8 Home Uses for Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerhouse cleaning agent that can fight mildew, control odor, and cut through tough grease. Try these home uses for vinegar and save the day in almost any room — naturally.
Descale Coffee Machines
Whether you’re using a Keurig or a classic coffeepot, your machine will get mucky with coffee residue and mineral buildup over time. The good news is you don’t have to settle for a burnt, stale start to your morning or buy a whole new machine. Simply brew a full pot with a mixture of vinegar and water. (Check the instruction manual for the right ratio.) Then, brew another pot with clean water to rinse it out.
Banish Carpet Stains
Vinegar is an eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) alternative to commercial stain removers. Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1/4 cup of salt or baking soda. Rub the paste into the stain and let it dry overnight. Vacuum away the dried residue the next day to reveal a spotless carpet.
Clear Foggy Windows
Tackle smudged or foggy windows by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Start spritzing and wipe away with a microfiber cloth for streak-free shine.
Unclog Shower Heads
Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and fasten it around your shower head using a rubber band. Let it soak overnight, then in the morning rinse the shower head with water, scrape with a toothbrush, and watch as grime and mineral deposits flake away.
Nix Gnat Problems
Are pesky gnats or fruit flies floating around your kitchen? Ditch the chemicals and trap them with this neat trick. Fill a Mason jar halfway with apple cider vinegar and add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Top the jars with cling wrap and poke a few small holes in the plastic so the bugs can get in.
Deodorize Sink Disposals
Kitchen disposals handle a lot of food waste, making them vulnerable to odors and bacteria. Banish bad odors by sprinkling about a half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Let it sit for five minutes, then flush with hot water, and add a cup of vinegar.
Release Wrinkles
Believe it or not, but vinegar is a natural fabric relaxer. Hang clothing and mist with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water using a spray bottle. Allow clothing to air dry. This is also a great technique for other fabrics around your home, such as curtains or bedding.
Whiten Shower Grout
It’s possible to get fresh-looking grout without using bleach. Create a paste of baking soda and water, then apply it to the grout. Then, spray with a 1:1 mix of water and vinegar. Allow to sit and then scrub with a brush. Rinse with warm water.
Where Not to Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful cleaner because it’s an acid. And just the same as it eats away at the mineral deposits in your coffee machine, it can eat away at delicate surfaces in the home. Avoid using vinegar on your:
- Dishwasher — Vinegar eats away at rubber pipes and seals.
- Washing Machine — Again, it’s bad for the rubber pipes and seals.
- Stone Countertops and Hardwood Floors — Vinegar breaks down stone and enamel sealants.
- Electronic Screens — It can make a touchscreen less responsive.
Speaking of things that eat away at your home … have you seen our termite guide?
