Top 10 Unexpected Uses for Vinegar

You know that you can use vinegar for cooking, and it's great to mix with baking soda to make a kicking volcano science project. But did you know that vinegar is also a powerful disinfectant and grease-cutter? There are literally hundreds of ways you can use vinegar in your home. Here are the top 10 superpowers of vinegar.

Superpower #1: Countertops
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray down countertops and wipe clean. (Don't worry about your kitchen smelling like a salad - the smell will disappear when the vinegar dries.)

Superpower #2: Toilets
Spray your vinegar mixture inside the toilet bowl to clean and freshen.

Superpower #3: Germ magnets
To clean your phone, doorknobs, drawer pulls, and anywhere else germs like to congregate, simply wipe down with full-strength white vinegar.

Superpower #4: Hair care
In the shower, pour a little apple cider vinegar onto your hair and scalp. Let sit for a moment, then rinse and shampoo as usual. The vinegar will bring out the natural shine in your hair and make your shampoo more effective. This vinegar treatment will also help clear up dandruff in adults and cradle cap in babies. Be careful not to get vinegar in your eyes or your baby's eyes, though - it will burn.

Superpower #5: Toys
Add some white vinegar to soapy water to safely clean and disinfect kids' toys. Much safer than bleach, and just as effective.

Superpower #6: Tubs and showers
Use a half vinegar/half water solution (you can go a little stronger for tubs and showers) and spray it inside your shower or tub. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. For really tough bathtub grime, remove the spray nozzle and heat the vinegar solution in the microwave until hot (don't boil it, you might ruin your spray bottle). Then spray your tub, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps the vinegar penetrate the dirt.

Superpower #7: Pet stains
If Fido won't stop peeing on the carpet, spray the spot with vinegar and water. It will remove urine odors and leave your carpet smelling fresh. It will also deter Fido from peeing in that spot - you won't be able to smell the vinegar, but your pets will. Animals don't like vinegar.

Superpower #8: Laundry
Use white vinegar as a fabric softener. You can add it at the beginning of the wash to help keep lint from sticking to your clothes, or add it to the final rinse to remove any leftover detergent residue.

Superpower #9: Microwave
In a bowl, mix together equal parts vinegar and water. Put in the microwave and bring to a boil. The steam will help loosen any cooked-on food or grease splatters. Then just wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Superpower #10: Foot odor
Wash your feet with an antibacterial soap every day. After washing, soak them in straight (undiluted) apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes. This will kill any remaining germs to keep your feet smelling cleaner.

Now that I've gotten you started, experiment! Find new ways to use vinegar all around your home to clean, disinfect, and freshen. Get creative!