Have you ever stood in the cleaning products aisle, wondering if you should buy CLR or vinegar? 

It's a common question many of us face when dealing with tough cleaning jobs at home. Both CLR and vinegar are popular choices, but they're quite different from each other. 

If you're not sure which one would work best, don't worry - you're in the right place.

In this post, I’ll compare CLR Vs Vinegar against a number of different factors. I'll cover everything from what they're made of to how well they work on different surfaces.

By the end, you'll have a clear idea of when to use CLR and when to reach for the vinegar.

#1 Chemical Composition

CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover) is a commercial cleaner that's specifically made to deal with stubborn mineral buildup. Its main active ingredients are hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide which are pretty strong chemicals.

On the other hand, vinegar is a natural cleaner that's mostly made up of something called acetic acid.

If you're using white vinegar for cleaning (which most people do), it's usually about 5% acetic acid.

Also Read: CLR alternatives

#2 Effectiveness

When it comes to getting the job done, both CLR and vinegar have their strong points. 

CLR is a champ at getting rid of tough mineral buildup, especially stuff like calcium and lime scale. It's great for hard surfaces like sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. 

The strong chemicals in it make it really good at getting rid of stubborn stains.

However, in some experiments, vinegar actually did a better job at removing rust. The acidity in vinegar helps it penetrate deeper into rusty surfaces, which makes it surprisingly good at rust removal.

For everyday cleaning and lighter mineral deposits, vinegar works pretty well too. 

It might take a bit longer or need a few more tries compared to CLR for the tougher jobs, though.

#3 Versatility And Applications

This is where vinegar really shines. You can use it for all sorts of cleaning tasks, not just getting rid of rust or mineral buildups. 

From cleaning windows and mirrors to making drains smell better and freshening up laundry, vinegar's got a ton of uses around the house. 

It's also safe to use on lots of surfaces, including some that CLR might damage.

CLR, on the other hand, is more of a specialist. It's great at what it does, but it doesn't have as many uses. It's the go-to cleaner for tough mineral deposits, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. 

But because it's pretty strong, you can't use it on everything. You've got to be careful with it.

#4 Cost-Effectiveness

If we're talking about getting the most bang for your buck, vinegar is the clear winner. It's cheap and you can get a whole gallon of it for just a few bucks. 

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Plus, since you can use it for so many different things, one bottle goes a long way.

CLR is a bit pricier. A typical bottle can cost around $7 or more, depending on how big it is and where you buy it.

#5 Ease Of Use

Both vinegar and CLR are pretty straightforward to use, but there are a few things to keep in mind. 

CLR usually comes ready to use right out of the bottle. You don't need to mix it with anything. Just put it on the surface you're cleaning, let it sit for a bit, then rinse it off.

Vinegar is simple too, but you might need to do a bit of prep work. 

For cleaning, people often mix it with water, but you can use it full strength for tougher jobs. You might need to let vinegar sit longer or use it a few times to get the results you want on really stubborn stains.

#6 Long-Term Effects On Surfaces

It's worth thinking about how these cleaners might affect your surfaces over time. 

CLR works well, but it can be pretty harsh on some materials. If you use it a lot or for a long time on sensitive stuff like natural stone, wood, or certain metals, it might cause some damage or discoloration.

Vinegar is generally milder, so it's usually safer to use over time on most surfaces. 

But it's still acidic, so it can damage some materials if you use it too much, especially things like natural stone, grout, or waxed surfaces.

No matter which one you use, make sure to rinse the surface really well afterwards!

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#7 Safety Considerations

Vinegar is safer to use than CLR. 

CLR has some strong chemicals in it, so you need to be careful when you use it. It's a good idea to wear gloves and make sure the room is well-ventilated because it can be pretty corrosive. 

Also, keep CLR somewhere kids and pets can't get to it.

Vinegar, on the other hand, is generally safe to use around the house. 

It's not toxic, it's safe around food, and it's not really risky to use for cleaning. The smell can be pretty strong and not very pleasant, but it won't hurt you to breathe it in. 

This makes vinegar a safer choice if you have kids, pets, or if someone in your house is sensitive to harsh chemicals.

Should I Get CLR Or Vinegar?

So, which one should you go for? It really depends on what kind of cleaning you need to do. 

If you're dealing with really tough, built-up mineral deposits, especially in your bathroom or kitchen, CLR might be the way to go. It's strong enough to handle stains that vinegar might struggle with.

But for everyday cleaning around the house, dealing with lighter mineral deposits, or if you want something that's versatile, safe, and good for the environment, vinegar is a great choice. 

It's especially good if you prefer natural cleaning solutions or if you're not comfortable using strong chemicals in your home.

Bottom Line

The main difference between CLR and vinegar is that CLR is stronger and better at removing mineral build ups like limescale. Vinegar is better at cleaning rust. It's also cheaper, versatile and safer than CLR.