I was recently standing in the cleaning supplies aisle at Dollar Tree and found myself staring at a gallon of LA’s Totally Awesome Vinegar, and I had a little lapse. Let’s see, at home my girlfriend and I are cleaning fans, but we usually use products designed specifically for cleaning. I had seen vinegar in some Instagram video, and how they combined it with another product that seems to be magical: baking soda (we’re going to get to that mixture, but let’s wait a little).
White vinegar can kill bacteria mainly due to its acetic acid content. This liquid has a low pH, which makes it unwelcoming to bacteria and microorganisms. When applied to a surface, the acid can denature proteins in bacteria, affecting their ability to reproduce and causing infections. It can attack bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which are commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. Now, what happens if you mix it with baking soda? This gets even better.
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Speaking of superpowers, baking soda is the ideal companion on your cleaning mission. It’s like the sidekick that never fails and the one I picked is the Arm & Hammer pure baking soda, that’s just $1.50 at Dollar Tree. If your refrigerator starts to smell something suspicious that you probably don’t want to identify, a container of baking soda in there is like the keeper of aromas.
You put it on and, poof!, instant oblivion of strange smells. Stains on pots? With a little baking soda and water mixed in equal parts with vinegar, you make a magical paste that fights dirt like a warrior. You rub a little and goodbye stains.
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And that trick to cleaning furniture with a mixture of baking soda and water is a secret that you can tell your friends. They’re going to want to know your foolproof method, and they won’t imagine you spent $3 total at Dollar Tree. In some cases, adding a bit of lemon juice will potentiate the effectiveness, and leave a citric smell after cleaning.
Instagram Viral — With $3, You Can Buy the Best Cleaning Duo at Dollar Tree
The combination of vinegar and baking soda is like an unbeatable cleaning kit that works great in various areas of the home. These two ingredients are perfect for removing stains, odors and even unclogging drains. Here I detail some of the things you can clean with this powerful mixture.
- Clogged Drains: If you have a drain that is not flowing properly, you can sprinkle some baking soda down the drain and then add vinegar. The effervescent reaction will help dissolve traces of grease, hair and other obstacles. After a few minutes, rinse with hot water to clear the canal.
- Kitchen Surfaces: The combination is excellent for cleaning surfaces in the kitchen, such as countertops and stoves. Mix baking soda paste with a little vinegar, apply it to the stain and rub gently. This will remove grease and other residue without scratching the surfaces.
- Gleaming Bath: You can also use this mixture in the bathroom. Apply the paste to the sink, shower, or toilet. Leave it on for some time to combat mold and limescale, then scrub or rinse to see amazing results.
- Appliances: Vinegar and baking soda are efficient for cleaning the inside of the microwave. Mix a little of each and rub the interior surfaces. This will remove stains and odors, leaving your microwave clean and fresh.
- Odors in the Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has unpleasant odors, place a container with baking soda next to a plate with a little vinegar. This will help neutralize those undesirable odors, leaving the space smelling fresher.
- Tubs and Showers: To combat mold and grime in tubs and showers, apply the mixture directly to the affected areas. Rub with a sponge and rinse with water. The results are impressive!
- Stained Clothes: For those tough stains on clothes, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda as a pretreatment. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a while, and then wash the garment as you normally do.
