Versatile Vinegar - May. 27, 2009
Posted in Managing My Home
I am always amazed when I learn that a simple, ordinary, inexpensive item right under my nose can be used is some extraordinary ways. I had no idea that vinegar was one of these ordinary items with some extraordinary versatility. This natural wonder can wipe out tarnish, soap scum, mineral deposits, and more.
The word vinegar is derived from the Old French vin aigre, meaning “sour wine,” which is a pretty accurate description of vinegar. Centuries ago, a cask of wine was discovered that had gone past its time and became something new. That something new turned out to be a very useful acid. According to the Vinegar Institute website, “The strength of vinegar is measured by the percent of acetic acid present in the product. All vinegar sold in the
Check out all the different ways you can use vinegar in your home:
Coffeemaker: To remove mineral deposits in your automatic drip coffeemaker pour equal parts vinegar and water into the machine’s water reservoir. Brew about three cups of the solution through the coffeemaker. Turn the coffeemaker off and let stand for 30-60 minutes. Turn the machine back on to complete the cycle. Now, run the machine through two cycles with clean water.
Glassware: For spotless hand-washed glasses add one cup of vinegar to the rinse water. For spotless glasses in your dishwasher, forget the expensive rinsing agents. Fill your dishwasher’s rinse aid reservoir with vinegar instead.
Showerheads: To combat mineral deposits on showerheads, pour undiluted vinegar into a plastic bag. Tie bag around the showerhead, making sure the clogged holes are submerged in the vinegar. Let sit overnight. Rinse with water in the morning.
Drains: Keep drains flowing freely with ½ cup of baking soda and ½ vinegar poured down the drain monthly. After pouring the baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let sit for about 15 minutes. This should give you ample time to call the kids in to oooh and aaaah over the foaming action and give a quick talk about volcanoes. Then flush with cold water.
Bathrooms: To combat soap scum, mold, and mildew on your showers, tubs, sinks, and walls, spray affected area. Let sit for fifteen minutes, then wipe clean. Reapply as needed.
Pet odors: Neutralize pet odors on carpets and upholstery with a diluted white vinegar spray. Mix three parts water to one part vinegar and pray on affected area. Always be sure to test in an inconspicuous spot (like under the couch, behind a chair, etc.) before treating a large area.
Bug Spray: Apply undiluted vinegar to the skin with a cotton ball to deter bugs. Honest, you won’t smell like a salad for long. Once the vinegar dries, the scent disappears but the bugs will hate the way you taste.
Sunburns: My mother told me this one many, many years ago. I thought she was crazy. Now, I reach for the vinegar first when treating sunburn. Simply apply undiluted white or cider vinegar to the affected skin with a cotton ball. Reapply as necessary.
Weed killer: Spray undiluted white vinegar on weeds. It’s as simple as that. Reapply when new weeds grow. Also works on grass growing through the cracks in your sidewalk or driveway. Just don’t apply when it’s raining. The vinegar will wash away.
Fabric softener: For an inexpensive fabric softener, add ½ - 1 cup of vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle. The vinegar will soften your clothes, brighten your colors, remove soap, prevent yellowing, attack mold and mildew, and reduce static cling!
Ink: Last but not least, I want share something fun you can do with vinegar. You can make ink! So, grab the kids, pretend it’s Colonial Times for the day and check out these recipes from Home Science Tools.
Walnut Ink. Crush the shells of 12 walnuts by putting them in a sock and hammering them lightly. Pour the shells into a saucepan and cover them with water, then let them simmer for 30 minutes. After that, remove them from heat and let them soak overnight. Strain the shells out of the ink and add 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar to help preserve the color.
Isn’t vinegar amazingly versatile? Personally, I really like the pickles I can make with it, and you can’t beat that $2 a gallon price tag!
Thank you for stopping by! By the way, did you notice that the house does not smell like vinegar even though I use it all the time!? Works great, doesn’t it?! Don’t forget to check out some of these other resources for even more uses for vinegar. Right now, I’m just going to enjoy this salad. Want some?
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1Peter1:2b
Vinegar Resources
Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean, by Linda Cobb
Real Simple magazine, April 2009, realsimple.com
