Cleaning Made Easy: Things to Clean in Your Home with Vinegar and Baking Soda

1. Kitchen Appliances
   
   a) Microwave: Remove stubborn food stains and odors by placing a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and vinegar (equal parts) in the microwave. Heat it for a few minutes, then wipe away the loosened grime.
   
   b) Dishwasher: Clean your dishwasher by placing a cup of vinegar on the top rack and running a hot cycle. This helps remove soap scum and mineral deposits, keeping your dishwasher working efficiently.
2. Bathroom
   a) Showerheads: Soak your showerhead in a bag of vinegar and secure it with a rubber band overnight. In the morning, scrub away any remaining mineral deposits for a clean and efficient water flow. b) Toilet bowl: Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl, add vinegar, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub it with a toilet brush to remove stains and disinfect it.
3. Floors
   a) Tile and grout: Apply a paste with baking soda and water to tile grout lines, scrub with a brush, and rinse with water to enjoy cleaner and brighter tiles. b) Hardwood floors: Mix a half-cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water to create a natural wood floor cleaner. Use a damp mop to clean and shine your hardwood floors.
4. Countertops
   a) Granite and marble: Avoid acidic cleaners on these surfaces, but you can safely clean them with water and a few drops of mild dish soap. For disinfection, follow up with a solution of water and vinegar (1:1). b) Laminate and stainless steel: Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle to clean and disinfect these surfaces effectively. Wipe with a clean cloth for a streak-free shine.
5. Windows and Glass
   a) Windows: Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle for a streak-free window cleaner. For a crystal-clear finish, use a lint-free cloth or newspaper. b) Glassware: Soak glassware in vinegar and warm water to remove cloudy stains. Rinse thoroughly after washing.
6. Laundry
   a) Stains: Treat common stains like coffee, wine, or sweat with a baking soda and water paste. Rub it onto the stain before washing it to help lift it. b) Fabric softener: Replace commercial fabric softeners with white vinegar. Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle to soften clothes, reduce static, and remove lingering odors.
7. Odor Removal
   a) Refrigerator: Place a bowl of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb odors. Replace it every few months for a fresh-smelling fridge. b) Carpets and upholstery: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets or fabric furniture, leave it for 15 minutes, and vacuum it to eliminate odors.