From Countertops to Carpets: 8 Apple Cider Vinegar Hacks That Actually Work

Every time I walk past the cleaning aisle in a supermarket, I feel the pinch. Bottles lined up with bold claims—“kills 99.9% of germs,” “extra shine,” “deep clean”—but they all come with heavy price tags and chemical smells that linger long after you’ve scrubbed. I’ve been there, spending too much money on products that didn’t feel any better than what I already had at home. That’s when I started looking into apple cider vinegar cleaning hacks, and honestly, it changed the way I clean.

Think about it—one simple bottle sitting in your kitchen can cut through grease, freshen laundry, and even fight mold. No harsh fumes, no long ingredient lists you can’t pronounce, just a natural acid doing what it’s meant to do. And here’s the best part: you’re not only saving money, you’re also skipping the clutter of half-used sprays under the sink.

Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of these tricks, and I’ve narrowed them down to the ones that actually work—not just Pinterest hype or TikTok trends. If you’ve ever wondered whether apple cider vinegar can replace those expensive cleaners, this guide will walk you through eight practical, tested ways to make it happen.

Before we dive in, tell me—what’s the one spot in your home that always feels impossible to clean?

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is a Powerful Cleaning Alternative

When I first started swapping out store-bought sprays, I had one big question in my head: can apple cider vinegar really clean as well as all those chemical products? The short answer is yes—and the reason lies in its natural makeup. ACV contains acetic acid, which gives it strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. That’s the same sharp tang you taste in salad dressings, but in cleaning, it becomes a natural fighter against germs and grime.

Now, you might be wondering—why not just use white vinegar? It’s true that white vinegar is often recommended for cleaning, and in many cases, it’s a bit stronger. But apple cider vinegar has a gentler smell, plus added compounds from the fermentation process that give it extra versatility. Think of white vinegar as the tough, all-purpose cleaner and apple cider vinegar as the more natural, family-friendly option. Both work, but ACV is easier to use when you don’t want that overwhelming “vinegar cloud” in your kitchen.

Health experts agree on its effectiveness, too. According to Healthline, apple cider vinegar has real antibacterial properties, making it more than just an old wives’ tale. That means when you spray it on surfaces or use it in your laundry, you’re not just covering up smells—you’re actually breaking down bacteria at the source.

Here’s why ACV makes sense as a cleaner:

• Natural acid breaks down dirt, soap scum, and grease.
• Safe for most surfaces when diluted properly.
• Less harsh than chemical cleaners—ideal if you have kids or pets at home.
• A budget-friendly option that doubles up for both cooking and cleaning.

Once you understand the “why,” the hacks start to feel less like gimmicks and more like practical, science-backed solutions.

Trick #1 – Sparkling Glass & Mirror Cleaner

I can’t count how many times I’ve sprayed a store-bought glass cleaner, only to see streaks the moment the sunlight hit the window. That’s where apple cider vinegar surprised me. A simple mix of one part ACV and two parts water in a spray bottle can leave glass and mirrors looking crystal clear.

Here’s how I do it:

• Mix ACV and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray lightly over the glass or mirror.
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
• Add a drop of essential oil (like lemon or lavender) if you don’t like the vinegar scent.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by streaks that show up no matter how hard you polish, this is one of the cheapest, simplest swaps you can make.

Trick #2 – Kitchen Degreaser for Ovens & Stovetops

If there’s one battle I’ve fought again and again, it’s the greasy film that builds up on stovetops and oven doors. Scrubbing with chemical sprays always left my kitchen smelling toxic, and honestly, I hated the idea of cooking right after using them. That’s when I discovered how well apple cider vinegar can cut through grease.

Because of its natural acidity, ACV breaks down oil and baked-on splatters without the harsh side effects. All I do is warm a little diluted ACV in a spray bottle, spritz it over the greasy surface, and let it sit for a few minutes. A quick wipe with a cloth, and the shine comes back without the elbow grease.

Martha Stewart’s cleaning experts also recommend vinegar as an effective degreaser, pointing out how it works especially well on stovetops and oven glass. It’s one of those hacks that proves you don’t need to keep a cupboard full of strong-smelling sprays to keep your kitchen clean.

If you’re curious about other surprising kitchen cleaners, you might enjoy checking out these genius vodka cleaning hacks—you’ll be amazed at how versatile household staples can be.

For anyone who cooks often, this is a game changer—especially if you hate breathing in chemicals every time you clean.

Trick #3 – Natural Fabric Softener & Odor Remover for Laundry

I’ll admit, I used to throw money away on fabric softeners because I loved the “fresh” smell they promised. But over time, I noticed they didn’t really solve the musty towel problem. Half a cup of apple cider vinegar in the rinse cycle changed that.

