Vinegar is a versatile household product with a wide range of practical uses. The following list outlines various ways vinegar can be incorporated into everyday cleaning and maintenance tasks.
For cleaning glass, vinegar can be mixed with water or used full-strength on glass and mirrors. Wiping with crumpled newspapers often results in a streak-free finish.
When polishing car chrome, applying full-strength vinegar with a cloth can restore shine. It is also suitable for cleaning windshields and windows.
Cloudy drinking glasses may be soaked in warmed white vinegar for several hours to remove film. After soaking, wipe, rinse, and dry the glasses.
To clean a washing machine, running a gallon of distilled vinegar through a warm water cycle can help remove soap scum and clear hoses. Adding vinegar during the rinse cycle is recommended.
A homemade furniture polish can be created by combining one part vinegar with three parts lemon oil or olive oil.
Price tags or stickers may be removed by applying several coats of vinegar and allowing it to soak. The ease of removal depends on the surface.
For cleaning an iron, vinegar can be placed in the water reservoir and allowed to steam through. It is important to flush the iron with water afterward.
Paintbrushes can be cleaned by simmering them in pure vinegar, followed by washing in hot, soapy water.
Washing walls with a vinegar-water mixture can help absorb odors and clean surfaces.
Spots on glassware or crystal may be removed using a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Boiling white vinegar can be poured down clogged drains to help remove blockages.
Jars with odors or stains can be cleaned by rinsing them with vinegar.
To freshen an old lunchbox, a piece of bread soaked in vinegar can be left inside overnight.
Food splatters in a microwave may be loosened by boiling a mixture of one cup water and one-quarter cup white vinegar. This also helps remove odors.
Odors in a garbage disposal can be addressed by freezing equal parts vinegar and water in ice cube trays. The cubes can be placed in the disposal and run with cold water.
Automatic coffee makers can be cleaned by running a cycle with white vinegar, followed by a cycle with water to remove any residual odor or taste.
Pouring a cup of vinegar down a kitchen drain and letting it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water can help deodorize the drain.
Placing a cup of apple cider vinegar in the refrigerator for two days may help eliminate odors.
For cleaning the refrigerator, a solution of one cup water and one cup white vinegar can be applied with a rag.
Adding one and a half cups of white vinegar to the bottom of a dishwasher, along with regular detergent, can result in cleaner dishes.
Undiluted white vinegar can be used to disinfect and clean wooden cutting boards and chopping blocks.
Stainless steel appliances can be cleaned with a mixture of half a cup vinegar and a quarter cup water, applied with a soft cloth to remove streaks.
Brass can be polished by making a paste from one cup white vinegar, one teaspoon table salt, and enough flour to form a paste. Apply, let sit for 15 minutes, rinse, and polish dry.
Washing hard surfaces in the kitchen with white vinegar may help deter ants.
Teapots can be cleaned by boiling a mixture of water and vinegar, then wiping away grime.
Eyeglasses can be cleaned by wiping each lens with a drop of vinegar.
Stubborn stains on furniture upholstery and clothing may be treated with white vinegar before washing according to manufacturer instructions.
Vinegar can serve as a natural air deodorizer when sprayed in a room.
Rusted tools, bolts, or spigots may be soaked in undiluted vinegar overnight to help remove rust.
For toilet cleaning, one cup of vinegar can be poured into the bowl, left for five minutes, and then flushed.
