HDX 64 oz. All-Purpose Cleaning Vinegar
- Use on hard surfaces such as walls, counter tops, sinks and tubs
- Natural formula removes hardwater stains and soap scum
- Use in laundry to freshen fabrics and remove food stains
- Removes mineral deposits in coffee makers by replacing water thru a single brewing session
Your One-Stop Shop for Everything Related to This Powerful Natural Cleaner
Vinegar has been used as a natural cleaning and disinfecting agent for centuries, and for good reason. The acetic acid in vinegar is a potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal that can tackle all kinds of dirt, grime, and germs. While regular white vinegar works well for cleaning, HDX Cleaning Vinegar takes it to the next level.
HDX Cleaning Vinegar is a specialized cleaning vinegar made by The Home Depot. It contains 20% acetic acid, making it stronger and more effective than regular 5% white vinegar. This heavy-duty formula can dissolve mineral deposits, remove stains, eliminate odors, and disinfect surfaces naturally without harsh fumes.
If you want an effective green cleaner that packs a punch against dirt and germs, HDX Cleaning Vinegar deserves a spot in your cleaning toolkit. Read on to learn all about why it’s so popular, where to find it, how to use it safely, and much more.
What is HDX Cleaning Vinegar Exactly?
HDX Cleaning Vinegar is white distilled vinegar that has been strengthened to a 20% acetic acid solution. Acetic acid, the main active ingredient in vinegar, is responsible for its cleaning and disinfecting abilities.
By comparison, regular white vinegar you find in the grocery store contains 5% acetic acid. The higher acidity level in HDX Cleaning Vinegar gives it more cleaning power to break down stubborn dirt, stains, mineral deposits, and grime.
Distilled white vinegar is already a mild acid with a typical pH around 2.5. With 4 times the acetic acid, HDX Cleaning Vinegar has an ultra-low pH of around 1.5. This high acidity is strong enough to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, and other microbes.
Yet despite the extra strength, this cleaning vinegar is still safe for many surfaces and gentle enough for everyday use. It does not contain any harsh chemicals, toxins, fumes, or residues.
Simply put, HDX Cleaning Vinegar brings the natural cleaning power of vinegar to the next level. Just remember, “the higher the acidity, the better it cleans.”
Where Can I Buy HDX Cleaning Vinegar?
As a product made exclusively for The Home Depot, HDX Cleaning Vinegar is only available for purchase at Home Depot stores. You can find it in the cleaning aisle at your local Home Depot or order online for delivery.
HDX Cleaning Vinegar comes in large 1-gallon and 2-gallon jugs to keep your supply fully stocked. The average cost is around $5 per gallon.
Be sure to look for the white bottle with the distinctive orange HDX brand label. Don’t confuse it with regular distilled white vinegar or cleaning products like CLR.
You can also purchase empty HDX spray bottles to fill with the concentrated cleaner. This makes it easy to spray and apply the vinegar around your home.
Diluted properly, a gallon of HDX Cleaning Vinegar will last a long time, making it a cost-effective investment for all your cleaning needs. The concentrated formula cannot be found in regular grocery or hardware stores, so head to Home Depot or place an online order today.
How Do I Use HDX Cleaning Vinegar for Cleaning?
The key to using HDX Cleaning Vinegar safely and effectively is diluting it properly. Always mix the concentrated vinegar with water before applying it. Start with a dilution ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
Here are some of the most common and effective ways to use diluted HDX Cleaning Vinegar around your home:
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1⁄4 cup vinegar with 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
- Bathroom cleaner: Combine 1⁄2 cup vinegar with 1 cup water to clean toilets, sinks, showers, and tiles. Scrub with a brush or sponge.
- Glass cleaner: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray onto windows, mirrors, glass shower doors. Wipe dry with newspaper or a lint-free cloth.
- Floors: Add 1⁄2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water in a mop bucket. Mop hard floors or vinyl safely.
- Disinfectant: Wipe down surfaces with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1 cup vinegar diluted in 1 gallon of water.
Always do a spot test on a small inconspicuous area before using HDX Cleaning Vinegar on any surface. Porous or delicate materials may require a milder dilution.
For tougher cleaning jobs, you can gradually increase the vinegar concentration as needed. But take care using HDX Cleaning Vinegar undiluted or in very high concentrations.
Is HDX Cleaning Vinegar Safe for All Surfaces?
