7 Unexpected Ways to Use Vinegar Around the House
What if we told you there is one item in your kitchen pantry that can do it all? This homekeeping multitasker can whiten your laundry whites, wash your windows and mirrors, drive out pests, eliminate odors, and remove stains, and leave your surfaces sparkling clean. Enter: vinegar, your secret weapon.
Dissolve Rust
To clean sharp edges on a dirty knife or pair of shears without cutting yourself, pour white vinegar over the blade. Then sprinkle with coarse salt and rub with a cork. Rinse with water and wipe dry to prevent rusting.
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Keep Colors Bright
If you think that the colors of your clothing may run in the wash, try this time-honored easy treatment: Prerinse laundry in a solution of distilled white vinegar and cold water, using 2/3 cup vinegar for each gallon of water. Let the garments soak for up to 15 minutes, then wash and dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Clean the Faucet
Cut through the crusty buildup of mineral deposits on your faucet with this trick: Soak a paper towel in full-strength white vinegar, then drape over the buildup. Leave for about an hour, then scrub scum away.
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Wash Your Windows and Mirrors
Reflective surfaces such as these should have a streak-free shine. You can make your own cleaner by mixing one part vinegar and one part water.
See More: 5 Health Benefits of Crafting
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Get a Fresher Cup of Coffee
This is a natural way to clean your coffeemaker: Fill the carafe with equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour into the reservoir and turn the machine on. When several cups have filled the carafe, turn it off and let it sit for an hour. Then turn it back on and rinse it out with a few cycles of fresh water before brewing a cup.
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Sanitize Your Garbage Disposal
It’s no surprise that a trash bin can harbor the worst odors in your home. But a rinse-down doesn’t always do the trick. After rinsing with fresh water, use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Rinse once more and let dry.
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Unclog the Showerhead
If it becomes clogged, fill a plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar and place the bag over the head so it is submerged; secure and seal the bag with a rubber band. Soak overnight and then scrub the face with a toothbrush.
More from Martha Stewart:
10 Steps to Learning How to Knit
How to Make a Dip-Dyed Scarf
10 Ways to Get Creative with Candles
How to Dye Unexpected Items
36 Kid-Friendly Paper Crafts
