18 amazing ways to use apple cider vinegar

What would you say if you were told that something in your kitchen was used by ancient Egyptians in 3000 BC? Or that it was used by Hippocrates to heal his patients way back in 400 HC?  The use of apple cider vinegar has been recorded by some of the greatest civilisations on Earth. The presence of this golden substance in your home means that you have joined the ranks of the ancient Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. Julius Caesar himself used it as a healing agent, the Samurai warriors of Japan drank it for strength, and Christopher Columbus kept it to prevent his crew from getting scurvy.

Still using it solely for cooking? Here are a few ways you can make the most out of this liquid gold.

1. As a non-toxic cleaner. This is the one you’ll probably already know about. Apple cider vinegar can be used to clean a whole range of household items without using nasty chemicals. Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar will do a much better job of your floors than your standard mix and you can make your own solution at home by combining equal parts water and vinegar. Don’t worry about the smell either, as it will disappear as the solution dries.

2. Remove dandruff. Weird as it might sound, by spraying a solution of ¼ cup of water and ¼ apple cider vinegar onto your scalp, you can rid yourself of dandruff. The acidity in the vinegar helps to prevent the increased growth of a fungus on the scalp that causes dandruff. Just leave the solution on for 15 minutes and then rinse. Use the spray twice a week and you can say goodbye to those expensive salon products!

3. Get rid of nasty odours. Got a bad smell lurking in your home? Simply pour some apple cider vinegar into a bowl and leave it where the smell is strongest. The vinegar will help to remove the odour quicker. If the smell isn’t in the home but instead coming from your feet, apple cider vinegar will still do the job. Soak baby wipes in vinegar in the fridge overnight and then use on the offending area – the acid in the vinegar will alter your PH levels and fight any  bad odours. You can store these magic baby wipes in a zip lock bag for future use.

4. Ease a sunburn. Not a quick cure for sunburnt skin, but a simple way to ease any discomfort is to add 1 – 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath and soak for 10 minutes. Like it does when fighting body odours, the vinegar will help to restore your PH levels and leave your skin feeling fresh and soothed.

5. Calm itchy skin. Utilising its PH altering gifts, apple cider vinegar will calm an itchy skin if applied directly to the problem spot.

6. Whiten your teeth. If your pearly whites aren’t so pearly anymore, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and swish around your mouth. The solution will help to fight stains and return your teeth to their former glory.

7. Clear sinuses. The antibacterial qualities of apple cider vinegar make this liquid a mucous-fighting machine. Mix some water and vinegar and sip to clear your cold and prevent further infection.

8. Sooth a sore throat. Use any left over solution from your sinus clearing drink to sooth your sore throat as well. Simply gargle the mixture at the first sign of discomfort and repeat every hour (or as needed).

9. Ease digestion. Sipping equal parts apple cider vinegar and water will help to settle and upset stomach. Using it’s antibiotic, and bacteria fighting properties, apple cider vinegar will ease internal discomfort the natural way.

10. Keep pets flea-free. Using our favourite mixture – equal parts water and vinegar, you can stop your animals from harbouring fleas. After consulting with your vet (every animal is unique) rub the solution into their skin to repel an infestation.

11. Removing warts. Apple cider vinegar proves its medical usefulness yet again with this little trick. Soak a cotton ball in the liquid then secure it to the wart with a bandaid or medical tape. Leave the makeshift bandage on overnight and then remove it in the morning to see the results.

12. Restore your hair’s shine. If you’re after a natural way to add life and shine into dull, dry hair, then look no further. The acid in apple cider vinegar removes the build up of product in the roots and again, restores PH levels in the scalp.

13. Settle down skin after shaving. Like with sunburn and itchiness, apple cider vinegar can be used to treat irritated skin after shaving. Just apply a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to the area and wait for it to dry – the smell will dissipate as ti dries.

14. Fade bruises. Bruises are a unsightly but unavoidable part of life. Utilise the anti-inflammetory effects of the liquid by dabbing it to the bruised skin to ease discolouration and swelling.

15. In a juice. Drinking raw apple cider vinegar can have extraordinary health benefits (as we’ve already discovered), but it may not be the most appetising option to some. Try adding the vinegar to juices to sneak in those benefits whilst sipping on a healthy, tasty drink.

16. Eliminate bad breath. If you’re using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, to clear sinuses, sooth a sore throat, or ease digestion, you’re going to notice an excellent side effect – the anti-bacterial properties mean you can say goodbye to bad breath as well. That’s what we call a win-win situation.

17. Facial toner. Use apple cider vinegar in place of your witch hazel or regular toner to make the most of its PH balancing affects.

18. As a salad dressing. The thing that apple cider dressing is best known for had to make this list. Add oil, garlic, honey or any of your favourite ingredients to make an irresistible salad dressing your guests will be raving about.

What do you use apple cider vinegar for? Have you tried out any of the ideas on our list?