ACV as udder wash?

3860 Views 27 Replies 6 Participants Last post by happybleats, Dec 11, 2013

ThreeHavens

Discussion Starter · Dec 10, 2013

I am looking into different udder wash options. Right now I use the bleach and dish soap recipe, but I read on a cow forum that some use ACV as an udder wash. Has anyone had experience with this? I'm interested in trying it, but only if it's effective at cleaning them and protecting them from infection.

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nchen7

· #2 · Dec 10, 2013

I was using some ACV in warm water as udder wash, but now switched to white vinegar b/c ACV is expensive where I am. I like it. it does a great job at cleaning, and it's not nearly as harsh as bleach. I read one lady uses ACV with tea tree, but again, gets expensive for me..... I can't seem to find that page anymore, but i'll keep looking and post when I do.....

ThreeHavens

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 10, 2013 (Edited)

That was my problem with some natural alternatives, I just don't have the funding ... I need the money to buy hay.

So, white vinegar? That sounds good too, I've read it has antibacterial properties. The only issue I'd have adding EOs to the wash would be during pregnancy. I've read the some EOs during pregnancy can cause hormonal issues in the unborn bucklings.

NyGoatMom

· #4 · Dec 10, 2013

I use the bleach/dishsoap recipe too. I haven't had a problem so far...I thought it might dry out her teats but it didn't. I do let them air dry well before putting her back with kids though....

nchen7

· #5 · Dec 10, 2013

I haven't had any issues with my vinegar and water mixture. I mean, I clean my floor, counters, chopping boards, etc etc with it, why not teats? it's safe, and I don't feel bad about the vinegar absorbing into her system.

I think this is where I saw it first. it says brown vinegar (likely malt?), but I just use regular white stuff.
https://sites.google.com/site/simplybeingozarks/the-barn/udder-care

when I first got my doe, I read all over with the bleach thing or baby wipes. baby wipes are out of the question b/c they're insanely expensive here, and I didn't like the thought of all that waste. and I didn't like the thought of leaving bleach and dish detergent as a leave on product my doe's udder. i know it's not a lot, but if I put my hands in that kind of solution, i'd be washing it off immediately. i may just be my own little quirk about it, but i personally like vinegar as my cleanser/disinfectant best.

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NyGoatMom

· #6 · Dec 10, 2013

No, I see your point nchen! I go through quite a few paper towels. I use 4 a day roughly per goat to wash the udder before milking....I hate it but I don't wanna do more washing and use rags....so it's a toss up.

I have heard of using vinegar to clean your fridge....how much do you dilute it?

nchen7

· #7 · Dec 10, 2013

for the fridge or the goat?

for goat, i have a yogurt tub of warm water (i only have one girl in milk), and i plop some vinegar in it. lol. not very technical...i know!

for the fridge, i'd say a bucket of water with 1 cup of vinegar?

oh! (sorry for the vinegar tangent). if you use citrus at home for anything (lemon, limes, oranges, etc), put leftovers in a jar (i have large mason jars), stuff with the citrus and cover with vinegar. let it sit for 2-3 weeks. strain out and dilute 1:1 with water in spray bottle. best all purpose cleaner ever! you can add herbs and spices too! (e.g. rosemary, mint, clove, etc). i learned this from a friend of mine with a huge jar of used up citrus soaked in something in a bottle. i had to know what it was. lol

.:Linz:.

· #8 · Dec 10, 2013

Have you seen Kristie's recipe, Danielle?

I just use dish soap (liquid castile if I have it/can afford it) and water for a pre-wash, and I don't dip after...

nchen7

· #9 · Dec 10, 2013

oh, I don't dip after either. just wipe it down again...

NyGoatMom

· #10 · Dec 10, 2013

Wow, that good to know nchen....how cool. I don't eat a ton of citrus though....hmmmm, maybe I should start

nchen7

· #11 · Dec 10, 2013

it's very cool! I just started a jar b/c I made some limoncello and lemonade, so I stuffed as many leftover lemons in a jar as I could. it's been just over 2 weeks, and the mixture smells AMAZING. I used a huge jar and could only stuff about 4 lemons in it....they were huge lemons tho....

ThreeHavens

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 10, 2013

.:Linz:. said:
Have you seen Kristie's recipe, Danielle?

I have! It looks amazing, but I think a bit too expensive for me to put together.

Would love to use it. Maybe in the future I will.

I'll have to try the vinegar ... how long have you been using it, nchen7?

NyGoatMom

· #13 · Dec 10, 2013

I'd love to try it sometime...I usually clean with Lysol or Bleach...

happybleats

· #14 · Dec 10, 2013

We use white vinegar and water with a few drops of dawn dish soap..you can add a drop or two of lemon Ess. oil or tea tree...We buy cheap white wash cloths...we use one for washing and one for drying, for each goat, we dont share...bring them in , wash them for the next time..saves on paper towels : )

nchen7

· #15 · Dec 10, 2013

I've always used the vinegar....so since May when I first started milking? (it seems longer than that.....). we only clean with vinegar and borax or baking soda at home.

NyGoatMom

· #16 · Dec 10, 2013

happybleats said:
We use white vinegar and water with a few drops of dawn dish soap..you can add a drop or two of lemon Ess. oil or tea tree...We buy cheap white wash cloths...we use one for washing and one for drying, for each goat, we dont share...bring them in , wash them for the next time..saves on paper towels : )

I bet with all your goats I would reuse too!

But with only 1 last season, it wasn't bad. I should have 2-3 this year if all goes well...so I may look at other options.

happybleats

· #17 · Dec 10, 2013

we kicked the chemical cleaners about the year or so ago...we use peroxide baking soda and borax as well.. for many cleaning jobs,
vinegar, olive oil, water and ess. oil ( usually lemon or lime) for furniture polish...
vinegar with lime ess. oil and water for floors.( the kids love the smell)

From what I read...Vinegar does kill germs, BUT needs to sit longer than bleach..so once you clean you counters...spray with straight vinegar and leave for at least 10 minutes..then go back and wipe it dry...same with all surfaces..you can also add ess. oil to vinegar for this...

happybleats

· #18 · Dec 10, 2013

a note on borax...My husband unplugged our freezer to clean it out since we got it emptied...he forgot about it!!! I opened the freezer and it was gross, nasy, moldy, smelly...pink gunk growing..!! it was bad , my daughter got in there an scrubbed and scrubbed..it still smelled bad and was still very much stained....I made a paste with borax and water and spread it all over, a few minutes later..not even 5 minites..we wiped it off and the freezer was not only stain free but the smell was gone too...AMAZING! made me a believer

nchen7

· #19 · Dec 10, 2013

happybleats said:
vinegar with lime ess. oil and water for floors.( the kids love the smell)

try the citrus vinegar mixture. it smells AMAZING and so far I only have lemon in it. bought some grapefruit and oranges this week, and may do one with those.

that paste thingy works with baking soda too. I use it on shower scum and marks on stainless steel. with stainless steel, you may want to "moisturize" with a bit of olive or coconut oil.

NyGoatMom

· #20 · Dec 10, 2013

It amazes me what people come up with...awesome stuff.

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