Uses For Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile substance which can replace multiple expensive, toxic products. Here are 25 creative ways to use it around your house every day.
Noelle Corbin-Uses For Vinegar
Vinegar is a marvelous, acidic liquid that can be used in so many ways it would take pages to list them all. I’ve listed my top 25 below. For cleaning purposes, I strongly recommend distilled white vinegar (apple cider vinegar may stain). For other uses, undistilled apple cider vinegar is a good choice. Don’t worry if it’s murky and there are things floating in it – that’s the good bacteria from which vinegar derives its medicinal uses.
Around The House-Uses For Vinegar
As a natural, inexpensive alternative to toxic cleaning products, vinegar can’t be beat. My favorite all time use is to pour a ¼ cup into the rinse cycle of the washing machine in place of dryer sheets (which can be one of the most toxic items in your home). It makes clothes smell fresh without that cloying, perfume odor. If I have any trouble with static (usually only in the winter time when drying fleece) I wet my hands with water when folding.
Other uses include: mixing it with baking powder to make a great toilet and sink cleanser, mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio for glass cleaner, or a 1:9 ratio for general purpose counter cleaner. Vinegar also removes most mold and mildew – the shower is a great place to use it. Always spot check before using to make sure no discoloration occurs.
Spray full strength vinegar on cracks in pavement and stone walkways to kill weeds or sprinkle along door jambs, window sills, and foundation cracks to deter ants.
Health and Beaut-Uses For Vinegar
Soak a few sprigs of rosemary overnight in vinegar, and then use as a hair rinse which will strip away product residue and leave hair soft and fresh. To help relieve dandruff, massage vinegar onto your scalp before shampooing. Repeat several times per week.
For use as a natural toner and cleanser, mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Vinegar can relieve a sunburn when rubbed softly on the afflicted area. Add a cup to the tub and soak to alleviate sore muscles (and soften skin while you’re at it).
Apply it to newly cut nails to remove dirt and kill germs and fungus. Soak your toothbrush in a cup of vinegar and brush several times per week to help cure bad breath. Drink a teaspoon of vinegar mixed with a cup of water to instantly cure hiccups.
Bon Appétit
Mix 1 tbsp vinegar per gallon of water and use it as a wash for fruits and vinegars to help remove pesticides. Revitalize wilted vegetables by soaking them in water mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar. Use some malt vinegar on french fries instead of ketchup for a tangy treat (can anyone say fish and chips?).
When hard boiling eggs, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water to prevent the eggs from cracking. Vinegar also makes a good marinade because it kills bacteria and tenderizes meat. Try ¼ cup oil, ¼ cup vinegar, and a tablespoon of your favorite herb per 1 pound of meat.
Run straight white distilled vinegar through the coffee maker to clean out residue and calcium deposits. Run water through as a follow-up.
I love this one and use it all the time in my daughter’s lunchbox. Soak a napkin (or supposedly a piece of bread, although I’ve never tried that one) in vinegar, then leave it in a closed lunchbox overnight to remove odors.
For Fido
Add 1 tsp per quart to your pet’s drinking water as a natural way to deter fleas and ticks.
Use vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio to remove urine stains and odor from carpets. Blot the area then rinse and blot with water several times. Finally apply vinegar mixture, blot, and rinse with water. Always spot check vinegar mixture on carpet first to make sure no discoloration occurs.
Vinegar is one of the most versatile substances around. It can replace dozens of expensive and toxic products in your home. I always keep a bottle or two on hand.
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