Vinegar is a marvelous, acidic liquid that can be used in so many ways for everyday uses. It would take pages to list them all, so I’ve listed my top 20 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 vinegar is murky and there are things floating in it – that’s the good bacteria from which vinegar derives its medicinal uses.
So how is vinegar used in everyday life? Let’s have a look!
Vinegar uses around the house
1. As a natural, inexpensive alternative to toxic cleaning products, vinegar can’t be beat. What can you use distilled white vinegar for? My favourite all time use is to pour a ¼ cup of vinegar into the rinse cycle of the washing machine in place of dryer sheets. It makes clothes smell fresh without that cloying, perfume odour. If I have any trouble with static (usually only in the winter time when drying fleece), I wet my hands with water when folding.
2. How to use vinegar as a cleaner? Cleaning uses for vinegar:
- mixing it with baking powder to make a great toilet and sink cleanser.
- mixing it with water in a 1:1 ratio for glass cleaner.
- a 1:9 ratio for general purpose counter cleaner
3. 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 discolouration occurs.
4. 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.
Use Vinegar for Health and Beauty
5. Soak a few sprigs of rosemary overnight in apple cider vinegar, and then use as a hair rinse which will strip away product residue and leave hair soft and fresh.
6. To help relieve dandruff, massage apple cider vinegar onto your scalp after shampooing. Repeat several times per week.
7. For use as a natural toner and cleanser, mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
8. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to the tub and soak to alleviate sore muscles (and soften skin while you’re at it).
9. Apply vinegar to newly cut nails to remove dirt and kill germs and fungus.
10. Soak your toothbrush in a cup of vinegar and brush several times per week to help cure bad breath.
11. Drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a 1/3 cup water of water to instantly cure hiccups.
Uses of vinegar in the kitchen
12. Mix 1 tbsp vinegar per gallon of water and use it as a wash for fruits and vinegars to help remove pesticides.
13. Revitalize wilted vegetables by soaking them in water mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
14. Use some malt vinegar on french fries instead of ketchup for a tangy treat (can anyone say fish and chips?).
15. When hard boiling eggs, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water to prevent the eggs from cracking.
16. 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 favourite herb per 1 pound of meat.
17. Run straight white distilled vinegar through the coffee maker to clean out residue and calcium deposits. Run water through as a follow-up.
18. What are uses for vinegar? I love this one and used it all the time in my kids lunchboxes. 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 odours.
Uses of vinegar for dogs
19. Add 1 tsp per quart to your pet’s drinking water as a natural way to deter fleas and ticks.
20. How to get rid of dog urine smell in carpet with vinegar? Use vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio to remove urine stains and odour 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 discolouration occurs.
As you can see, there are so many everyday uses for vinegar! 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.
Does anyone else have any great uses for vinegar? If so, leave a comment and let us know!
Thanks for the informative post! I knew some of the tips, but not all. Very helpful.
I always use vinegar when washing my windows.