I’ve been using vinegar to clean and shine windows for years, but here are a bunch of my favourite recent discoveries. Please note: I’m referring to the white distilled cheap stuff unless otherwise specified in the tip…
In your home
Dislodge built-up grime and limescale inside appliances and keep them working better longer. Make a monthly date to run a cup through the dishwasher and washing machine. Descale the kettle by filling with vinegar. Bring it to the boil, allow to cool, then rinse with plain water.
Remove stickiness from scissors (after cutting tape, for example) by rubbing with a cloth dipped in vinegar.
Bring out the shine in patent leather with a quick wipe with a cloth dampened in vinegar.
Clean stained and smelly plastic food containers – wipe them with a dampened cloth to make them good as new.
Soften and prevent clothes yellowing, remove detergent residue, reduce static and prevent mould build-up in your washing machine. Just add ¼ cup to every rinse.
Remove sticky labels – cover with a cloth soaked overnight and the offending label should slide off in the morning.
Shine chrome using a paste of four parts salt to one part vinegar.
Get rid of mould, dust and stale smells from rooms by wiping down walls with a cloth or a sponge mop.
Whiten grout by soaking in vinegar before scrubbing with an old toothbrush.
Clean a stained toilet bowl – pour down a cup and let it sit overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
Kill germs on bathroom and kitchen surfaces with a spray. Wipe down afterwards with a clean cloth.
Remove tea stains from mugs by scrubbing with equal parts bicarb and vinegar.
Clear a blocked sink by sprinkling down a cup of bicarb, followed with a cup of hot vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes and pour over a kettleful of hot water.
Outside the home
Kill unwanted weeds by watering them with vinegar.
Clean and sanitise outdoor furniture, birdbaths, feeders and fountains with a soaked cloth.
Kill slugs by spraying them with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar.
Remove contaminants from fruit and veg by washing in a solution of a tablespoon of vinegar to a litre of water.
Banish rust by soaking items overnight.
For your body
Stop the itch of insect bites with a dab of vinegar.
Tone your skin – mix up a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe over with cotton wool after cleansing.
Sanitise your hairbrush by soaking in a solution of water and vinegar.
Get healthier feet, especially if you’re prone to athlete’s foot, by soaking them regularly in a foot bath of warm water mixed with a cup of apple cider vinegar.
Make your nail varnish last longer – wipe with a dipped cotton wool and allow to dry before applying varnish.
Soothe sunburn and help stop blistering and peeling by spritzing it over burnt bits.
Remove plant and berry stains after working in the garden by rinsing your hands in vit.
Get rid of persistent smells from clothing – spray it on the pungent areas and run through a normal wash cycle.
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