Is It Ok To Mix Vinegar & Lemon Juice For Cleaning?

Looking for an effective and eco-friendly way to keep your home spick and span? The solution is just in your kitchen!

To keep it short, the answer to the question above is yes – it’s absolutely okay to mix vinegar and lemon juice for cleaning!  The combination of vinegar and lemon juice can work wonders as a cleaning solution, proving to be a gentle yet potent alternative to commercial cleaning products. 

These two ingredients, when mixed together, will not only tackle dirt and grime but also disinfect, while still being environmentally friendly and non-toxic. 

Let’s have a look into this cleaning solution and learn how it can transform your cleaning routine!

How Do You Use Vinegar And Lemon Juice For Cleaning

Vinegar and lemon juice, owing to their acidic properties, stand out as a reliable alternative to most cleaning products. 

Unlike harsh chemicals that can damage appliances and pose health risks, these natural ingredients are both tough on dirt but gentle on your household. The process is simple – just mix them together with water or without it for a stronger solution, and you’ve got a versatile cleaning product ready to tackle various areas in your home.

It’s an easy, cost-effective way to keep your home sparkling without compromising your family’s health.

DIY Cleaning Recipe Using Natural Products

For a simple yet effective cleaning solution, try this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1 cup of lemon juice
• 1 cup of water
• Empty spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix all the liquids together.
2. Pour the solution into the spray bottle.
3. And done! Use it for simple spills and mild cleaning tasks.

DIY Potent Cleaning Recipe

For tougher cleaning challenges, go for a stronger solution:

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or lemon peels
• 1 cup of lemon juice
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• Empty glass jar with lid
• Empty spray bottle
• Strainer

Instructions:

1. Mix lemon juice and white vinegar in the jar.
2. Add lemon rinds, ensuring they are well mixed.
3. Close the jar and let it sit for 3 weeks.
4. Strain the mixture to remove lemon rinds.
5. Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. Now, you have a stronger cleaning solution to tackle tougher stains that require heavy-duty assistance.

What Can You Clean With A Lemon Juice-Vinegar Solution?

Curious about where you can use your homemade cleaner? The versatility of the vinegar and lemon juice combination extends to various surfaces and items around your home. 

WARNING: It is essential to be cautious with sensitive materials such as marble, granite, quartz, and limestone, as the acidic properties can be too much and may damage them instead. 

Clothes

This natural solution is excellent for keeping your clothes fresh and stain-free. 

If you notice your white shirts having a yellow underarm stain, this usually happens because of the chemicals from your antiperspirant mixing with your sweat. Make your clothes white again by using a soft-bristled brush to apply the mixture to your shirt, leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse and wash as normal. 

The solution also acts as a fabric softener alternative, breaking down stains, and brightening colours.

SEE ALSO: Which Laundry Stains Can Lemon Juice Remove?

Toilet Bowls, Bathtubs, Showerheads, And Sinks

If you have stubborn stains, dirt, or even mildew in your bathroom, a solution of vinegar and lemon juice can rid you of those problems. 

The acidity from the mixture will help soften soap scum and mineral deposits on your sink, bathtub, showerhead, and toilet bowl, which is extremely helpful if you live in an area with hard water. 

Not only that, but the smell of the lemons will work wonders in your bathroom, and the vinegar’s disinfecting properties will make the area smell good, too.

Pots, Pans, And Metal Utensils

Do you have stains or blackened areas on your pots and pans? Revive your cookware by using the vinegar and lemon juice solution. The acidity of the mixture is enough to lift the stains and grime on your cookware, making it shine again. 

If the stains on your pots and pans have been there for a while, you may need to soak them for at least 30 minutes before washing them. In a basin or in your sink, soak the pots and pans in equal parts vinegar, lemon juice, and water, and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. 

If you want to make your aluminium cookware shine, you can also use a lemon peel to rub its surface and then use a microfibre cloth to gently buff the area, then rinse with water. 

WARNING: Do not use the solution on brass-plated cookware, as it can corrode its surface due to the acidity in the mixture. Always do your research beforehand to prevent ruining or tarnishing your things. 

Cutting Boards And Wooden Utensils

Yes, your wooden cookware can also benefit from the combination of vinegar and lemon juice. 

