Vinegar is known for having a wide variety of purposes, from cooking to cleaning, and it’s been around for thousands of years.
In fact, even before 5000 BC, ancient Babylonians used it as a cleaning agent.
In the process, they discovered that it had the ability to slow or stop the action of bacteria which spoils food, and put it to use as a preservative.
The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used it as a preservative as well, and Helen of Troy was even said to have used it to bathe in to help her relax.
The ingredient in this totally natural food that makes it so useful is acetic acid, and it makes up about 5 percent of the finished product, which is both cheap and versatile.
So versatile, that you’ll find it offers a practically endless list of surprising uses, including these.
1. Removing Stickers:
Vinegar is an effective solution for removing stickers and adhesive residues, especially from car surfaces. Just spray some vinegar on the sticker, wait a few hours, and it will peel off effortlessly.
2. Preventing Cats from Scratching Furniture:
Cats often scratch furniture, but they dislike the smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water to create a deterrent spray to keep them away from certain areas.
3. Natural Baby Wipes:
Create your own baby wipes using 250 ml of boiled water, 120 ml of aloe vera juice, 120 ml of witch hazel extract, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of castile soap. Cut a roll of paper towels in half, place it in a container, pour the mixture over it, and wait for it to be absorbed.
4. Adding Vinegar to a Warm Bath:
Vinegar can disinfect the body effectively and help treat conditions like Candida. Its acidic nature helps eliminate excess uric acid from the body.
5. Natural Herbicide:
The acetic acid in vinegar has herbicidal properties and can effectively kill most unwanted plants. Spray it directly on the plants to eliminate them within hours.
6. Extending the Life of Cut Flowers:
Lowering the pH level of water with vinegar can prolong the life of cut flowers and reduce the presence of microbes. Mix equal parts of sugar and white vinegar and add it to the flower water.
7. Cleaning Electronic Devices:
To maintain the functionality of computers, printers, and other electronic devices, white vinegar is an effective cleaning agent. Turn off the device, moisten a cloth with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, wring well, and gently clean the surfaces.
8. Cleaning Window Blinds:
Cleaning blinds effectively can be challenging, but vinegar can help. Wear a cotton glove, moisten your fingertips with a warm water and vinegar solution, and run your fingers between the blinds. Rinse your fingers in a water container between each blind.
9. Removing Water Marks from Furniture:
Mix equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar, dip a cloth in the solution, wring it out, and gently rub to remove water marks from wood.
10. Removing Carpet Stains:
For lighter stains, mix two tablespoons of salt with 120 ml of vinegar, rub the stain, let it dry, then vacuum. For darker or larger stains, add two tablespoons of borax to the mixture.
11. Cleaner Laundry:
Using white vinegar in laundry helps remove stains, enhance colors, and produce a pleasant scent. Replace fabric softener with vinegar for better results.
Vinegar’s versatility makes it a valuable asset in any household, offering eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for various tasks.
