JOY OF VINEGAR

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.