7 Tried and tested cleaning methods: Using Vinegar in the Kitchen

I do this monthly and this trick has never let me down. Simply fill the kettle with half water and half vinegar and leave for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, boil the kettle then empty and rinse thoroughly. This will keep limescale at bay and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. You can also try this trick on your coffee machine!

This is a task that you need to add to your monthly cleaning schedule. When combined with bicarbonate of soda, white wine vinegar can get rid of those nasty sink odours and keep your drain free of slime and gunk. See page 20 for my formula for a homemade drain cleaner. The mixture will break down fat and food residues, leaving your pipes blockage free and your drains smelling fresh. Afterwards, make sure you rinse well with freshly boiled water (if you have plastic pipes, rinse with cold or warm water). It takes no time at all and makes all the difference.

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 120 ml/½ cup vinegar and 250 ml/1 cup water, place in the microwave and put on a high heat for 5 minutes. Leave it in the microwave while it cools. Afterwards, you can easily wipe down the inside of the microwave and, as if by magic, those nasty odours will have miraculously disappeared!

Mix 4 teaspoons vinegar into a half-filled washing-up bowl of warm water and use the solution to wipe down your refrigerator’s interior, including the shelves, walls and even food packaging, if necessary. Your fridge will be clean and fresh-smelling without the need for harsh chemicals that could contaminate food.

Vinegar helps remove bacteria and pesticide residues from fruit and vegetables. Mix 3 parts water to 1 part white wine vinegar, and dispense in a spray bottle. Rinse clean.

Add a mixture of water and vinegar to a saucepan and boil on the hob for 15 minutes to get rid of any nasty odours in your kitchen. This is particularly good after cooking.

A great pre-dinner-party tip to remove marks from your glasses is to submerge them in a mixture of water and vinegar. Remove and leave to dry naturally, then wash again.