10 awesome uses for vinegar

Vinegar really is a wonder ingredient. It is inexpensive, incredibly diverse and not as harsh or harmful for the environment as regular cleaning products. It is easy to see why it has been used for over 10,000 years! Here are 10 top ways on how to use it.

1. Unclog and deodorise drains

Vinegar combined with baking soda is one the most effective ways to unclog and deodorise drains. It is also far gentler on your pipes than commercial drain cleaners.

To clear clogs in sink and tub drains, use a funnel to pour in half a cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar. When the foaming stops, flush it with hot tap water. Then, wait five minutes, and then flush again with cold water. This technique also clears away any odour-causing bacteria.

2. Clean the microwave

Mix half a cup white distilled vinegar and half a cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring to a boil inside the microwave for a couple of minutes the baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe the inside of the microwave clean.

3. Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle

Add half a cup of white distilled vinegar to water in the kettle and let it sit overnight. If more drastic action is required then boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes then let cool and rinse with plain water.

4. Discourage ants

Spray undiluted white distilled vinegar in doorways windowsills, around appliances and wherever else that you find the pests coming in.

5. Clean glass shower doors

Use full-strength white distilled vinegar after you have squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. The vinegar will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

6. Remove perspiration odour and stains from clothing

Spraying full-strength white distilled vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine will help remove stubborn perspiration stains.

7. Clean chrome and stainless steel

Apply a light misting of undiluted white vinegar from a recycled spray bottle. Buff with a soft cloth to bring out the brightness.

8. Get cleaner clothes

Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse cycle. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalines in soaps and detergents. The distilled vinegar also prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener, static cling reducer, and attacks mould and mildew.

9. Give patent leather shoes and bags a better shine

Simply wipe them down with white distilled vinegar.

10. Soothe sunburn

Spray your affected skin with white distilled vinegar, repeating as often as you like. Ice-cold white distilled vinegar may feel better, and prevents blistering and peeling.

As you can see vinegar really is a wonder ingredient and this list contains just a brief picture of how it can be used. Let us know if you have any tips you can share!