The antibacterial properties of the solution help kill germs that are on the surface of your cookware, which is crucial for items made of wood that can accumulate bacteria or grow mould and mildew. 

To clean your wooden cutting boards and utensils, spray the vinegar-lemon juice solution on their surface and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse them thoroughly with hot water. 

If there are any weird smells on your wood utensils before, best believe that they’ll be gone once the solution works its disinfecting properties well. 

Microwaves

One of the dirtiest and most stained appliances in our kitchen is our microwaves, which can easily accumulate stubborn stains, food splatters, and odours over time. 

To refresh your microwave, put two tablespoons of lemon juice, white vinegar, and water in a microwaveable bowl, then put it inside the appliance. Turn on the microwave then heat for 2 minutes. 

The steam will loosen the accumulated grime inside, and you’ll be able to wipe the interior with a microfibre cloth much more easily.

Windows And Glass Surfaces

Putting the key ingredients in the spray bottle can be a handy solution that’ll fix your foggy problems. 

Using the solution is very easy to use on a glass surface. Just spritz the solution on your windows or glass surface, then use a clean microfibre cloth or newspaper to wipe it off. 

Stovetops

When cooking, it is common for oils and grease to stain your stovetop. And yes, this is often the case when you fry or make food that’s just messy and will get grease everywhere. 

To make cleaning up much easier, apply the mixture to the stovetop, making sure to focus on the affected areas. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then use a paper towel to wipe the solution off.  Use a damp microfibre cloth to clean the surface completely. 

Kitchen Counters

We know – kitchen counters can get grungy easily. Fortunately, they can easily be disinfected using the vinegar and lemon juice solution!

Just spray the surface and wipe it with a clean cloth for an easy way to remove food and juice stains. 

Just remember, don’t use the solution on marble or granite surfaces! Unfortunately, the acidic properties from the lemon and vinegar combination can be too much for these surfaces and may corrode or stain them instead. 

Tiles

The tiles in our home are one of the surfaces that harbour bacteria and grime easily. Especially in the bathroom, the tiles can accumulate grout stains and soap scum, not to mention that they can accumulate mineral deposits due to hard water. 

All you need to do is spray your tiles with the mixture and allow them to sit for 10 minutes or longer for stubborn stains. Then scrub with a brush to achieve a clean and sparkly surface again.

WARNING: Never mix your white vinegar-lemon juice solution with bleach! Doing so will create fumes that are extremely dangerous to inhale, as it creates a toxic gas that’s harmful to your household. 

Fridges

Disinfecting the inside of your fridge does not require you to use all those expensive cleaning products. 

Before anything else, make sure to unplug your appliance, then remove all the food and contents inside to allow you to clean it properly. Spray the lemon juice and vinegar solution inside and leave it for 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge. 

Once all the surfaces are clean, use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe the surfaces thoroughly. You can also do the same for the bins, drawers, and racks of your fridge. 

Make sure that everything is dry before plugging the appliance back in!

Coffeemakers

Yes, your java maker can absolutely be cleaned by the multi-purpose ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen. 

All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of lemon juice, a cup of white vinegar, and water to fill your coffee pot. Then turn on the machine to allow the solution to rinse the inside of your coffee maker. 

Once that is complete, dump the solution and replace it with cold water, then run the machine again to remove the smell of the lemon juice and vinegar in the pot.

Washing Machines

Over time, our washing machines can get that mildewy smell due to constantly being a damp environment. 

When you notice that your clothes and machine have a foul odour in them despite being washed, then it’s time to give your washer a thorough cleaning. 

Put a cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in your washer’s detergent tray, then run an empty cycle using the hottest wash option. This will allow you to eliminate detergent, dirt, and mineral buildup without having to use harsh chemicals in your appliance!

SEE ALSO: How To Use White Vinegar In The Washing Machine (and why!)

Clean Your Home Without Breaking The Bank!

Making use of vinegar and lemon juice as a cleaning solution is not just a budget-friendly choice; it’s a step towards a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. 

We hope that the recipes and tips we shared in this article will help you make an effective cleaning solution without having to expose yourself, your family, and your home to potentially harmful chemicals. 

Do you have any questions or tips to share? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions