Vinegar, a versatile and inexpensive household item, has been used for centuries in various ways beyond just eating or drinking. Its natural acidity, cleaning properties, and deodorizing abilities make it an invaluable resource for a wide range of non-food uses, especially in household tasks, such as cleaning and laundry. Here are some of the many ways vinegar can be used outside of the kitchen for a cleaner, fresher, and more efficient living space.
1: Laundry
Vinegar is a powerful tool when it comes to laundry care. Its acidic nature helps break down detergent residues, which can accumulate over time and cause clothing to feel stiff or lose their softness. By adding half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle, you can soften fabrics and restore their natural softness without the need for fabric softeners, which often contain harsh chemicals.
Vinegar is also a natural deodorizer. If clothes have absorbed unpleasant smells, such as mildew or smoke, vinegar can help neutralize these odours. It’s particularly useful for items that have been stored for a long time, such as blankets or seasonal clothing. Just add a cup of vinegar to the wash, and it will help lift and eliminate stubborn odours, leaving garments smelling fresh acting as a natural fabric softener.
Additionally, vinegar can be used to prevent colour fading. By adding a half cup to a load of colourful clothes, it can help set the dyes, keeping them vibrant for longer. It also helps reduce the build-up of soap scum and detergent residue that can cause discoloration in clothing over time.
2: Cleaning surfaces
Vinegar’s cleaning capabilities extend to virtually every surface in the home. It’s a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, mould, and mildew without the need for harmful chemicals. One of the most popular uses is for cleaning countertops, stovetops, and sinks. A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar can effectively clean grease, food spills, and stains. The acidity of vinegar helps break down grime while also leaving surfaces sparkling clean.
Vinegar can also be used to clean windows and mirrors. When mixed with water, it creates a streak-free shine that can leave glass surfaces gleaming. Simply spray the mixture onto the glass and wipe it off with a clean cloth for an effective, eco-friendly solution to glass cleaning.
For tile and grout, vinegar’s ability to dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum makes it a great option. A paste of baking soda and vinegar can be used to scrub away the stains and build-up that collect in grout lines, while vinegar alone can clean and disinfect tile surfaces.
3: Deodorizing
Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer due to its ability to neutralize acidic and alkaline odours. Instead of masking smells like commercial air fresheners, vinegar neutralizes them. For instance, placing a bowl of vinegar in a room can help eliminate musty odours or pet smells. It’s also effective at neutralizing the smell of smoke or food odours after cooking.
Another common use is in the refrigerator. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, place an open cup of vinegar inside. It will absorb any unpleasant smells without adding any chemical fragrances. Additionally, a mixture of water and vinegar can be used to wipe down the shelves of the refrigerator, which not only freshens it but also disinfects it.
Vinegar can also be used in shoes. After a long day of wear, sneakers or other shoes may develop a bad odour. Simply spray the inside with a mixture of water and vinegar to kill odour-causing bacteria and neutralize the scent. Let the shoes air out for a while to remove the vinegar smell, which will soon fade, leaving the shoes odour-free.
4: Removing stains
Another impressive use of vinegar is for stain removal, both on fabrics and carpets. Vinegar can be applied to food or drink stains on clothing, including wine or coffee, to help lift the stain before washing. For stubborn stains, create a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, which can be applied directly to the stained area and gently scrubbed away.
Carpet cleaning is another area where vinegar shines. If your carpet has developed stains, particularly those from pet accidents or spilled beverages, vinegar can help break down the stain. For general carpet cleaning, you can mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly mist the carpet, and then blot with a clean towel. This method is also useful for refreshing and deodorizing carpets.
5: Pest control
Vinegar can be a deterrent for certain pests in the home. For example, ants dislike vinegar, and it can be used as a natural repellent. A simple solution of vinegar and water sprayed along the baseboards, windowsills, and entry points can help keep ants at bay. Similarly, vinegar can deter fruit flies when mixed with a small amount of dish soap in a shallow dish. The fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar, but get trapped due to the soap.
Additionally, vinegar can be used to clean areas where pests have been present. For instance, it can disinfect surfaces after insects, such as cockroaches, have made contact with the area.
6: Fabric and carpet freshener
Besides using vinegar in the laundry, it can also be used as a fabric and carpet freshener. For fabrics that have absorbed odours or need a quick refresher, lightly misting them with a mixture of water and vinegar can remove smells and freshen the material. This is particularly useful for curtains, upholstery, or other textiles in the home that don't go through the washing machine.
7: Unclogging drains
Vinegar, in combination with baking soda, makes an excellent natural solution for clearing clogged drains. When poured down the drain, vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a fizzy reaction that helps break down debris and clear blockages. This method is safe for most types of drains and helps prevent the use of harsh chemicals that can damage pipes over time.
Conclusion
Vinegar is an incredibly versatile and eco-friendly substance that can be used in a variety of ways beyond food preparation. Its ability to clean, deodorize, remove stains, and even keep pests away makes it a valuable asset in any home. Whether you're looking to freshen up your laundry, disinfect surfaces, or keep your house free of unwanted odours, vinegar is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly solution that can replace many chemical-laden products.
Sources:
www.marthastewart.com/8104782/vinegar-rinse-laundry
www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-vinegar
