12 Different Uses for Vinegar

When most people think of vinegar they think of bad smelling liquid or the stuff that helps make pickles. They don’t usually think of a handy house cleaner or beauty aid. “Lies!” people may claim. “It smells so horrible!” Yes, it does, but it also works wonders on a good variety of things. This list only consists of a small number of ways to use vinegar to your advantage.

Dishwasher dirty?

Add a half-cup of vinegar to your empty dishwasher and let the rinse cycle run. The vinegar will open up clogs, deodorize the machine, and make it easier to clean.

Ink Stain?

This should be treated immediately with not vinegar, but by blotting the area and then spraying hair spray onto it. Once the ink stain is gone, you can then use a solution of half vinegar and half water into the sticky area to remove the hair spray residue.

Rusty nails?

To get rid of the rust simply place the nails or other small metal objects that are rusted over into a glass jar. Cover the items in vinegar and then seal the jar. Let them sit overnight.

Want softer clothes?

Merely add a half-cup of vinegar to the last rinse cycle in order to soften up your clothing. This can also help keep lint and pet hair from clinging to your clothes.

Itchy skin, aching muscles?

Add eight ounces of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with warm water. Stay in tub for at least fifteen minutes. This can also help lessen swelling.

Chapped and rough skin?

Mix together equal parts vinegar and hand cream. Use regularly.

Dandruff?

While the smell may be overwhelming, massage full-strength vinegar into your scalp a few times a week and it will not only help control dandruff, but also keep your hair healthy.

Can’t sleep due to coughing?

Sprinkle your pillowcase with apple cider vinegar in order to control nighttime coughing.

Sore throat?

With this remedy you’ll have to withstand the overpowering taste of vinegar, but it’s definitely worth it. Use one teaspoon of vinegar per eight ounces of water and gargle.

Ants?

Sometimes ants try to take over your home, especially in the kitchen. If you can figure out exactly where they are coming from, proceed to coat that area with vinegar. Also spray vinegar onto places where the ants appear most, like the sink and appliances.

Cats scratching?

Cats have a superb sense of smell that is usually to their benefit. Not this time. If you want to discourage a cat from scratching at furniture or climbing onto certain surfaces you can spray the area with vinegar. Most cats will avoid it, as they dislike the smell.

Pet digestion?

If you want to improve your pet’s digestion and health add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl.

Vinegar can help you around the house in a variety of ways. My family always keeps a bottle of vinegar at hand, because you never know what it might come in handy.