20 great uses for vinegar
Avoid harsh and expensive chemicals by stocking up on this economical cleaner. You can use vinegar inside and outside the home for some great results.
1. Sterilise kids’ plastic bottles
Wash them in warm water and vinegar, then store in the freezer to eliminate germs.
2. Freshen up shoes
Spray the inside of the offending shoes with vinegar, pop the shoes in a paper bag and freeze overnight to be fresh in the morning.
3. Get rid of weeds
Avoid harsh chemicals that could affect pets, kids or the environment by using vinegar in a spray bottle instead. The weeds will be gone within 24 hours.
4. Prime your surface
Before you start painting a wall, door or table, wipe it down all over with vinegar and it will help the paint adhere better.
5. Protect from pests
Keep rabbits out of your veggie patch by soaking old rags in vinegar and placing them near the plants. Replace them weekly.
6. Clean out a smelly drain
Pour a cup of baking soda down the sink, and then add a cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction causes it to fizz up and clean out the pipe. When the fizzing stops, flush the drain out with a kettle full of hot water.
7. Remove bird mess
Get rid of bird poo from your car or outdoor furniture by spraying with vinegar before wiping it off.
8. Tenderise meat
Add a splash of vinegar to your marinade to help tenderise tougher cuts of meat.
9. Eliminate fruit flies
Fill a little plastic dish with red cider vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap. Make a few holes on the top with a skewer and leave it to work its magic.
10. Reduce red spots
After washing your face, dampen a cotton ball with a solution of one part vinegar to 10 parts water to help clear up blemishes.
11. Sooth nappy rash
Add a quarter cup vinegar to baby's bath to help soothe a sore red bottom.
12. Clean your glasses
Spray a small amount of white vinegar on your lenses and then wipe clean with a lint free cloth.
13. Mini manicure
Soak your fingertips in white vinegar for five minutes each week. It will help make your nails stronger and cuticles softer.
14. Clean toothbrushes
Keep germs at bay by soaking your brushes in vinegar before rinsing with water.
15. Remove food odours
If you’ve been chopping up garlic or onions, wash your hands with soapy water, then pour over some white vinegar before giving a final rinse in warm water.
16. Remove stickers
Spritz some vinegar on sticky labels, and then rub off.
17. Steam clean the microwave
Fill a glass bowl or jug with a quarter cup of vinegar and one cup of water. Microwave on full power for five minutes before wiping clean.
18. Remove wrinkles from clothes
Make up a spray bottle with one part vinegar and three parts water. Spray lightly on wrinkled shirts or trousers to remove wrinkles without ironing. The wrinkles will disappear as the solution evaporates.
19. Pre-clean your loo
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the toilet bowl, leave for 10 minutes and then clean as normal.
20. Clean your scissors
Wipe your scissor blades with a soft cloth soaked in white vinegar to remove any stickiness or grime.