The Pantry Staple You Should Use When Cleaning Your Kitchen Appliances

Typically used for dressings and marinades, apple cider vinegar adds a tartness to any dish. However, the ingredient has become a not-so-secret gem in the cleaning community thanks to its scouring properties that cut through grease and grime. The next time you go to do a thorough clean of your kitchen, head to the pantry and reach for your bottle of apple cider vinegar. You can use this versatile item to clean anything from your countertops to your dishwasher (though note that different concentrations are required for each item.)

Forget grabbing a different cleaning product for each area of your kitchen — apple cider vinegar truly can do it all. Moreover, you don't have to worry about it being too strong. As the cleaning mixture you'll be using is diluted, there's no concern that it will be too acidic and potentially scratch your countertops or dull the gleam of your microwave. We've gathered the formulations you need to know so your kitchen appliances appear sparkling clean once more.

To prepare a general cleaning solution, create a 1-to-1 mixture of apple cider vinegar with water and thoroughly combine. Either dispense it into a spray bottle for easier spritzing or pour it onto a clean cloth to use. You can use this solution on your microwave, stove, and even some types of countertops to get rid of any lingering residue. Apple cider vinegar can be used for more specific cleaning, too. If your dishwasher is looking a little grimy, put it on a regular cycle when empty and add  ¼ cup of the vinegar to get rid of any lingering grease.

Want to specifically deodorize your dishwasher? Use the same amount of liquid, but wait a few minutes into the cycle to add it. Apple cider vinegar can also be beneficial in your laundry room. When the washing machine is empty, simply pour 2 cups into the detergent drawer and run a wash cycle. Once done, you may want to run a quick cycle again with detergent this time to make sure there's no lingering vinegar smell.