That bottle of apple cider vinegar in your pantry? It’s not just for drizzling over salads—it’s a cleaning powerhouse in disguise! While your usual cleaners come packed with unpronounceable ingredients, this natural alternative can tackle grime, grease, and soap scum without the headache-inducing fumes.
Blame it on acetic acid—the magic ingredient that dissolves hard water stains, mildew, and offensive (but equally potent) odors with ease. Whether it’s stains on counters, the stovetop, or even fruit flies invading your kitchen, this pantry MVP is ready to step in. Plus, it’s safe around kids and pets, making it a no-brainer swap for that basket full of chemicals.
So, how can you clean with apple cider? Stay tuned—because we’re about to turn this pantry staple into your go-to cleaning hack!
7 Best Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar in Cleaning
1. All-Purpose Surface Cleaner
Forget those chemical-laden sprays that promise the world but leave behind a sticky residue (or an overpowering scent).
Apple cider vinegar is the natural non-toxic cleaner your kitchen and bathroom have been waiting for. Thanks to its acetic acid content, it cuts through grease, grime, and bacteria without the harsh side effects of commercial cleaners.
How to Use: Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz it on your kitchen counters, tables, or bathroom sinks, then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth for a spotless, streak-free finish.
Dealing with a mess that laughs in the face of regular cleaners? Use a slightly stronger solution with more cider vinegar and less water.
What It’s Great For: Kitchen counters, tables, bathroom sinks—basically, anywhere grease and grime like to hang out.
What to Avoid: As much as we love cleaning with apple cider, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Skip using it on marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces, as the acidity can cause damage.
Also, steer clear of grout, stainless steel, waxed wood, cast iron, electronics, and rubber gaskets—because no one wants a ruined countertop or a corroded dishwasher.
And that’s just one way to ditch those chemical cleaners—we’ve got six more game-changing uses coming up!
2. Glass and Window Cleaner
Ever looked out your window and wondered if the world suddenly got gloomier? Nope, that’s just grime, water stains, and fingerprints clouding up your view.
Instead of reaching for a cleaner packed with questionable ingredients, clean with apple cider vinegar—a natural way to get streak-free shine without the overpowering fumes.
Why does it work so well? Acetic acid does the heavy lifting, breaking down hard water stains and built-up grime without leaving behind streaks or residue.
Even better, it’s a natural alternative that won’t leave you battling harsh chemical smells.
How to Use: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle, mist the glass, and wipe it down using a lint-free cloth or newspaper (yes, old-school, but it works!).
If you’re dealing with stubborn spots, diluted apple cider vinegar will not work.
Best For: Windows, mirrors, and glass tabletops—because nothing should come between you and a crystal-clear reflection.
3. Cutting Board and Kitchen Sanitizer
Your cutting board might be the unsung hero of your kitchen, but it’s also a hotspot for germs, grease, and lingering odors. In fact, studies show that it can harbor 200% more bacteria than a toilet seat—and that’s a thought no one wants while prepping a sandwich.
Instead of scrubbing it with a basket full of chemicals, use apple cider vinegar to tackle stains, smears, and those offensive but equally potent smells (looking at you, garlic and onion).
Why does it work? Apple cider vinegar effectively cleans by breaking down grease, food residue, and bad odors without leaving behind an artificial chemical taste.
Plus, it’s a natural, non-toxic cleaner, meaning your food stays fresh without any questionable residues.
How to Use: Spray undiluted apple cider vinegar directly onto the cutting board. Let it sit for five minutes—just enough time to scroll through your phone—then rinse with warm water.
Whether it’s butter smears, fishy scents, or that stubborn mayo streak, this natural alternative has your cutting board covered. And trust us, your next meal will thank you.
4. Floor Cleaner
Nothing ruins the joy of walking barefoot at home like stepping on mystery stickiness.
Whether it’s a dropped juice box, spilled coffee, or that unidentifiable goo, your floors deserve better. Instead of coating them with synthetic fragrances and questionable chemicals, clean them with apple cider vinegar for a streak-free, grime-busting finish.
Why does it work? Cider vinegar for cleaning dissolves dirt, grease, and sticky spills while being gentle enough for wood, tile, and laminate when properly diluted.
The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps cut through buildup without leaving a residue—so you’re left with nothing but a fresh, clean floor.
How to Use: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 or 2 parts water, depending on how tough the mess is. Dip your mop in, wring it out well, and start swiping.
No need to rinse—just let hot water make the floor air dry, and you’re good to go.
Best For: Tile, vinyl, hardwood, and laminate—because clean floors should feel as good as they look.
5. Bathroom Cleaner & Shower Descaler
If your showerhead is spraying in every direction but down, or your toilet bowl looks like they’ve been dusted with chalk, congratulations—you’ve met hard water buildup.
Since 85% of U.S. households deal with it, it’s no surprise that limescale, mildew, and soap scum love to claim your bathroom as their personal playground. Instead of scrubbing endlessly, let apple cider vinegar do the dirty work.
Why does it work? Cider vinegar effectively cleans because its acetic acid content breaks down hard water stains, mineral deposits, and mildew without harsh chemicals. It also clean drains.
