5 Surprising Ways to Clean Your Kitchen With Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (commonly abbreviated as “ACV”) is a type of vinegar that’s made from fermented apple juice, and while it’s a great addition to marinades, condiments, and salad dressings, it also makes for one of the most effective (and natural) cleaning agents. If you’ve got a grimy sink due to buildup of debris or dirty dishes, funky mold or spoilage from expired or rotting foods in a refrigerator, or a stinky garbage bin from a leaky bag that should’ve been taken out days ago, it’s ACV to the rescue.  

Why is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Cleaning?

Turns out, the vinegar’s pH has antibacterial properties and is a wonder at killing odors. “Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile and effective cleaning agent for the kitchen due to its natural acidic properties, for the acidity helps break down grease, grime, and residue, making it easier to wipe away,” says Karina Toner, a cleaning expert and Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning, DC's top-rated cleaning service. It’s terrific for neutralizing odors, so your kitchen smells fresh. 

Strong or unpleasant odors can result from the presence of basic or alkaline substances, so when cleaning with ACV, the acidity in the vinegar works to neutralize and balance pH levels, and thus eliminate odors. “If you want to eliminate odors, you can simply spray a solution of half vinegar and half water into the room like an air freshener,” says Melanie Musson, a home cleaning expert with Clearsurance.com. What’s more, it also has antibacterial properties, which makes it useful as a cleaning product, in general. 

By integrating ACV into your regular cleaning routine you can effectively prevent a buildup of odors associated with bacterial decomposition and growth. Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar in the kitchen for a cleaner, fresher-smelling space. 

5 Places To Clean and Deodorize Apple Cider Vinegar

Kitchen Surfaces 

You can get rid of dirty kitchen surfaces by preparing an apple cider vinegar solution at home. 

Toner suggests a formula that’s made with one part apple cider vinegar and one part water. You can use it to clean countertops, cutting boards, and even the interior of your refrigerator. Simply mix equal parts water and ACV, apply the solution and wipe surfaces clean. “This not only sanitizes but also leaves a streak-free shine,” Toner says. Wipe down surfaces daily, and always after meal-prepping or cooking. 

A tip? Musson suggests wringing the cloth out gently so that it’s still quite wet to then wipe countertops and surfaces and allow them to air dry. “If you’re worried about leaving streaks behind, you can use a paper towel to wipe the counter after you let the vinegar solution sit for 30 seconds to a minute,” Musson says. 

Plus, if you want streak-free windows and streak stainless steel sinks and fixtures, you can use a 1:1 solution of ACV and water to clean those areas, too. “Wipe down surfaces and then follow up with crumpled newspapers to dry and remove streaks,” Musson recommends.

Stove Top and Oven

The same formula, combining one part apple cider vinegar and one part water, cleans stove tops, too. “You can tackle a greasy stovetop by spraying the solution, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then wiping it down with a clean cloth,” Toner suggests. The acid in ACV cuts through tough kitchen messes and dissolves stubborn residue to leave behind a natural sparkle and shine for a nice and fresh appearance. 

As for the oven, you can use ACV to clean, as the acid helps break through grease and build-up. “Boil ACV and put the bowl in the oven, and the steam from the vinegar will get all over the interior of the oven,” Musson says. Let the oven sit until the water cools, and then wipe out the vinegar and grime.

Microwave 

For the microwave, combine 1 cup water with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. “Boil ACV in the microwave to coat the microwave in the steam condensation, and let it sit for five to 10 minutes, and then wipe out the interior,” advises Musson. 

Dishwasher

You can also use ACV to clean and deodorize the dishwasher. “Pour a cup of ACV into an empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle to eliminate any lingering odors and buildup, as the natural antibacterial properties of ACV make it a fantastic all-purpose cleaner for maintaining a clean and fresh kitchen,” Toner recommends. This process helps remove buildup of debris, mineral deposits and grease, which can be present in a dishwasher, along with unpleasant odors. 

Refrigerator 

With a solution consisting of a 1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar to water, clean and deodorize the fridge to keep it organized and smelling fresh. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean inside the refrigerator, making sure to remove any spills, stains and unpleasant odors. The vinegar in ACV will neutralize and combat any lingering, bad smells.

And, be sure to regularly toss spoiled goods, foods containing any signs of mold or bad odors, and any items past their expiration dates (although you can extend certain items a bit longer), as it’ll be easier to avoid messes, stinky smells and mold or bacteria inside the refrigerator. Remove items from the fridge, spray the solution, and wipe down shelves and drawers thoroughly. Do a deep cleaning once a month to focus on any spills and stains and for proper maintenance.