If you’re cleaning a car, just leave the windows open for a few minutes. For a fridge, try leaving the door open for a minute or two. There’s no set time that the vinegar smell will linger. It depends on the air flow in the space. However, vinegar actively looks for things to bind to. In most cases, it won’t take more than 5-15 minutes for the smell to go away.
If you don’t want to change the temperature in your home, set your central AC to “fan” mode. This way, it’ll blow air without heating or cooling it.
A dehumidifier and/or air purifier are just generally good appliances to have around if you want to improve the air in your home.
Burn your candles safely. Do not leave your home or leave the candle unattended.
You can burn a sage smudge stick if you want to purify your home while masking the vinegar smell.
If you don’t have a diffuser, you can achieve a similar effect by boiling some water and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water. The steam will carry the oil’s odor throughout the air.
Baking soda is a deodorizing agent, just like vinegar. It will bind to any vinegar molecules and keep them from lingering in the air after you’re done cleaning. You can also mix the baking soda with vinegar to create a cleaning paste and use that instead of just spraying straight vinegar. This will create a less vinegar-smelling cleaning solution. [8] X Research source
You can use fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, instead of citrus rinds for an earthier aroma. If you prefer to use essential oils, pour a few drops of the essential oil into the vinegar instead of using herbs or citrus rinds.
You don’t normally need 100% pure white vinegar to clean a surface or deodorize an area effectively. In fact, undiluted vinegar may even stain or damage certain surfaces.
You can let any remaining moisture air dry, or wipe it dry with a clean rag or paper towel.