HDX Cleaning Vinegar is safe for many hard, nonporous surfaces when diluted properly. These include:
- Tile, porcelain, and sealed stone
- Stainless steel, chrome, and other metals
- Granite, marble, and other natural stone (sealed)
- Laminate
- Glass and mirrors
- Enameled surfaces
- Vinyl flooring
However, exercise caution when using HDX Cleaning Vinegar on the following surfaces:
- Wood: OK diluted, but prolonged exposure may dull finish
- Painted walls: Test small area first, vinegar may dull sheen over time
- Natural stone: Avoid use on unsealed grout or porous stones like limestone
- Aluminum: Vinegar can oxidize aluminum over time
Never use HDX Cleaning Vinegar undiluted or directly on:
- Wax or oil-treated surfaces
- Concrete or masonry
- Cork or bamboo
- Most plastics and rubbers
- Electronics
When in doubt, always spot test HDX Cleaning Vinegar on an inconspicuous area before widespread use. A 1:3 dilution with water is gentle enough for most surfaces, but increase the water for more delicate items.
What Ingredients Are in HDX Cleaning Vinegar?
True to its name, the main ingredient in HDX Cleaning Vinegar is vinegar. Specifically, it contains 20% acetic acid which comes from diluting grain alcohol.
Unlike many commercial cleaners, HDX Cleaning Vinegar does not contain:
- Harsh acids like hydrochloric or phosphoric acid
- Abrasive chemicals or solvents
- Synthetic detergents or surfactants
- Artificial fragrances or dyes
- Toxic preservatives or stabilizers
With no harsh or hazardous ingredients, this gives it a safety advantage over many conventional cleaning products. HDX Cleaning Vinegar is non-toxic, non-irritating, and biodegradable.
However, the 20% acetic acid does make it more corrosive than regular 5% white vinegar if used incorrectly. So handle it with care and proper dilution.
How Does HDX Cleaning Vinegar Compare to Regular Vinegar?
HDX Cleaning Vinegar has some notable advantages over the regular white vinegar found at the grocery store:
- Higher acetic acid content: 20% versus 5% makes it 4 times stronger
- Lower pH: Around 1.5 compared to 2.5 for more germ-killing power
- More effective cleaning: Greater dissolving abilities against hard water deposits, soap scum, and grime
- Enhanced deodorizing: The high acidity neutralizes odors better
- Concentrated formula: A little goes a long way compared to regular diluted vinegar
- Made for cleaning: Specially formulated to be a non-toxic cleaning booster
On the downside, the higher acid content makes HDX Cleaning Vinegar more corrosive if misused. It requires proper dilution and should never be used undiluted for cleaning.
But when mixed with water correctly, HDX Cleaning Vinegar delivers superior cleaning results comparable to many commercial products with harsh chemicals. Its economical price and natural formula make it a smart green cleaner.
Can HDX Cleaning Vinegar Remove Stains?
Thanks to the high acid content, HDX Cleaning Vinegar can break down and remove many common household stains without resorting to bleach or toxins. Here are some of the stains it tackles effectively:
- Water stains: Dissolves mineral deposits left behind from hard water. Cleans faucets, shower doors, and sinks.
- Mold stains: Penetrates and removes mold stains from tile, bathtubs, and outdoor siding.
- Coffee and tea stains: Remove these stubborn stains from mugs, countertops, and carpet.
- Rust stains: Dislodges reddish-brown rust stains from metal tools, white fabrics, porcelain sinks, and more.
- Grease stains: Cuts through food grease on stovetops, ovens, grills, and kitchen surfaces.
- Lipstick stains: Obliterates lipstick smudges from clothing, tablecloths, and bathroom sinks.
For best results removing stains:
- Test HDX Cleaning Vinegar on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Apply vinegar and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it time to work.
- Scrub and rinse the area thoroughly.
- Repeat as needed for tough set-in stains.
The high acidity breaks the stain molecules apart so they can be washed away with water. HDX Cleaning Vinegar offers an effective eco-friendly stain remover for your home.
Is HDX Cleaning Vinegar Effective for Disinfecting?
With its extra-strong 20% acetic acid content, HDX Cleaning Vinegar is a very effective natural disinfectant. Acetic acid kills bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi on contact.
Studies have found white vinegar effective at disinfecting against:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Aspergillus niger (black mold)
For best results disinfecting with HDX Cleaning Vinegar:
- Clean surfaces thoroughly before disinfecting.
- Dilute 1 part vinegar to 1 part water.
- Apply the solution and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Air dry or wipe with a clean cloth.
Repeat the process regularly to prevent the growth of microbes. The natural antibacterial power of vinegar makes it an excellent non-toxic disinfectant for kitchens, bathrooms, and surfaces throughout your home.
Are There Reviews for HDX Cleaning Vinegar?
With thousands of customer reviews, HDX Cleaning Vinegar earns very high marks online. On Home Depot’s website, it averages a 4.8 out of 5 star rating after over 1,400 reviews.
The biggest pros mentioned are:
- Excellent cleaning power against mineral deposits, soap scum, grease, and more
- All-natural formula with no harsh fumes or chemicals
- Removes bad odors by neutralizing smells instead of masking them
- Affordable price compared to commercial cleaners
- Works great as a weed killer when used undiluted on unwanted vegetation
Critical reviews mention it can cause damage if used undiluted on certain surfaces. A few also complain about the strong vinegar smell.
