While white vinegar is best known for its culinary uses, it can work wonders in the bathroom. Praised for its powerful acetic acid solution, vinegar helps to dissolve mineral deposit, bacteria, dirt, grease and grime.
Not sure how to use white vinegar to clean your bath, toilet or sink? The bathroom specialists at Drench have uncovered the top 10 most common cleaning queries Brits have about the bathroom, plus revealed how white vinegar can help to keep it looking spotless.
From how to clean the shower properly, to unblocking shower drains, take a look at the easy cleaning tips below...
1. How to clean a shower head (2,900 monthly searches)
Not sure how to clean your shower head efficiently? Simply pour some white vinegar into a plastic bag and secure it around your shower head with a hair tie. Leave overnight and remove first thing in the morning. You'll be amazed at the results!
2. How to clean a shower (2,400)
Cleaning a shower might seem like a simple task, but it seems many of us are baffled at how to get it properly clean.
The team at Drench explain a simple way to restore its sparkle using vinegar: 'Bring vinegar to a boil then use the warm vinegar to wipe down the shower door and walls. Keep them damp by wiping down every five to eight minutes for 30 minutes. Next, dampen a microfibre cloth in vinegar, a sprinkle of baking soda, and scrub.'
3. How to clean a toilet (2,000)
Want to clean your toilet like a pro? For the best results, simply pour a cup of vinegar into the bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub well. Afterwards, flush everything away and you'll be left with a spotless toilet.
4. How to clean shower glass (2,000)
Distilled vinegar can work wonders on your shower glass (and on your windows, too). Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts of white vinegar and water, and spray your shower door. For a streak-free shine, opt for an affordable squeegee.
5. How to unblock a shower drain (1,600)
Not sure what to do? The team suggest: 'Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Next, pour 125g of baking soda down the drain, followed with a one-part water, one-part white vinegar solution. Wait five to 10 minutes before boiling water down the drain again.'
6. How to clean a bathtub (1,000)
Bathtubs can harbour grime, dirt and bacteria over time. While many of us will naturally reach for the nearest bathroom spray to wipe it down, vinegar works even better.
'To clean, wipe the bathtub over with straight vinegar, then sprinkle with some bicarbonate soda, before using a scratch-resistant cloth to scrub and rinse.'
7. How to clean bathroom tiles (900)
One of the best ways to tackle tiles is to mix ½ cup of white (distilled) vinegar together with a litre of warm water. Then, use the solution on a soft cloth and scrub well. Not only will it leave your tiles looking as good as new, but it will also keep your bathroom smelling fresh.
8. How to clean a shower curtain (720)
If your shower curtain is machine washable, simply pop it into the drum with your normal detergent and 125g of baking soda. 'Wash in hot water at the highest level. At the rinse cycle, add 125g of distilled white vinegar. If it's a fabric curtain, let it run through the spin cycle, but if its plastic, then remove it beforehand and leave it to hang in the bathroom,' explain Drench.
9. How to clean bathroom grout (470)
To restore your bathroom's sparkle, spray non-distilled white vinegar straight onto the dirty grout and leave for 15 minutes. Then, use an old toothbrush and scrub it away. It's as simple as that.
10. How to remove toilet stains (260)
Over the years, you may notice your toilet harbouring more stains at the bottom of the bowl and on the rim.
To keep it clean, the team at Drench explain: 'Soak some paper towels with white vinegar, then tuck the towels up under the rim of the bowl. Leave it for a few hours, remove the paper towels and then scrub clean, with white vinegar in a plastic bottle.'
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
17 top-rated cleaning products the experts recommend
Multi surface cleaner
For an effective and eco-friendly surface cleaner, we recommend Method. They are transparent about their ingredients and only use those that are safe around both humans and pets. They come in a variety of fragrances with my personal favourite being French Lavender.
Price: £3.00
We may earn commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Dishwasher detergent
Finish All In One Max Lemon Dishwasher Tablets
We recommend these Finish dishwasher tablets. They fit neatly inside your dishwasher's dispenser and leave crockery and cutlery sparkling, time after time.
Price: £11.00
Washing up liquid
We recommend Aldi's Magnum washing up liquid. Available in a variety of scents, with my personal favourite being Aloe Vera and Cucumber. Provides a good amount of suds and a little goes a long way.
