9 Things You Can Do With Vinegar

Vinegar has been a staple in households for centuries, not just as a cooking ingredient but also as a powerful cleaning agent. Its popularity stems from its versatility, effectiveness and eco-friendly properties. Made primarily from acetic acid and water, vinegar’s natural acidity makes it excellent at breaking down dirt, grime and bacteria.

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Unlike many chemical cleaners, vinegar is non-toxic, biodegradable and safe for both humans and pets. Additionally, it’s an inexpensive option that’s readily available in most kitchens.

Here’s a list of some of the best ways you can use vinegar around the house:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

How to Use: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can add a few drops of essential oil, like eucalyptus or bergamot, to mask the vinegar smell. This solution can be used to clean countertops, kitchen sinks, stovetops and bathroom surfaces. Simply spray on the surface, wipe with a clean cloth and watch the dirt and grime disappear.

Why it Works: The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through grease, dissolves mineral deposits and eliminates odors, making it a potent all-purpose cleaner. It’s safe to use on most surfaces, but avoid using it on natural stone like granite or marble, as its acidity can damage these materials.

2. Glass and Window Cleaner

How to Use: Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto windows or mirrors and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or a piece of crumpled newspaper. For tougher spots, allow the solution to sit for a minute before wiping.

Why it Works: Vinegar's ability to evaporate quickly helps to ensure no streaks are left behind.

3. Drain Cleaner

How to Use: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and bubble for about 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. Repeat for particularly stubborn clogs.

Why it Works: The fizzy chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar works to break down grime, hair and other debris that clog drains.

4. Descaling Coffee Makers and Kettles

How to Use: To descale a coffee maker, fill the reservoir with equal parts water and vinegar, then run a brewing cycle without coffee grounds. For kettles, fill with a mixture of water and vinegar, bring it to a boil, then let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

Why it Works: Vinegar’s acidic nature dissolves mineral deposits that can build up over time.

5. Deodorizer

How to Use: To eliminate odors in the air, simply place a bowl of vinegar in the room. To neutralize odors on fabrics, mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the area. For smelly dishwashers or garbage disposals, pour a cup of vinegar and run a short cycle or flush with hot water.

Why it Works: Vinegar absorbs and neutralizes unpleasant odors rather than masking them. Its antimicrobial properties also help kill the bacteria that cause odors, providing a fresher environment.

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6. Mold and Mildew Remover

How to Use: Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and apply directly to areas affected by mold and mildew, such as shower curtains, grout, or tile. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water. For tough mildew stains, you may need to repeat the process. You can also use it to clean or prevent mold and mildew in your washing machine.

Why it Works: The acetic acid in vinegar is effective at killing approximately 82% of mold species. It penetrates porous surfaces to help prevent future mold growth, making it an excellent natural alternative to harsh chemical mold removers.

7. Fruit and Vegetable Wash

How to Use: Fill a bowl with water and add a quarter cup of vinegar. Soak fruits and vegetables in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water. Why it Works: Vinegar's acidity helps to break down and remove surface pesticides and bacteria from fruits and vegetables, making them safer to eat. It's a cost-effective and natural way to clean produce without using commercial fruit washes.

8. Weed Killer

How to Use: Spray undiluted vinegar directly onto weeds in your garden or driveway. For tougher weeds, you can mix vinegar with a tablespoon of salt and a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar-salt combination helps dry out and kill the weeds, while the dish soap helps the solution adhere to the leaves.

Why it Works: Vinegar’s acidity ruptures the walls of plant cells, allowing water to leak out and evaporate, thus drying the weeds out and killing them.

9. Fabric Softener

How to Use: Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. This will help soften fabrics, reduce static cling and keep colors bright. For an added scent, you can mix a few drops of essential oil with the vinegar.

Why it Works: Vinegar breaks down left-behind detergents that can make fabrics feel stiff.