However, the consensus is that HDX Cleaning Vinegar is an extremely effective all-purpose cleaner. Most agree the natural power of vinegar works even better than toxic chemical alternatives at a fraction of the price.
How Much Does HDX Cleaning Vinegar Cost?
One of the major benefits of HDX Cleaning Vinegar is its very affordable price:
- 1 gallon jug: $3.98
- 2 gallon jug: $5.98
This dilutes into a lot more cleaning solution. Considering a gallon of the leading commercial bathroom cleaner costs over $10, HDX Cleaning Vinegar is a steal.
The Home Depot also frequently runs sales and coupons for additional savings. Stock up during a sale and you can score jugs for as low as $3 each.
Given how economical HDX Cleaning Vinegar is compared to commercial cleaners, it will save you a lot of money over time. A little bit goes a long way thanks to its concentrated 20% acetic acid formula.
Is HDX Cleaning Vinegar Environmentally Friendly?
One of the major benefits of HDX Cleaning Vinegar is that it’s much better for the environment than conventional cleaning products. Here’s why it’s a green cleaner:
- Natural formula – Made from plant-based acetic acid and water. Does not contain synthetic chemicals.
- Biodegradable – Breaks down into harmless elements without toxic residues.
- Non-toxic – Will not release VOCs or harmful fumes into your home or environment.
- No phosphates – Does not contribute to algae growth and water pollution like many cleaners.
- Reusable – Can be used full-strength to clean reusable rags and cloths.
- Sustainable production – Made through a more eco-friendly fermentation process.
- Minimal packaging – Available in recyclable plastic jugs instead of spray cans.
Vinegar has been used as a “green” cleaning ingredient for generations. Using HDX Cleaning Vinegar allows you to avoid most synthetic chemicals while keeping your home sparkling clean.
Can I Use HDX Cleaning Vinegar in the Laundry?
Yes, HDX Cleaning Vinegar can also be used as a non-toxic, earth-friendly boost for your laundry. Here are some great ways to use it:
- Add 1⁄2 cup to your wash cycle as a natural fabric softener.
- Soak dirty clothes in a vinegar solution to remove tough stains before washing.
- Run washing machine on a hot rinse cycle with 1 cup vinegar to remove soap residue.
- Add 2 cups vinegar to wash baby clothes and cloth diapers to disinfect and deodorize.
- Soak smelly gym clothes in diluted vinegar overnight to remove odors.
- Use as an eco-friendly bleach alternative on white clothes.
Always dilute HDX Cleaning Vinegar before adding directly onto clothes. Test colored fabrics first to make sure the vinegar won’t bleed any dyes.
With so many uses, vinegar can replace most conventional laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Harness the cleaning power of HDX vinegar to freshen clothes naturally.
How Do I Store HDX Cleaning Vinegar?
To get the most shelf life out of your HDX Cleaning Vinegar:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Heat and sunlight can evaporate the vinegar over time.
- Keep the bottle sealed tightly when not in use. Vinegar can oxidize when exposed to air.
- Transfer to smaller spray bottles for convenience, but store the remaining vinegar in the original jug.
- Write the purchase date on the bottle and use within 2 years for maximum potency.
- Never transfer HDX Cleaning Vinegar to containers that stored food. The acidity can react with food particles.
Stored properly in a dark cabinet or closet, unopened HDX Cleaning Vinegar can last around 2-3 years before losing effectiveness. The vinegar may gradually turn darker but remains usable.
What Are the Benefits of Using HDX Cleaning Vinegar?
Here are some of the top advantages of choosing HDX Cleaning Vinegar for your home cleaning needs:
- Streak-free shine on windows, mirrors, glass, chrome, and stainless steel
- Removes mineral deposits like soap scum, hard water stains, and limescale
- Cuts through grease and oils on kitchen surfaces, appliances, tools, etc.
- Disinfects naturally without alcohol, bleach or toxic chemicals
- Deodorizes rooms, fabrics, pet areas rather than masking smells
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Cost-effective compared to commercial cleaners
- Easy availability at home improvement stores
HDX Cleaning Vinegar brings the cleaning power of vinegar to a new level. With its natural antibacterial properties and versatility, vinegar can replace most harsh cleaners for every room.
Does HDX Cleaning Vinegar Have a Strong Odor?
Like all vinegars, HDX Cleaning Vinegar does have a strong, pungent smell when used full-strength or undiluted. The acidic vinegar scent is quite intense.
However, when diluted with water properly, the smell is greatly reduced to a tolerable level. Start with a 1:3 ratio of vinegar to water and adjust as needed.
Here are some tips to minimize the odor when cleaning with HDX vinegar:
- Add lemon juice to help neutralize and mask the acidic smell.