Plus, it’s a natural alternative that deodorizes while it cleans—because no one wants a bathroom that smells like last week’s gym bag.
How to Use: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, coat your tiles, showerheads, and faucets, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Then, scrub away the grime like a cleaning superhero. You can also try combining it with soap and lemon juice for added effectiveness.
What to Avoid: As much as cider vinegar for cleaning is a powerhouse, it doesn’t play nice with marble, granite, natural stone surfaces, grout, stainless steel, waxed or unfinished wood, cast iron, electronics, rubber gaskets, or hoses. (Translation: Unless you want an accidental renovation, keep it off those surfaces.)
6. Laundry Booster & Fabric Softener Alternative
If your towels feel like sandpaper, your gym clothes still carry yesterday’s workout, or your pet’s bedding has developed its own distinct aroma, it’s time to bring in apple cider vinegar.
No, it won’t replace detergent, but it will work as a secret weapon for softer fabrics, fresher smells, and brighter laundry—without coating your clothes in synthetic softeners.
Why does it work? Cider vinegar effectively cleans by breaking down detergent residue, neutralizing odors, and acting as a natural softener.
Unlike conventional fabric softeners that leave behind a chemical-heavy scent, using organic apple cider and vinegar keeps things fresh without artificial fragrances or waxy buildup.
How to Use: Pour ½ cup of apple cider vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser or add it during the final rinse cycle.
It softens fabrics, eliminates bad smells, and even helps brighten whites—because dingy clothes are nobody’s vibe.
Best For: Towels that need fluffing, gym clothes that need deodorizing, and pet bedding that needs a serious refresh.
7. Pet-Friendly Cleaner for Pet Stains and Odors
Let’s be honest—pets are adorable, but their messes? Not so much.
Whether it’s an unfortunate accident on the carpet or a litter box that smells like a science experiment gone wrong, apple cider vinegar is here to save the day (and your nose). This organic apple cider vinegar is safe around kids and pets, making it a worry-free way to freshen up your home.
Why does it work? Cider vinegar for household cleaning doesn’t just cover up offensive but equally potent pet odors—it neutralizes them at the source.
Its acetic acid content breaks down pet urine stains, lingering smells, and bacteria, so your home smells like home again (instead of a kennel).
How to Use: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz it on the stain, and blot with a clean towel. For tougher messes, let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before wiping.
Bonus tip? Spraying undiluted vinegar in litter boxes can help prevent pesky bugs from showing up uninvited.
Best For: Carpets, pet bedding, litter boxes—basically, anywhere your furry friend has claimed as their own.
Now that your home smells fresh and clean, it’s time to ditch those chemical cleaners for good. Who knew cider vinegar could do so much?
When Should You Avoid Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaning?
As much as apple cider vinegar is a cleaning MVP, it’s not invincible.
There are some surfaces where using it is like inviting a bull into a china shop—things won’t end well. While it works wonders on grime, odors, and stains, certain materials can’t handle its acidity and may end up damaged, dull, or discolored.
If you’re thinking about using apple cider vinegar on your waxed or unfinished wood furniture, think again. The acidity can strip finishes, leaving your once-polished surfaces looking dull and lifeless.
And if you’ve got granite or marble countertops, vinegar can etch the surface, creating permanent marks that no amount of scrubbing can undo. Stainless steel? That’s another risky area—vinegar can tarnish and damage the protective coating, making your appliances lose their sleek shine.
Planning to clean your laptop screen or smartphone with cider vinegar? Abort mission.
The acidity can damage protective coatings, leading to permanent streaks or foggy displays. When it comes to electronics, stick to dry cloths or screen-safe cleaners—not pantry solutions.
While cider vinegar for cleaning has antibacterial properties, it’s no match for hospital-grade disinfectants.
If you’re handling raw meat, cleaning food prep areas, or disinfecting in high-risk spaces, stick to stronger sanitizers—because some bacteria need more than a natural alternative to be fully eliminated.
Vinegar-based cleaners should never be used on porous surfaces, as they can seep in and cause long-term damage. Grout, for example, can become weaker over time, leading to crumbling and water damage—not exactly the deep clean you were hoping for.
Conclusion: Is Apple Cider Vinegar the Right Cleaner for You?
So, can apple cider vinegar be used for cleaning? Absolutely—but only if you know when and where to use it. This pantry staple tackles grime, neutralizes odors, and wipes out soap scum while keeping things safe around kids and pets.
Whether you’re shining up windows, freshening laundry, or waging war against pesky bugs, cider vinegar for household cleaning is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that earns its spot in your cleaning arsenal.
But before you start spraying it on everything in sight, remember—not all surfaces are vinegar-friendly. Waxed wood, natural stone, and electronics? Hard no. If you’re dealing with stubborn bacteria in food prep areas, apple cider vinegar means well, but it’s no substitute for medical-grade disinfectants.
At the end of the day, cleaning with apple cider vinegar is like having a Swiss Army knife in your pantry—versatile, reliable, and great for everyday messes. Just use it wisely, and you’ll never look at that bottle the same way again!