acidity time to break down stains and kill bacteria. Afterward, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush. You’ll get a clean, deodorized toilet without the strong chemical smell of typical cleaners.

Shower Head Cleaner

If you notice reduced water pressure or a crusty, white buildup on your shower head, limescale may be the culprit. Apple cider vinegar can dissolve these mineral deposits without damaging the metal. Fill a small plastic bag with apple cider vinegar, then tie it securely around the shower head so it’s fully submerged. Let it soak overnight. By morning, the buildup will loosen, and you can gently wipe it away or rinse it off with water. It’s like giving your shower head a fresh start.

Mold and Mildew Remover

Bathrooms are a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in damp corners and on tile grout. Ditch the harsh sprays and try apple cider vinegar instead. Simply pour undiluted apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it directly onto the affected areas. Let it sit for an hour to allow the vinegar to penetrate and kill the mold. Then scrub the surface with a brush or sponge and rinse it clean. It’s a natural solution that leaves no chemical residue behind.

Mirror Cleaner

Streaky mirrors driving you crazy? Apple cider vinegar works wonders for achieving a streak-free shine. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the solution on your mirror, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. The vinegar cuts through grime and fingerprints without leaving any film behind. In just a few swipes, your mirror will be crystal clear and ready to reflect your hard work.

Unclog Your Slow Drain

Apple cider vinegar can help clear minor clogged slow drains. Its natural acidity breaks down buildup, especially grease or soap scum. To use it, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of apple cider vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll see how versatile apple cider vinegar can be in tackling some of the toughest bathroom cleaning tasks!

Laundry Tips Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural solution that can replace common laundry products packed with chemicals. It’s safe for sensitive skin and gentle on fabrics. Whether you’re looking to soften clothes, tackle stubborn stains, or remove funky smells, here’s how apple cider vinegar can transform your laundry routine.

Fabric Softener Substitute

Ditch the store-bought fabric softeners that are often loaded with artificial perfumes and harsh ingredients. Apple cider vinegar is an easy and effective alternative. Simply add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. It works by breaking down detergent residue and balancing the fabric’s pH level, leaving your clothes softer and less prone to static.

Smells Fresh (not like vinegar)

Worried about your clothes smelling like vinegar? Don’t be. The smell completely disappears once your laundry dries, leaving nothing but fresh, clean clothes. Plus, it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it avoids the irritants commonly found in commercial softeners.

Stain Remover

Stubborn stains like coffee, sweat, or grass don’t stand a chance when you put apple cider vinegar to work. The natural acidity of apple cider vinegar helps to break down and lift stains, making it an excellent first step before tossing clothes into the wash.

To use it, apply apple cider vinegar directly to the stained area, letting it sit for 10–15 minutes. For tougher stains, mix it with a bit of baking soda to create a paste. Work the paste into the fabric gently, then rinse and wash as usual. You’ll be surprised at how well it restores your clothes without relying on harsh chemical stain removers.

Odor Neutralizer

If your laundry sometimes comes out smelling less than fresh—maybe from sweaty gym clothes or forgotten loads left sitting in the washer—apple cider vinegar can save the day. Its natural deodorizing properties neutralize unpleasant smells without masking them like synthetic fragrances.

Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. This is especially helpful for musty towels or clothes that have absorbed funky odors. It not only eliminates smells but also works to kill odor-causing bacteria. After washing with apple cider vinegar, your clothes will come out smelling clean and refreshed.

Apple cider vinegar proves yet again that it’s not just for the kitchen. By using it in these simple yet effective ways, you can make your laundry routine more eco-friendly, skin-safe, and cost-effective.

Living Area Cleaning with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar isn’t just a workhorse for the kitchen and bathroom—it’s also a fantastic tool to keep your living areas clean, fresh, and inviting. Whether you’re dealing with streaky windows, lingering pet odors, or stale air, this natural cleaner can tackle it all without relying on chemical-laden products. Let’s explore how you can use apple cider vinegar to keep your living space spotless and deodorized.

Window Cleaner

Tired of streaky windows that still don’t look clean even after you’ve wiped them down? Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, giving it a shake to mix. Lightly spray the solution onto your glass surfaces, like windows or mirrors, and use a reusable cloth to wipe it clean. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar cuts through dirt and grime with ease, leaving behind a streak-free shine.

