Cleaning doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive chore. With just two simple ingredients—hot water and vinegar—you can tackle a wide range of household messes, from grimy sinks to cloudy glasses. These natural solutions are not only effective but also safe and easy to use, making your cleaning routine quicker and more satisfying. Whether you’re a cleaning pro or just trying to keep your home fresh, these 20 genius hacks will show you how to make the most out of everyday items in your kitchen.
1. Revive Your Showerhead
Clogged showerheads can be so frustrating, especially when the water barely trickles out. Fill a plastic bag with equal parts hot water and vinegar, then secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for an hour or two. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, and suddenly your shower is blasting like new. I always do this while catching up on a podcast—it feels like multitasking at its finest.
2. Sparkling Glassware
Tired of cloudy glasses? Mix hot water with vinegar and soak your glassware for a few minutes. After rinsing and drying, they’ll shine like they came straight from the store. Tip: If you have stubborn spots, gently scrub with a soft sponge—your wine glasses will look flawless.
3. Freshen Up Drains
Smelly drains are no fun. Pour a cup of vinegar followed by hot water down your sink or bathtub drain. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before flushing with more hot water. This combo clears grime and neutralizes odors. I do this weekly—it keeps my kitchen smelling fresh without harsh chemicals.
4. Clean Your Microwave in Minutes
A messy microwave can be daunting. Pour a cup of water and a few tablespoons of vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat until it boils and steams up the interior. Wipe down with a cloth, and all the gunk slides off effortlessly. Fun fact: I’ve found this trick makes reheating leftovers feel almost satisfying.
5. Shine Bathroom Fixtures
Tarnished faucets and handles look dull fast. Soak a cloth in hot water and vinegar, then wrap it around the fixtures for 10–15 minutes. Wipe off grime and polish with a dry cloth. It’s amazing how such a simple solution brings back that showroom shine. I like doing this while listening to music—it makes the chore feel a little fancy.
6. De-grease Stovetops Effortlessly
Stovetops can get sticky and grimy, especially after frying. Mix hot water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz over greasy areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a cloth. The vinegar cuts through grease like magic. Tip: For extra stubborn spots, sprinkle a little baking soda before wiping—it’s a combo that never fails.
7. Refresh Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can hold onto odors and stains. Pour hot vinegar over the board, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse with water and let dry. It’s simple, effective, and your cutting board will smell fresh again. I usually do this after chopping onions or garlic—it’s a lifesaver.
8. Brighten Tile Grout
Grout can get dingy fast. Apply a mixture of hot water and vinegar to grout lines and let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush or small brush, then rinse. The vinegar lifts dirt without harsh chemicals. I like to tackle this while my favorite show is on—it makes the scrubbing feel less tedious.
9. Clean Windows Without Streaks
Windows often end up streaky, even after cleaning. Mix hot water and vinegar in a spray bottle, spritz on the glass, and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The heat and acidity of the vinegar remove grime and leave your windows crystal clear. Pro tip: Wipe in a vertical motion on one side, horizontal on the other—so you’ll know which side might still need touch-ups.
10. Sanitize Fridge Shelves
Fridges can accumulate spills and odors over time. Remove shelves, soak them in hot water with vinegar for 10–15 minutes, then wipe clean and rinse. It kills bacteria and freshens the fridge naturally. I do this once a month—it’s surprisingly satisfying to open a sparkling fridge.
11. Unclog and Freshen Shower Drains
Hair and soap scum can slow down your shower drain. Pour a cup of vinegar followed by hot water down the drain, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then flush with more hot water. This breaks down buildup and keeps things flowing smoothly. I do this monthly—it saves me from calling a plumber for minor clogs.
12. Clean Coffee Makers Easily
Coffee makers get mineral deposits over time, affecting taste. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts hot water and vinegar, run a brew cycle, then rinse with fresh water. Your coffee will taste like it’s from a café again. I do this every couple of months and my morning cup is noticeably better.
13. Revive Shower Curtains
Shower curtains can get grimy or develop mildew. Soak them in hot water with vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse and hang to dry. This removes soap scum and keeps them looking fresh. I’ve found it’s way easier than scrubbing and prevents that musty bathroom smell.
14. Remove Stickers and Labels
Stubborn stickers on jars or bottles can be frustrating. Soak the item in hot water and vinegar for 10–15 minutes, then peel off the label effortlessly. Any leftover adhesive can be rubbed away with a little more vinegar. I use this trick all the time for recycling glass jars—it saves so much elbow grease.
15. Freshen Laundry
Add a cup of vinegar to your laundry along with hot water for a natural fabric freshener. It helps remove odors, softens clothes, and can even prevent colors from fading. I like doing this for towels and workout clothes—it makes them smell cleaner and last longer.
16. Clean Microwave Turntables
Turntables in the microwave often collect spills and splatters. Remove the turntable, soak it in hot water and vinegar for 10–15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. It comes out sparkling without harsh scrubbing. I usually do this while the microwave is steaming inside—it makes the whole appliance shine.
17. Deodorize Trash Cans
Trash cans can get stinky fast. Pour hot water and vinegar into the bin, scrub with a brush, then rinse. It neutralizes odors and leaves your kitchen smelling fresher. I like doing this weekly—it’s an easy way to prevent that lingering trash smell.
18. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges. Dampen a cloth with hot water and vinegar, wipe down the surface, then buff dry. It restores shine naturally without streaks. I always do this when guests are coming over—it’s amazing how polished appliances lift the whole kitchen.
19. Remove Soap Scum from Sinks
Soap scum on bathroom sinks can be stubborn. Pour hot water and vinegar over the affected areas, let sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a sponge. Your sink will look brand new. I do this while my shower is running—it’s quick and keeps the bathroom sparkling.
20. Freshen Carpets and Rugs
Carpets can trap odors over time. Mix hot water and vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly mist the carpet, and blot with a clean cloth. For tough smells, sprinkle baking soda first, then spray the vinegar solution. I do this in my living room after pet playtime—it keeps the space smelling clean and fresh.
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful. By using hot water and vinegar, you can save time, money, and effort while keeping your home sparkling clean. From reviving old appliances to freshening up fabrics and surfaces, these hacks prove that effective cleaning doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Give them a try, and you might find yourself reaching for vinegar and hot water as your go-to cleaning duo for every mess around the house.
