Vinegar is a powerhouse in the kitchen, whether it’s adding oomph to a pie, rise to a cake, preserving berries, or adding zip to barbecue sauce. However, it’s not just for cooking. Long a secret of Southern grandmas, white vinegar is a natural, budget-friendly solution to keep your home sparkling. “Vinegar is seriously awesome for cleaning,” says Elizabeth Shields of Super Cleaning Service Louisville. “The best part is it’s super eco-friendly and won’t break the bank.”

This versatile liquid, which is probably already in your kitchen cabinet, is great for cutting through grease, removing stains, neutralizing odors, and tackling a variety of household tasks, like making the bathtub sparkle. We polled experts and they shared some of the many ways they use vinegar to keep their homes clean. One note of caution: Vinegar is so effective, because it is acidic. However, because it is so acidic, there are certain things in your house that vinegar can harm, so before you start cleaning, review this list of things you should never clean with vinegar.

Spot Clean Carpets and Couches

Got a small stain on the carpet or couch? Mix one-part water with one-part white vinegar and put it into a spray bottle. “Use the secret weapon to spray the stain, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth,” suggests Ryan Knoll of Carpet Monkey a cleaning service. “This will lift the stain and remove the bad smell.”

Clean Your Kettles

“If you have an electric kettle with some build-up, fill 2/3 of it with an equal mixture of vinegar and water and boil it,” suggests Elena LeDoux of Superb Maids. “Let it sit for a while and cool down. Then rinse it out.”

Clean Your Fruits and Veggies

“Before munching on your favorite fruits and veggies, rinse in a mixture of water and vinegar (use a 3:1 ratio). This nifty combo helps remove pesticides and any lingering bacteria,” says Elizabeth Shields of Super Cleaning Service Louisville.

Get Your Laundry Extra Clean

“For clothes, add about a cup to your wash cycle to brighten whites, soften
Fabrics, remove soap residue, and kill odors like on gym clothes,” says Matt O’Connor cofounder and CEO of noscrubs.io, a laundry cleaning delivery service. Some of his customers swear by it for getting rid of stubborn pit stains and freshening up musty towels, too. 

Clean Your Microwave 

“Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a solution of one cup water and one-quarter cup vinegar. Heat it for a few minutes, and the steam will loosen food splatters and make them easy to wipe away,” says Shields.

Make Your Windows Sparkle

“Using a one-part vinegar to two-part water solution is great for cleaning the windows,” LeDoux recommends. “I also add a drop of Dawn dish soap to the mix.”

Tidy Up After Pets

“If your furry friend leaves behind unpleasant smells, use a mix of equal parts vinegar and water to blot the area and neutralize odors,” says Shields. 

Clean Sponges 

Even your cleaning tools need to be tidied up on occasion. “You can soak sponges in vinegar for a few hours, then rinse them thoroughly to extend their life and reduce odors,” says Riley. 

Tackle Tiles and Grout

“In the bathroom, spray undiluted white vinegar on tiles and grout. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse with water to reveal clean tiles and grout,” says Knoll.

Clean Drains 

“Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar,” says Riley. “Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.”

Clean Wood

“If you want a natural wood polish, just mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil, put in a spray bottle, and wipe with a microfiber cloth,” says Shields.

Make Stainless Steel Shine

“To clean stainless steel, mix a 3:1 ratio of water to vinegar, then spray onto the surface or apply with a cloth,” suggests Matthew Baratta, VP of Operations at Daimer Industries, which makes industrial cleaning equipment company. “For stuck-on deposits, allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes and then wipe away with a microfibre cloth.”