Carpet Cleaner

Carpets have a sneaky way of absorbing everyday odors, from spilled coffee to pet smells. Thankfully, apple cider vinegar is a natural, affordable carpet cleaner when used correctly. For pet stains, mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. Wine stains need equal parts vinegar and water, while food spills work best with 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Start by blotting the stain gently with a clean cloth, never scrubbing, to avoid spreading it. For a deeper clean, use the mixture in a carpet vacuum cleaner designed for liquid solutions. Synthetic carpets handle vinegar well, but dilute it further for wool to prevent damage. Always test the solution on a small area first to stay safe. Let the carpet dry completely before walking on it again.

Apple cider vinegar proves yet again that it’s a powerhouse cleaner for every part of your home. With simple mixtures and thoughtful application, you can keep your living areas looking and smelling their very best.

Need ACV? Grab my favourite organic apple cider vinegar on Amazon. #ad

Outdoor and Miscellaneous Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar isn’t just a cleaning tool for your home—it works wonders outdoors and on unexpected projects too. Thanks to its natural acidity and versatility, it’s a handy helper for tasks like managing weeds, tackling rust, and even cleaning your barbecue grill. Let’s see how this simple pantry staple can make your outdoor and miscellaneous cleaning tasks easier.

Fruit Fly Trap

Apple cider vinegar is very attractive to fruit flies, just like their love of ripening fruit. To make a fruit fly trap fill a small jar or bowl halfway with apple cider vinegar. Cover the small jar (or bowl) with plastic wrap, poke a few small toothpick-sized holes, and place it where you see the flies. The vinegar attracts the flies, the wrap keeps them stuck within the jar, and the vinegar drowns the curious critters. Dump and refill as needed until they’re gone.

Ant Deterrent

Struggling with ants overtaking your home? Apple cider vinegar is a natural, chemical-free ant deterrent that gets the job done. Its high acidity disrupts the pheromone trails of unwanted ants, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ant sprays filled with harmful ingredients.

To use it, simply pour undiluted apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the areas ants roam. Wipe clean with a soapy cloth to further remove those trails. Pouring boiling water over ants and hills will kill the colonies effectively and fast.

Grill Cleaner

Grilling is fun, but nobody loves dealing with greasy, grimy grates afterward. Instead of reaching for harsh cleaning chemicals, pull out your apple cider vinegar instead. Its natural degreasing power is perfect for breaking down stubborn residue left after your barbecue sessions. Plus, it’s food-safe, so you don’t have to worry about unwanted residues lingering on your cooking surfaces.

Here’s how to clean your grill with apple cider vinegar:

Fill a spray bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
Spray the mixture liberally onto the grill grates, focusing on the areas with stuck-on grease or charred bits.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften the residue.
Use a grill brush or a scouring pad to scrub away the gunk.
Rinse the grates with warm water and let them air-dry.

It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep your grill looking new while being safe for food preparation.

Rust Remover

Those rusty tools at the back of your shed or forgotten metal items don’t need to be tossed. Apple cider vinegar’s natural acidity can help break down rust and help you restore your smaller items to their former glory. It’s an affordable, low-effort solution for giving old tools, cast iron pans, or hardware a second life.

Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar to remove rust:

Fill a container with enough apple cider vinegar to completely submerge the rusty item.
Soak the object overnight, giving the vinegar time to break down the rust.
Remove the item the next day and scrub it with a brush or steel wool to loosen any remaining rust.
Rinse thoroughly with water and dry it immediately to prevent new rust from forming.

This trick works best for smaller items like screws, hand tools, or bolts. For larger objects, you can soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the rusty area instead.

With these outdoor and miscellaneous uses, apple cider vinegar proves once again that it’s an all-purpose cleaning without the need of harsh chemicals.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is a true multitasker when it comes to natural cleaning solutions. Its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature make it an easy choice for tackling a wide range of household tasks. From freshening up your laundry to keeping your kitchen, bathroom, and even outdoor spaces spotless, it’s a simple swap that delivers big results.

Which tip are you most excited to use? Tell me your favourite way to clean with apple cider vinegar in the comments below!