Ways to use vinegar in the kitchen you need to try

We all have vinegar in the house and by now, you probably know how useful it is! But did you know just how versatile it is in the kitchen?

Here’s 11 new tips for you to try next time you do a spring clean.

1. Unclog and deodorise drains

Vinegar and bicarb soda is one of the most effective ways to unclog and deodorise drains. It’s also cheaper and less harsh on your drains than the store bought stuff! All you need is a funnel, bicarb soda and some vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup bicarb soda followed by 1 cup vinegar into the drain. When the foaming goes down, flush with hot water. Wait five minutes, and then flush again with cold water.

2. Get rid of a smoke smell

We’re not all chefs in the kitchen, but we don’t want to be reminded of that fact with a lingering burnt smell. As soon as the offending food or item is out of the room and danger, put 3/4 cup of vinegar in a pot and heat on the stove to eliminate odours.

3. Clean stainless steel

To clean stainless steel sinks, taps and other fixtures around your home, apply undiluted white vinegar, then buff with a soft cloth.

4. Blast away grease stains

Eliminate grease stains from your stove, counter and pots by wiping them down with a cloth soaked in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can also boil 2 cups of vinegar in your greasy pan for about 10 minutes to give it a natural non-stick quality that lasts several months, or boil 1 cup vinegar and water in a stainless steel pot to melt off stubborn stains.

5. Steam-clean your microwave

To clean your microwave, place a glass bowl filled with a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar in 1 cup water inside, and heat the mixture for five minutes on the highest setting. Once the bowl cools, dip a cloth or sponge into the liquid and use it to wipe away stains and splatters on the interior, which will now be much easier to get off.

6. Disinfect cutting boards

Find out how here with this three ingredient tip.

7. Clean your kettle

To eliminate stains in your kettle, bring 3 cups of full-strength white vinegar to the boil and overnight. Rinse out with cold water the next day.

8. Get stickers off jars

Simply rub some vinegar on the sticker, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe away!

9. Renew your sponges

Don’t throw out that sponge straight away – place it in enough water to cover it, then add 1/4 cup of vinegar. Soak overnight and wring out.

10. Keep eggs from cracking while boiling

Add a tablespoon or two of white vinegar to the water. It’s that simple!

11. Clean your oven

Click here to get the recipe for three-ingredient oven cleaner