Handy Tips

White vinegar is a powerful, but harmless, natural cleaning agent. It can be used in a number of applications all around the house.

Make a disinfectant all-purpose cleaner. Mix 3 tablespoons white vinegar and 1 teaspoon borax in a 16-oz spray bottle. Add 2 cups warm water. Shake to mix well. Add a drop of peppermint essential oil to add scent if desired. This cleaner can be used to wipe down bathroom and kitchen counters.

Mix together a tub and tile cleaner. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda on a damp sponge. Rub over the tub to remove dirt and grim, then rinse with warm water. For tougher jobs, spray white vinegar over the tub and tile first to help break up the grime. Follow by scouring with the baking soda on the sponge. Rinse well with warm water and a clean sponge.

Make a simple floor cleaner. In a bucket, combine equal parts of white vinegar and water. Start with 4 cups of vinegar and 4 cups of water. Add more or less depending on the size of the floor you will be cleaning. Add about 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix well. Use this cleaner on vinyl and linoleum. Only use on wood floors that require damp mopping.

Mix together a window cleaner solution. In a spray bottle mix 2 teaspoons white vinegar with 1 litre of water. Spray on windows or mirrors. Use crumpled up newspapers to wipe down. The paper prevents streaks on the windows.

Clean toilet bowls by combining ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar in a bowl. Stir to mix well. Flush toilet and then add the mixture. Let sit for about 5 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush. Flush to rinse. (eHow)