13 USES FOR VINEGAR:
A BAKER’S DOZEN TIPS FOR USING VINEGAR - THE ULTIMATE “GREEN” CLEANER
Mom had so many uses for vinegar. She used vinegar to clean the sinks, the wood floors and to remove mold. (She also used cider vinegar to rinse our hair and added a splash to our bath water to restore the acid balance of our skin).
When you are using vinegar, which is better: cider or clear? It depends on what you’re using vinegar for – cider vinegar works for many things as does clear. Clear vinegar is the first choice for most cleaners since it doesn’t add color. But if cider vinegar is all you have, go ahead and use it. Cider vinegar has a sort of “appley” aroma (it’s made from apples). Clear vinegar is made from grain.
Bathroom/Kitchen Uses for Vinegar
1. Use vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour vinegar around the inside of the rim. If you can let it sit a couple of hours or overnight, that’s good. Or scrub the bowl after a few minutes.
2. Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. I like to use half water and a little more than half vinegar plus some essential oils for aroma.
3. Calcium deposits. Use vinegar on sinks, and for stopped up shower heads, put some vinegar (either clear or cider) into a strong baggie. Tie that to the shower head, making sure the head is immersed in the vinegar. Leave overnight. The next day, your shower head will be completely free of all the deposits, crusties that clog it up. FYI if you use vinegar on tile, make sure it’s safe for the grout.
4. Chrome fixtures. Make a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon clear vinegar.
5. All Purpose Cleanser #1: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with a tablespoon liquid detergent. Add enough clear vinegar to make it thick and creamy.
6. All Purpose Cleaner #2: Mix 2 cups water, 1/4 cup oil soap (like Murphy’s Oil Soap) and 1/4 cup vinegar. Add 10 or so drops of essential oil if you like – I like rosemary, lavender, citrus, cedar or patchouli.
7. Drains/Garbage Disposals. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot clear vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then run hot water through.
8. Dishwasher. Each month pour a quart of clear vinegar in and run through a complete cycle.
9. Windows. Use half water and a little more than half clear vinegar plus 1/4 cup NON-SUDSY ammonia (opt).. Put in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil if you like for aroma.
10.“Green” Produce Wash. Especially good for leafy greens. Mix together 3-4 tablespoons cider vinegar to about 6 cups water. Let produce soak a few minutes, rinse in clear water, drain, dry and put away. This is as effective as a chlorine solution in killing bacteria and is much less harsh. Just as good as the commercial products.
Laundry Uses for Vinegar
11. Put a splash in the washing machine for the wash cycle. I use clear vinegar for this – it helps remove stains, softens the water for a cleaner wash.
12. Put a splash or two in the rinse water which will help the clothes not to wrinkle. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and is hygienic, removes mold and won’t leave a lingering odor.
Uses for Vinegar with Kids - Vinegar cleaning penny
13. Soak pennies overnight in vinegar. They’ll be brand, spanking,
shiny new!
