The next time you’re getting ready to clean your house, don’t overlook the bottle of apple cider vinegar hiding in your pantry. Beyond its reputation as a food enhancer, it’s also an exceptional multi-purpose household cleaner. Due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar works like most commercial cleaning agents—without any harsh chemicals. When combined with water or baking soda, it creates an effective, environmentally safe cleaning solution for hard-to-clean household items. Ahead, we consulted cleaning experts for their favorite ways to clean with apple cider vinegar.
I’ve always been a fan of keeping things simple, and apple cider vinegar fits the bill perfectly. Its acetic acid content—usually around 5% in most store-bought bottles—gives it that punch to tackle bacteria and grime. Plus, it’s super affordable; a gallon jug often costs less than $5, compared to $10 or more for fancy commercial cleaners. I’ve found it’s a great way to clean smarter, not harder, especially if you’re trying to cut down on chemical exposure at home.
Deodorize the Refrigerator
If your refrigerator has a lingering smell, deodorize it with apple cider vinegar. To do so, leave a small bowl of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in your refrigerator overnight. “This will help absorb any strong lingering odors,” says Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo.
I’ve tried this trick after a forgotten container of leftovers left my fridge smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. The vinegar-water mix works because the acetic acid neutralizes and breaks down odor-causing compounds. For an extra boost, I sometimes add a splash of lemon extract to the mix—it leaves a fresher scent without overpowering the fridge. Just make sure to swap out the bowl every couple of days if the smell persists, as the solution loses its potency over time.
Clean the Microwave
Apple cider vinegar can remove the toughest stains from your microwave. Heat a bowl of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in the microwave for three to five minutes. This will help loosen the food residue for easier cleaning, says Ronnie Kendrick, founder of Company Clean. Once the bowl is cool, remove it from the microwave and wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water to remove any grease buildup, says McAllister. Bonus: the apple cider vinegar will also deodorize the microwave, removing unwanted odors.
This method is a lifesaver for those splattered messes from reheating pasta sauce. The steam from the heated vinegar-water mix softens stuck-on gunk, making it wipe away like a dream. I’ve noticed it works best if you let the microwave sit for a minute or two after heating to let the steam do its magic. A quick tip: use a microwave-safe glass bowl, not plastic, to avoid any risk of chemical leaching. And if you’re worried about the vinegar smell, it dissipates quickly once you wipe it down.
Clean Windows and Mirrors
When window or mirror glass looks cloudy or dingy, apple cider vinegar is just the thing to dissolve built-up grime, says Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning. For windows: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle, spray on windows, then wipe with a microfiber cloth, moving in an S pattern. For mirrors: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray on mirror glass, then wipe with a microfiber cloth, moving in an S pattern.
I’ve been using this mix for years, and it’s honestly better than most store-bought glass cleaners. The S-pattern wiping trick prevents streaks because it ensures even coverage and avoids pushing dirt into corners. A little science here: the acetic acid in vinegar cuts through oily residues and mineral deposits, which are common culprits behind cloudy glass. If you’ve got hard water stains, try warming the solution slightly before spraying—it seems to boost its stain-busting power. Just don’t use this on tinted windows, as vinegar can sometimes mess with the tint over time.
Clean Drains and Disposals
Flush slow or smelly drains with apple cider vinegar. Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by a generous splash of apple cider vinegar. This will cause a fizzing effect. “Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water,” Webber says. You can use this same method to sanitize your garbage disposal.
The fizzing action is what makes this combo so effective—it’s like a mini volcano that breaks down organic buildup. The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) creates carbon dioxide bubbles that help dislodge gunk. I do this monthly to keep my kitchen sink drain flowing smoothly, and it’s saved me from calling a plumber more than once. For stubborn clogs, I sometimes follow up with a plunger to give it an extra push. It’s a cheap fix—baking soda costs about $1 a box, and you’re already using that vinegar from your pantry.
Remove Stains From Shower Glass
To remove smudges, streaks, or mineral deposits from shower glass, mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dish soap. Spray on shower glass and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub with a soft sponge and rinse well. The dish soap acts as a binding agent to the glass, and the vinegar will eat away any mineral buildup, says McAllister, adding that this is also a great cleaner for mold or mildew spots. Do not use apple cider vinegar in the shower if your tiles are made from natural stone (marble, granite, or travertine) as the vinegar can etch them.
This mix is a game-changer for anyone dealing with hard water stains. The dish soap helps the vinegar cling to the glass, giving it more time to break down those stubborn deposits. I’ve found that using a non-abrasive sponge, like one made for delicate cookware, prevents scratches while still getting the job done. If you’re tackling mildew, let the solution sit a bit longer—say, 25 minutes—for tougher spots. A word of caution: always check your tile type first. I learned the hard way that vinegar dulled the finish on my cousin’s marble bathroom counter!
Sanitize the Dishwasher
Apple cider vinegar can also sanitize and remove built-up grime from your dishwasher. Just pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into an empty dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle to get rid of soap, grease, and general mineral buildup, says Kendrick.
I started doing this after noticing my dishes weren’t coming out as sparkly as they used to. The vinegar’s acidity cuts through limescale and grease like nobody’s business, leaving the dishwasher’s interior gleaming. Studies suggest that vinegar can reduce up to 99% of certain bacteria, so it’s a solid choice for sanitizing. For an extra deep clean, I place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack instead of pouring it directly into the bottom—it seems to distribute better that way. Just don’t mix it with bleach-based dishwasher detergents, as the combo can create harmful fumes.
De-Scale Tea Kettles
Tea kettles can build up with limescale over time, but apple cider vinegar can remove it. Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in the kettle, bring the mixture to a boil, let it cool, and then rinse with warm water, says Webber.
Limescale is no match for this trick—I’ve revived an old kettle that looked like it was growing its own rock collection. The boiling action helps the vinegar penetrate the calcium deposits, making them easier to rinse away. If your kettle has a stubborn buildup, you might need to repeat the process or let the solution sit for an hour before boiling. I also wipe the exterior with a diluted vinegar solution to keep it shiny. It’s a small effort that extends the life of your kettle, saving you from replacing it too soon.
