Vinegar is a versatile and cost-effective household item you probably have in your pantry. But, while it’s commonly used in cooking and dressing salads, vinegar has a wide range of uses that you may not be aware of. In this article, we’ll share some surprising household uses for vinegar that you probably didn’t know about.
Cleaning windows and mirrors:
One of the primary uses for vinegar is to clean windows and mirrors to leave them streak-free. Mix equal vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface.
Disinfecting surfaces:
Vinegar has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a natural disinfectant. Use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to clean and disinfect surfaces in your home.
Removing stains:
Vinegar can help remove stains from clothing and fabrics. For tough stains, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual.
Cleaning kitchen appliances:
Vinegar can help easily remove grime and buildup from kitchen appliances like the stove, microwave, and refrigerator. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use a cloth to wipe the surface clean.
Removing odors:
Vinegar can help eliminate odors from your home. Place a bowl of vinegar in any room with a strong odor, and the vinegar will absorb the smell over time.
Cleaning floors:
Vinegar can be used to clean and deodorize floors. Mix a cup of vinegar with a gallon of water and use a mop to clean the floors.
Treating sunburns:
Vinegar can help soothe sunburns and relieve pain. Soak a cloth in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes.
Treating insect bites:
Vinegar can also help relieve the itch and swelling from insect bites. Apply a small amount of vinegar directly to the bite for instant relief.
Removing stickers and labels:
Vinegar can help remove stubborn stickers and labels from surfaces. Soak the sticker or label in vinegar for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth.
Polishing silverware:
Vinegar can help remove tarnish from silverware. Mix a quarter cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of warm water. Soak the silverware in the mixture for 30 minutes before rinsing and drying.
Killing weeds:
Vinegar can be used as a natural weed killer. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the weeds. The acetic acid in vinegar will dry out the leaves and kill the weeds.
Conditioning hair:
Vinegar can be used as a natural hair conditioner. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. It will help remove buildup and leave your hair feeling soft and shiny.
Removing bacteria from produce:
Vinegar can help remove bacteria from fruits and vegetables. Mix a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle and spray it on the produce. Rinse the produce with water after a few minutes to remove any vinegar residue.
Keeping ants away:
Vinegar can help keep ants away from your home. Spray vinegar along the areas where ants enter your home, such as doors and windowsills. The strong smell of vinegar will deter the ants from entering.
Vinegar is a versatile, cost-effective household item with many uses. Try out some of these tips and discover the many uses of vinegar in your home.