Price: £0.65
Anti-bacterial wipes
Dettol Surface Cleansing Wipes
For quick mop-ups and zapping of bacteria, we recommend Dettol Surface Cleansing Wipes. Can be used on things like highchairs, bins and spillages on the floor. Comes in a handy, resealable pack that doesn’t lose its stick and therefore moisture! Ensure you dispose of them responsibly, they should never be flushed down the toilet.
Price: £2.00
Pre-wash stain remover
For giving stains on your garments the extra heave-ho before you wash them, use Vanish Gold Oxi Action. Roll directly onto stains and then wash as per the item’s care label.
Price: £3.50
Microfibre cloths
So good for so many tasks, just dampen, no need for cleaning chemicals. We highly rate e-cloths. Colour code them by room to avoid cross contamination and then pop in the washing machine to sanitise them for use again.
Price: £4.50
Mop
The Addis Superdry Plus is a great multi-tasker as it cleans, absorbs and dries your floors at the same time thanks to its sponge cleaning head. Brilliant cleaning results across all three flooring types we tested on, and it has a telescopic handle to tailor to your height. This also makes it compact for storage.
Price: £12.99
Cleaning sponge
The Marigold Cleaning Me Softly is a double-side wonder for removing burnt-on stains whilst not scratching surfaces.
Price: £3.35
Eraser sponge
For those irritating little marks on skirting boards or any washable surface, we recommend the Flash Magic Eraser. Simply add water and start erasing. Make sure you first test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t dull surfaces.
Price: £4.57
Adhesive remover
De-Solv-it Sticky Stuff Remover
The De-Solv-it Sticky Stuff remover is brilliant for tackling everything from leftover adhesive marks to chewing gum residue. Suitable for use on most surfaces and handy for having around.
Price: £3.39
Mould remover
Our testers swear by this! HG Mould Spray is a real work-horse for removing mould in and around the bathroom. Can be used on grouting, sealant and so on.
Price: £4.97
Carpet cleaner
The Oxy Stain Destroyer from Bissell is useful for tackling all manner of stains on your carpet or rug. Make sure you first test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure colour fastness.
Price: £9.99
Oven cleaner
For deep cleaning your oven, you’ll need a powerful cleaner such as Oven Mate. This gel formula is easy to apply using the supplied brush and gloves and then simply wipe away for a sparkling oven.
Price: £7.99
Dishwasher cleaner
Dr Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Dishwasher Clean
It’s important to clean your cleaners so they work efficiently and stand the test of time. Give your dishwasher some TLC with Dr Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Dishwasher Clean. Use every few months to ensure your dishwasher is hygienic and working at its best. Also comes with a handy little wipe to clean around the edges of the machine and across the front.
Price: £10.80
Washing machine cleaner
Dr Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner
The same goes for your washing machine. Use Dr Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner to ensure the smooth running of your appliance and keep it smelling fresh.
Price: £7.37
Biological detergent - eco option
Ecover Bio Concentrated Laundry Liquid
We were very impressed by Ecover Bio Concentrated Laundry Liquid’s stain removal results, particularly when considering it uses plant-based and mineral ingredients in its formulation. As well as picking up 89 per cent of curry sauce on average from cotton, it also removed 65 per cent of red wine and 95 per cent of baby food! The majority of coloured laundry also remained bright after continual washes, with only yellow and green fabrics showing slight signs of fading. Lastly, whites retained their whiteness almost perfectly, with close to top marks across the board on cotton, polycotton and nylon.
Price: £6.50
Biological detergent
Our current bio detergent winner is Lidl’s Formil Bio Laundry Gel. It offers exceptional stain removal on both cotton and polycotton fabrics. It also scored near to full marks for colour fading, showing little change across the spectrum of colours tested. It provided brilliant white retention on cotton and nylon materials. Available in a 24 wash-sized bottle, this gel is also easy to dose, thanks to the provided measuring cap. Not to mention it is great value for money!
Price: £1.99
Buy in-store at Lidl
Senior Digital Writer, House Beautiful and Country Living
Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at and , where she's busy writing about home and interiors, , , pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for , and magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
