THE
JOY OF VINEGAR
Vinegar has been around for over 10,000
years. The word “vinegar” comes from
the French word “vin aigre” meaning “sour wine”. It is made by fermenting ethanol into acetic
acid. Water is added to acetic acid to make vinegar. In this article, unless specified, we will be
talking mostly about white distilled vinegar.
The vinegar sold today contains between 4 and 5 % acetic acid.
Besides cooking and making salad dressings,
there are so many uses for vinegar.
CLEANING
Put vinegar in a spray bottle and use to
clean counter surfaces, stove tops, microwaves, etc. Vinegar has been found to kill 99.9% of
bacteria and it is much safer and better for our environment than Lysol or
bleach. Those chemical cleaners just stay on our counter tops winding up in our
food and the air we breathe. Scientists
have found bleach chemicals in the air on top of the Himalayan Mountains. The
chemicals found in commercial cleaners just don’t go away.
Pour vinegar in a coffee maker and run it
through its cycle. It will clean the
coffee pot and maker removing lime build up.
Vinegar will remove stains on stainless
steel sinks. It also can be used for
brass, copper, brass.
To clean fresh fruits and vegetables, just
spray with vinegar and rinse. Not only will it remove dirt and bacteria, but
also any chemicals that might have been sprayed on the food.
A mixture of one cup vinegar to a gallon of
water can be used to effectively clean floors—even no wax. Test before using
however. This will also kill germs.
One cup of vinegar added to wash water will
help keep colors in clothes, soften the wash water, and help remove stains. I
have found that natural laundry products like Earth Friendly Eco work better at
cleaning than commercial products like Tide, All, Purex, etc. Natural products are better at cleaning,
healthier for people and better for our planet.
A mixture of half vinegar, half water can
be used to clean windows, microwaves and refrigerators. Again, it not only cleans, but kills germs
and bacteria.
I pour vinegar down my drains, then add
baking soda. This not only keeps drains clean, it is fun to watch. (Mini
volcanoes in your sinks)
Vinegar poured into toilets will remove
hard water stains. This is safer to use, especially if your dog tends to want
to drink out of the toilet bowl.
Vinegar full strength is great for
showers. It will kill and remove mildew
and hard water stains.
One half cup of vinegar poured on the
bottom of your dishwasher before using will not only clean your dishwasher but
your dishes will come out cleaner and shinier.
Vinegar can be used to remove stains from
carpets. I also use it to remove pet odors. Again test before using just to be
safe. I’ve never had a problem, but it’s always wise to err on the side of
caution.
OTHER
USES
I spray vinegar around my windows and doors
to keep ants and bugs out.
A mixture of half water, half vinegar
sprayed on my dogs keeps ticks, fleas and mosquitoes off of them. This will
also help eliminate dog odors.
If
you should happen to get a flea infestation, spraying a mixture of half vinegar
to half water on your carpeting and furniture will get rid of the fleas—safely.
Puree the peels from 5 cucumbers until
smooth. Mix with 1 cup vinegar and ½ cup water.
Put in a spray bottle. This mixture sprayed will keep hornets away.
Spray it wherever they are trying to build a nest.
Vinegar can be used to remove glue and
stickers. Use full strength.
To kill weeds in your garden, just spray
them with vinegar—full strength. No need
to spray toxic Agent Orange products like Round up.
Got poison ivy? Just apply apple cider
vinegar to the rash. It will be gone in
no time.
With so many uses for vinegar, this list
can be unending. Clean out your
cupboards and closets. Get rid of those
dangerous, toxic cleaners and replace them with vinegar. Not only will you be saving money and space,
you will be helping to save our planet. It’s safer for you, your pets, and your
children.