ACV works by neutralising odours and softening fabric fibres naturally, leaving towels and sheets fresher without the buildup softeners sometimes cause. It’s especially good for gym clothes or laundry that’s been sitting too long in the machine.

Vinegar is one of the simplest and most effective ways to banish lingering smells in fabric. And the bonus? You don’t need to worry about chemical residues touching your skin.

If you’ve ever pulled towels out of the wash only to find they still smell damp, this trick is one worth trying.

Trick #4 – Bathroom Mold & Mildew Fighter

Mold in the bathroom is one of those things that makes me cringe. It sneaks into grout lines, shower curtains, and tiles before you even notice it. Instead of reaching for bleach right away, I’ve found that apple cider vinegar can do a surprisingly good job.

Here’s how I use it:

• Spray undiluted ACV directly on the affected area.
• Leave it for about 30 minutes.
• Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse clean.

The science backs it up too—vinegar can kill around 82% of mold species, making it more than just a quick cover-up solution. While it won’t replace professional treatment for big infestations, it’s powerful enough to handle the everyday mildew that creeps into showers and corners.

This is a must-know hack for anyone who wants a safer, more natural way to keep the bathroom fresh and mold-free.

Trick #5 – All-Natural Floor Cleaner

When I first tried mopping with apple cider vinegar, I was shocked at how fresh the floors looked—without that chemical smell.

• Mix ½ cup ACV with 1 gallon of warm water.
• Mop lightly, don’t drench the floor.
• Perfect for sealed wood and laminate.
• Leaves a streak-free finish.
• Warning: Never use on granite, marble, or other natural stone. The acid can eat away at the surface.

Trick #6 – Deodorizer for Fridge & Microwave

No matter how much you clean, fridges and microwaves pick up funky smells. Apple cider vinegar works like a reset button.

• Put a small bowl of diluted ACV in the fridge overnight.
• By morning, even stubborn smells fade.
• For microwaves: heat a bowl with ACV + water for 2 minutes.
• The steam loosens splatters while deodorising.

And if you’re looking for even more ways to keep your home smelling amazing, take a look at these home sprays everyone is talking about for a fresh, inviting vibe.

Odour removal is a universal pain point—this hack feels simple and relatable, which is why it grabs attention.

Trick #7 – Drain Freshener & Limescale Remover

If your sink starts to smell or your kettle builds up chalky limescale, this is one of the cheapest fixes I use.

• For drains:
  • Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain.
  • Add 1 cup ACV.
  • Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
• For kettles & faucets:
  • Mix equal parts ACV and water.
  • Boil once in the kettle, then rinse.
  • Clears mineral buildup quickly.

According to The Spruce, vinegar is one of the best eco-friendly cleaners for jobs like this—no harsh chemicals needed. This simple fizzing combo isn’t the only trick out there—discover more in our guide to vinegar and baking soda hacks that make everyday cleaning a breeze.

Trick #8 – Pet-Safe Cleaner for Floors & Furniture

As a pet owner, I know accidents happen—whether it’s muddy paw prints across the floor or a lingering urine smell on the rug. Instead of spraying harsh chemicals where my pets eat, sleep, and play, I rely on diluted apple cider vinegar.

• Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water in a spray bottle.
• Use it on hard floors to neutralise urine odours.
• Works on rugs and soft furnishings too (always spot test first).
• Safely removes smells without leaving behind toxic residues.
• Important: Never spray directly on your pets—it’s for surfaces only.

What NOT to Clean with Apple Cider Vinegar

While ACV is versatile, it isn’t the answer for every surface. Using it in the wrong place can cause real damage, which is why it’s important to know the limits.

• Natural stone surfaces (granite, marble, quartz) — acid corrodes the finish.
• Cast iron cookware — vinegar strips the protective seasoning layer.
• Electronics and screens — moisture can damage components and leave streaks.
• Waxed or delicate wood — vinegar can dull or strip the coating

Closing Takeaway – Save Money, Stay Natural

After going through these eight hacks, one thing is clear: apple cider vinegar is more than just a pantry staple. It’s a cheap, effective, and safe way to tackle everything from greasy stovetops to smelly drains. By replacing pricey chemical cleaners with a single bottle of ACV, you’re not only cutting costs but also keeping your home healthier and more natural.

Instead of juggling half-used sprays under the sink, try one of these tricks today and see how well it works. You might be surprised at how quickly a simple swap makes cleaning easier—and lighter on your wallet.

What do you think? Which of these hacks would you try first in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your go-to vinegar cleaning tips.

For more smart home ideas and practical guides, visit Build Like New and explore how you can simplify cleaning, saving, and living.

Disclaimer: These cleaning tips are for general household use only. Always test apple cider vinegar on a small, hidden area before applying it to larger surfaces. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone, cast iron, electronics, or delicate finishes. For major mold problems or serious damage, consult a professional cleaner.