Naturally Clean Your Bathroom With This Popular Pantry Item

According to research by business consulting firm Grand View Research, more and more people are forgoing harsh cleaners — like those used for bathroom cleaning — in favor of all-natural, environmentally friendly versions. And it's easy to see why. While commercial cleaners might cut through grime and soap scum quickly, they're also packed with noxious fumes that need ventilation, as well as harsh ingredients that aren't pleasant to the skin. Luckily, you don't have to rely on such cleaners to properly clean and disinfect your bathroom. Instead, you can use ingredients from your pantry — specifically, apple cider vinegar (AVC) — to get the job done.

Like distilled white vinegar, it turns out apple cider vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool, too, thanks to its acidic nature. It'll cut through grime just like your store-bought products but is a greener alternative. Even better, using this pantry staple will help cut down on your monthly grocery bill. Rather than buying a caddy-worth of cleaning products to clean separate things in your bathroom — like tiles, tubs, sinks, and toilets — you can just use one affordable product that costs a few bucks for a liter. When you're not using it in the kitchen, you can grab some AVC to scrub up your bathroom, giving it a second job around the house.

There are a number of ways you can use this amber liquid in your bathroom. First, let's talk about tackling mildew. If you don't have proper ventilation in your bathroom — or just forget to turn on the exhaust fan more often than not — you might notice mildew spots forming on your bathroom wall or tiles. Attack them with either straight apple cider vinegar, or if they're not too bad yet, a diluted version cut with a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar.

If getting rid of soap scum or removing hard water spots is your problem, the acidity in this natural product can easily cut through the buildup, too. Create an all-purpose cleaner made from a 1:1 ratio of water and apple cider vinegar, and you're good to go. You can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oils if you want to add a fresh scent to the room. However, don't use this combo if you have natural stone tiles or countertops as the vinegar's acid could corrode or etch it.

You can even use the acidic ingredient to tackle germier parts of the bathroom, like the toilet. Pour the solution (about ½ cup) near the rim, letting it seep down to the bowl. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes to break down any buildup and eliminate germs — and then scrub using your toilet brush. Alternatively, you could use an ACV spray to clean the toilet inside and out.