- Use it in well-ventilated areas and open windows whenever possible.
- Wipe surfaces down with water after use to remove vinegar residues.
- Allow surfaces to air dry completely rather than leaving wet.
- Store diluted vinegar spray in the refrigerator to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
Also know that vinegar smells strongest when wet. The odor dissipates greatly as surfaces dry. With proper care, you can reap the cleaning benefits of HDX vinegar without the harsh smell.
Can HDX Cleaning Vinegar Be Used on Glass?
Yes, HDX Cleaning Vinegar is perfectly safe and effective for cleaning glass, windows, and mirrors throughout your home.
Glass is non-porous so vinegar will not damage the surface. When used properly, vinegar helps keep glass clear, streak-free, and sparkling clean:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray glass and use newspaper or a lint-free cloth to wipe dry.
- Buff in circles to remove all streaks and water spots.
The vinegar cuts through greasy fingerprints, soap scum, mineral deposits, and other grime on glass. It leaves behind no soapy residues that can cause streaking like some commercial glass cleaners.
HDX Cleaning Vinegar can be used on windows, mirrors, glass tables, picture frames, shower doors, and any other smooth glass surface. Just avoid contact with window frames if they are metal or painted wood.
How Do I Dilute HDX Cleaning Vinegar for Cleaning?
Always dilute HDX Cleaning Vinegar with water before cleaning any surfaces or fabrics.
Use these guidelines for effective dilutions:
- Gentle cleaning: 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water
- All-purpose cleaning: 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water
- Strong cleaning: 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water
- Disinfecting: 1 part vinegar to 1 part water
- Weed killing: Undiluted
Start with the gentlest mix and gradually increase vinegar concentration as needed. More delicate surfaces require higher water ratios.
Mix the solutions in a labeled spray bottle for easy use. Never use or apply HDX Cleaning Vinegar full-strength for household cleaning.
Is HDX Cleaning Vinegar Safe for Pets?
When diluted properly, HDX Cleaning Vinegar is safe to use around most pets. However, vinegar is more acidic than regular cleaning products. Take these precautions when cleaning around pets:
- Keep pets out of rooms when cleaning until surfaces are rinsed and dried.
- Avoid contact with paws, skin, eyes, and mouth. Rinse vinegar off with water if this occurs.
- Never spray vinegar directly onto pets. The odor may also frighten animals.
- Clean pet bowls, toys, and beds with mild 1:4 vinegar solutions. Thoroughly rinse and air dry.
- Use care around birds and fish. Vinegar fumes can be harmful to their respiratory systems if confined to small spaces.
It’s best to keep pets away from areas being cleaned with HDX vinegar entirely. When surfaces have dried after use, pets can safely re-enter the space. Just take care to avoid direct contact with them.
How Long Does HDX Cleaning Vinegar Last?
An unopened bottle of HDX Cleaning Vinegar has a shelf life around 2 to 3 years from the production date. Over time, vinegar can gradually darken and lose potency, but remains usable for cleaning.
To maximize freshness and cleaning power:
- Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or closet. Heat and sun exposure accelerate aging.
- Keep the bottle sealed when not in use. Oxidation can weaken vinegar exposed to air.
- Use within 2 years for best results. Write the purchase date on the bottle with a marker.
- Transfer smaller amounts needed to a spray bottle rather than contaminating the main jug.
With proper storage, HDX Cleaning Vinegar will remain an effective multi-purpose cleaner for several years past the purchase date before turning too acidic.
Are There Any Discounts on HDX Cleaning Vinegar?
HDX Cleaning Vinegar already provides an affordable natural cleaning solution at just a few dollars per gallon jug. However, you can save even more with these money-saving tips:
- Watch for sales at Home Depot around major holidays. Vinegar often goes on sale for $1 off or more.
- Look for coupons on Home Depot’s website or available to print online. Sometimes you can get $5 or $10 off a total purchase.
- Buy the 2 gallon size instead of 1 gallon bottles to get more for your money.
- Stock up during sales. Vinegar has a long shelf life so extra jugs will keep.
- Join Home Depot’s loyalty program for exclusive discounts sent to members.
- Purchase an HDX spray bottle once and reuse it to save on recurring costs.
With a few easy ways to save, you can stock up on this natural cleaner at rock-bottom prices to clean green on a budget.
HDX Cleaning Vinegar stands out from regular vinegar as a heavy-duty natural cleaner. Just remember to always dilute it properly based on the surface and cleaning needs.
With the powerful grease-cutting, disinfecting, and deodorizing abilities of vinegar boosted to new heights, this Home Depot exclusive cleaning product can tackle any job safely and economically. Non-toxic, biodegradable, and highly effective, HDX Cleaning Vinegar deserves a prominent spot in your green cleaning toolkit.